The 120Y was the third generation Datsun
Sunny and featured an all new styling, now very distinctly
Japanese looking.
Initially there was little different from the previous
models, as underneath the suspension and drive train
were the same - even the 12" wheels were carried over.
The body and interior, however, were all new. Available
as a two or four door sedan, a coupe, a wagon or a panel
van, called Runner there were also three door wagons
available in some markets.
Utilising A series engines initially of 1200cc, this
was later upgraded to 1400cc. American 120Y's also came
with the A13 engine.
Enormously popular in many countries
throughout the world, the 120Y underwent undercarriage
modification in
1975 when the front suspension was changed,
13" rims fitted and the later type A12 engine with a
5 bearing crankshaft were used.
Never a glamorous car in its hey-day, the perennial
120Y can still be seen on the highways of today and,
due to its poor road manners is not particularly collectable.
But, as with all cars that have been out of production
for over 20 years, they are becoming more scarce and
an extremely good condition vehicle could just make
a good buying decision.
Add to this the public's love
of re-cycled kitsch and the 120Y could, just maybe, make a come back.
On a score of one to ten, the 120Y doesn't score much for comfort but when it comes to starting, coming and going and reliability. its ten out of ten. Durability is a ten plus.
Bruce 120Y driver for 23 years, 600,000 ks, over both sealed and gravel roads