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Revision as of 23:02, 5 March 2013

Datsun model series B210 was the third-generation Sunny. They were sold during Model years 1974-1978 and marketed in various countries as the Datsun B-210 or Datsun Sunny. In some countries it was designated Datsun 120Y or Datsun 140Y, depending on the engine fitted. The B210 was designed to be more luxurious than the spartan B110, so it has a 40mm longer Wheelbase, and is considerably heavier than the original Datsun 1200.

Overview

It is common to confuse the "Datsun B-210" (B210) with the "Datsun 210" (B310), but they are different generations altogether, sold during different years. For more details and how the Sunny family developed, see History of Datsun 1200.

Variations

Model Prefix
* B210 - base engine (A12)
* HB210 - High grade engine (A14)
* PB210 - Excellent 1400, separate model line for 1974-1975 with L-series engine
* GB210 - Excellent 1600 (L16) from 1976 February

Chassis Identification under-hood plate:

H72 = 1975 B210 with A14 engine (Applied Model Codes)

78HP A14 (H73)

Prefix & Suffix Codes

Models

B210 4-dr sedan
B210R 2-dr sedan
KB210 Coupe (in hatchback form, unlike KB110 fastback which had no hatch)
VB210 2-dr Wagon (van)

VB210 4-dr Wagon (van)

Truck: the 120Y Truck is actually a 1200 Truck, not a B210-based model
See B120
VB210 Panel Wagon (some countries) -- not a JDM factory offering

Series

B210 could be divided into two series:

EARLY (1974-1975/1976 models)
- small suspension & brakes
- non-chrome (black or gray) bumpers (USA)
- Sedan Grille:
Coupe Grille (also used by USA Sedans):

LATE (1976/1977-1978 models)
- larger suspension & brakes
- blackout tail panel
- chrome bumpers (USA)
- New Grille with a clearly rectangular center section:

Trim

Standard - least expensive model
Semi-Deluxe - for Vans
Deluxe - upgraded model
Super-Deluxe - for Vans
GL (Grand Luxe) - luxury model
GX (Grand Luxe special), available as 4-dr or Coupe
- JDM: Highest trim level
  - Some GX models had the A12T or A14T twin-carb engine
  - Other GX models had the A12S or A14S single-carb engine
- USA: GX models had a standard A14S (single-carb engine)

Common rectangular-gauge dash:

High-line round-gauge dash (JDM GL Coupe and GX Coupe):

Design

The B210 was the third-generation Sunny, replacing the B110. The theme for the B210 re-design included:

improvement "to be more likeable and satisfactory to a greater number of people".
Exterior design: style of "Streamline and a Cut" with "Young and Dynamic" image -- instead of the "rational" styling of the B110. "Sharp and Soft" atmosphere, "Long-nosed proportion" (long wheelbase?), and "Streamed and Dynamic" style.
Interior design: "Oval Scoop Cockpit"
- Increased driver roominess. Front compartment larger, rear compartment smaller
Quieter operation (reduced NVH)

The side panel is finished by plum faces and sharp folds all over, and the stream of the fold and roof drip like an ebbing wave keeps sharpness in the free and easy touch.

reference: Service Bulletin Vol. 188 "Introduction of New Datsun B210 Series", Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan, 1973.

Others have simply called it "coke-bottle" styling -- dynamic with a pinched waist.

One oddity about the B210 is that the bonnet latch release was moved from inside the car to outside. In this feature it was inferior to the B110. By 1976 it was moved back inside.

Bumpers

See B210 Bumpers

Grille

See B210 Grille

Badges

See main article: B210 Badges

Tail Lights

B210 SEDAN

26551-H6200 USA (perhaps a different reflective standard?)
26551-H5000 JDM (looks the same as USA)

Sedan with rear-mounted number plate

B210 L-16 powered SEDAN

B210 COUPE

B210 L16-powered COUPE

Interior

Dash

Most B210 models used a "modern" square-gauge dash. The B210 DX steering wheel was re-used in the 1978-up Datsun 1200 Pickup.

B210 featured illuminated Knobs as first seen on the PB110 Sunny Excellent. They are slightly different than the green knobs seen on the 1973 Datsun 1200s.

Markets

Australia

Some B210 sedans were Australian-assembled

JDM

In the Japan market, B210 was marketed as Sunny.

B210 - the original design
* from 1973 to late 1975

B211 - the redesign (minor facelift)
* Sedan, Coupe from December 1975
* Van continues as B210, but upgraded in October 1975

North America

In North America, the B210 was marketed as the "B-210" (with a hyphen). NOTE: It was not the 210, that is a newer Datsun.

See main article: B210 Year Changes

Also See:
* Emission Controls
* A-series Engine Changes

South Africa

B210 was sold 1977-1980 in South Africa.

See main article: South Africa

South America

Bolivia 120Y

Powertrain

Engine

Most B210s outside of North American were fitted with the redesigned A12 engine, hence the 120 in "120Y". North American models were fitted *only* with the high-line engines, namely the A13 for 1974, and the A14 for 1975-1978.

USA GX models use the single-carb engine (A14S). Some JDM GX models used the A12S or A14S single carb engine, and some used twin-carb engines (A12T or A14T).

Transmission

A12 and A13 models were fitted with the 56-Series Transmission, a four speed. A14 models, having extra torque, required a heavier-duty transmission so the the 60-Series Transmission 4-speed was fitted.

A12T Five-speed models (GFK, 1973-1974) used the 56-series 5-speed.

A14 Five-speed models (GFK, 1976-1978) used the large 63-Series Transmission.

Differential

1974-1975 models with A12 and A13 models used the Hitachi H145 differential.

A14 models used the H150 differential, which was rated to cope with the extra torque.

1976-1978 models all used the H150, including A12 models.

Brakes and Suspension

All North American B210s used the large disk brakes from the PB210 series, along with heavy-duty steering linkage from the Datsun 610.

Early A12 models used front drum brakes and lightweight steering linkage. 76-78 A12 models used a lightweight disc brake with heavy duty steering linkage.

Spring rates are nearly identical to Datsun 1200, even though the B210 was 20-25% heavier. This resulted in a noticeably smoother ride.

Special Versions

120Y

The 120Y was not another name for B210, but indicated only the A12-powered version of the B210. In many countries it was the only B210 offered. In some countries the 120Y was offered alongside the 140Y (A14-powered) and 160Y (L16-powered).

B210 SSS

Datsun-Nissan New Zealand sold a special model, the SSS.

Honey Bee

The Datsun B-210 Honey Bee was a special low-cost model offered in the United States. It was the low-spec Standard model with no carpeting, but could be had with a special stripe and Bee decal. Its goal was to sell to a young, first time buyer who could not afford a regular B210. Honey Bee was only offered as a 2-dr sedan.

See main article: B210 Honey Bee

Colors

See B210 Colors

Fuel Economy Champions

B210 was consistently at or near the top of the fuel ecomony leaders.

 See main article: B210 Fuel Economy

Donor Parts

Many 510 and 610 steering, suspension and brake parts fit B210

* For a list of parts that fit the B210, see B210 Parts
* For a list of B110 parts that be taken from B210, see B210 Parts Donor.

Brochures

See Ratdat.com B210 Brochures

Drawings

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B210