Datsun 100A Cherry: The Cherry's looks and reliability boosted the image of Japanese cars

摘要

This is the Datsun that did much to make Japanese cars popular in Britain. You wouldn't know it now, though; they're about as plentiful as empty minicabs after turfing-out time on a Saturday night. The 100A was front-wheel drive, stylishly proportioned and only lightly over-decorated compared with chrome-heavy compatriots such as the Crown, Laurel and Bluebird. Its best features, apart from wheels positioned in the right place relative to the body - not always a given with Japanese models of the day - were curvy C-pillars that wouldn't look out of place on a modern car, and a wide, recessed grille that looked a little bit sporty. Slightly oversized rear lamp clusters and fabulously kitsch faux mag alloy wheel covers completed a look that seemed to give you more car for your money back then. And it did, compared with miserably equipped, rubber floor-matted, single sun-visored basic British fare of the day, which included Minis, Imps, Escorts and Vivas.