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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 B210 or Datsun Sunny. In some countries it was designated Datsun 120Y, Datsun 140Y or Datsun 160Y 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. It has coke-bottle styling instead of the squarish look of the B110.
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Overview
B210 succeeded the B110 Datsun 1200 in 1973 (1974 model year for USA). The base version was much mechanically like the B110 including 12" wheels. But for USA it came with the heavier-duty PB210 running gear and 13" wheels. These models were over 2000 lbs.
B210 "1200" with 12" wheels
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.
1973-1978 B210/Sunny/120Y 1977-1982 B310/Sunny/120Y/210
Models
B210R 2-dr sedan
KB210 Coupe hatchback (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
VB210 Panel Wagon (some countries, not offered in Japan)
Variations
Model Prefix B210 base engine (A12) HB211 High engine (A14) JDM, light-duty suspension (12" wheels) HLB210 High engine (A14) USA, heavy-duty suspension (13" wheels) 1974 (A13) 1975-1978 (A14) PB210 Power engine (L14), heavy-duty suspension (13" wheels) Excellent 1400, 1974-1975 with L14 engine GB211 Power engine (L16), heavy-duty suspension (13" wheels) Excellent 1600, from 1976 February
Prefix & Suffix Codes
ID Plates
In the engine compartment is an ID plate.
Series
B210 could be divided into two series.
EARLY (1973-1975 models) * small suspension & brakes * non-chrome (black or gray) bumpers (USA)
LATE (1976-1978 models) * larger suspension & brakes * blackout tail panel * New Grille with a clearly rectangular center section
Early Sedan Grille:
Early Coupe Grille (also used by USA Sedans):
Late Sedan grille (also used by export coupes)
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 (GL Sedan pictured):
High-line round-gauge dash (JDM Coupes DX/GL/GX and GX Sedan):
GX
GX (Grand Luxe special), available as 4-dr or Coupe (only as Coupe for North America).
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
MALAYSIA * 120Y GX coupe
North America * Many 1976-1978 coupes were GX with single-carb A14S engine * GX was not offered 1973-1975
Japan GX | badges | blackout rear panel | side lamps | hubcaps | blackout grille
badges, blackout rear panel
side lamps, blackout grille
hubcaps
Malaysia 120Y GX
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 which 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)
reference: Service Bulletin Vol. 188 "Introduction of New Datsun B210 Series", Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan, 1973.
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.
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.
Bonnet
HOOD PANEL ASSY 65100-H5000 1973-1975 [power bulge] 65100-H7200 1976-1978 [slightly scalloped around headlights?] 65100-H5800 Excellent [center crease, scalloped around headlights]
early
late
Excellent (early and late)
Bumpers
Grille
Mirrors
Badges
Lights
Interior
B210 DX
Dash
Most B210 models used a "modern" square-gauge dash (GL Sedan pictured):
High-line round-gauge dash (JDM Coupes. GX Sedan also):
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 1974-1978 as the "B-210" (with a hyphen). NOTE: It was not the 210, that is a newer Datsun.
South Africa
B210 was sold 1977-1980 in South Africa with market names 120Y, 140Y and 160Y.
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 was a marketing name indicating this was 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. Thes 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.
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-door sedan.
Colors
Fuel Economy Champions
B210 was consistently at or near the top of the fuel ecomony leaders. It was #1 in USA.
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.
Sales Literature
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Drawings
Custom
120Y-badged sedan with 'Sunny' Coupe grille and PB210 GX sedan rear lights
Design Study
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