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[Datsun 1200 encyclopedia]

B210

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Categories: General Information | Datsun B210

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 with some models considerably heavier than the original Datsun 1200.

Contents

Overview

11017.jpg 10396.jpg 11378.jpg

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:
18183.jpg

th_B210_caution.jpg

20010.jpg
H72 = 1975 B210 with A14 engine (Applied Model Codes)

78HP A14 (H73)
temp2.jpg

Prefix & Suffix Codes
7513.jpg

Models

  • B210 4-dr sedan
    12877.jpg 6062.jpg 10624.jpg
  • B210R 2-dr sedan
    4715.jpg 8466.jpg 5138.jpg
  • KB210 Coupe (in hatchback form, unlike KB110 fastback which had no hatch)
    6345.jpg 6346.jpg 4073.jpg
  • VB210 2-dr Wagon (van)
    10587.jpg 17005.jpg 12787.jpg
  • VB210 4-dr Wagon (van)
    13352.jpg 4808.jpg 10929.jpg
  • 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
    th_7520.jpg

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:
      1956.jpg 1332.jpg 3851.jpg
  • Coupe Grille (also used by USA Sedans):
    3508.jpg 4229.jpg 7431.jpg 8761.jpg


  • LATE (1976/1977-1978 models)
    • larger suspension & brakes
    • blackout tail panel
    • chrome bumpers (USA)
    • New Grille with a clearly rectangular center section:
      1968.jpg 2044.jpg 3872.jpg 8577.jpg

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)
    725.JPG 1708.jpg 5890.jpg

Common rectangular-gauge dash:
8508.jpg 3953.jpg 10874.jpg

High-line round-gauge dash (JDM GL Coupe and GX Coupe):
11371.jpg

USA

Early 5-speed coupes were DX models. For 1978 both a DX and a GX coupe was sold both badged "B210GX" in USA.

GX was the highest trim level, included more gauges and carpet.

STD Standard rubber mat 2drs 1975.5 up
* includes Honeybee
DX Deluxe most USA B210s
GL Grand Luxe - not sold in USA
GX some coupes from Dec 1976

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

2929.jpg 6953.jpg

Front Lights

Worldwide B210 had front combination lights just below the B210 Bumpers, with cutouts in the bumper for clearance.
1956.jpg 12877.jpg 6345.jpg 7431.jpg

North America B210 had front combination lights in the grille.
th_B210earlygrilleUSA.jpg th_B2101977grillebumperUSA.jpg

Japan: All red with two bulbs
* type 1073 bulb 26717-89900 (23W) for turn signal 
* 26715-89920 (8/3.2W)
Australia: Amber and clear
Europe: Amber and clear
North America: All amber with single bulb
* Single type 1034 bulb (26717-89920, 12V-23/8W)

Fog Lamps

Worldwide also offered Fog Lamps options (not available in North America where the combo lamps were in the grille)
14242.jpg 20639.jpg

= Side Lights

B210 Side Marker Lamp uses the 240Z pointed-rectangular lenses & trim. Same as late 510 in USA.

Australia
th_B210_side-marker-lamp_AUS.jpg

Tail Lights

B210 SEDAN
3282.jpg 4252.jpg 5140.jpg
26551-H6200 USA (perhaps a different reflective standard?)
26551-H5000 JDM (looks the same as USA)

Sedan with rear-mounted number plate
th_IMAG0056.jpg

B210 L-16 powered SEDAN
3885.jpg 8167.jpg

B210 COUPE
6346.jpg 11709.jpg

B210 L-engine-powered COUPE
4950.jpg 11374.jpg 11463.jpg

VB210 Van (Wagon)
17005.jpg

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.

th_IMAG0058.jpg

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
22381.jpg

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).

North America

North American (Canada/USA) B210s have 610 based front suspension and steering, including wheels and tires. It also has 610 engine crossmember modified for A-series mounts and a 610 style mid-sump oil pan on its A13/A14 engine. These changes are similar to the PB210.

By contrast the 120Y (A12-powered B210) does not have any 610 parts.

L-series Powered

PB210 (L14 engine) and GB210 (L16 engine) were marketed in Japan as "Sunny Excellent" and South Africa as 140Z/160Z.

See main article: PB210

B210 SSS

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

2084.jpg 5548.jpg

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

th_B210197848highway.jpg th_B210197641mpg.jpg

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.

Media

Brochures

See:
Ratdat.com B210 Brochures
ddgonzal's photobuckets
* ads
* PB210
* USA Brochures

Magazines

Road & Track May 1975 "Nine Smallest Economy Cars comparison"
th_B210RoadandTrackMay1975-NineSmalles.jpg

Photo Galleries

ddgonzal's photobucket: B210

Drawings

7111.jpg 8013.jpg 8014.jpg 8015.jpg