In 1970 Datsun launched a technological breakthrough in the form of the Datsun 100A. Using the well proven 988cc engine, and a separate casing for its gearbox and final drive unit so the oil isn't shared, and all independent suspension the little car was notable when new for its innovational qualities At the time very few cars used the familiar front wheel drive transverse engine layout, as originally used in the BMC Mini some 11 years earlier. For its first venture into front wheel drive, Datsun where rewarded with phenomenal sales in Europe of this series of little cars.

2 Door Datsun 100A

Datsun 100A Estate

It was released in a series of body styles, 2 and 4 door saloons and in February 73' the 120A coupe was introduced which had the bigger 1171cc engine and in turn increased both top speed and mpg. The 120A is recognisable due to its hatchback and circular rear lamps. However it was never the Cherrys strongest sellers. Some six months after the coupe was introduced the practical 2 door estate with rear dead axle was introduced. In some markets the cherry was also sold with 1397cc units.

The cherries original cheeky upswept body was completely replaced by a identically mechanical car known as the F11. This particular reworking of the cherry was actually introduced in Japan in 1974. However the original E10 model continued to be sold in Europe until November 1976. Again sold in the familiar saloon, coupé and estate models. However the Cherry now needed a hatchback body to compete with the highly competitive Ford Fiesta market. This was partly addressed in 1978 with a larger re bodied version took over. All three models maintained Datsuns 'baby' car success across the world.

Datsun FII coupé