Pics from a Japanese Book on Datsun History

[240260280z]

Z1

Mr K

Blue prototype pic that seems like it only shows up in B&W on the net

The Z wagon and more

Test Drives

[Namerow]

The last of your pix was probably taken during the pre-launch winter testing program that Nissan conducted in western Canada. IIRC, the winter test program was based out of the Brasso Datsun dealership in Calgary. That log-faced lodge that the cars are parked next to looks a lot like Deer Lodge - a resort hotel located just down the road from Lake Louise (elev. 5280 ft), in Banff National Park. There was a privately-owned tour bus maintenance garage located nearby, and it wouldn't surprise me at all if the Nissan test team used that as their local operations base while in the Park. The combination of altitude and super-low winter temps would have made for a perfect place to check out the fuel delivery and starter systems (not to mention the heater and defroster!). Wonder if this generated the first occurrence of a snapped-off plastic choke lever?

[240260280z]

Nice info!

Mr. Matsuo mentioned that the rear hatch vents iced shut during the same testing in Canada. That is why they were relocated.