These were everywhere in the 80s and early 90s. Amazing so few left. Back in the days when cars did what they needed and no more or no less. Unlike todays cars over full of unnecessary technology. I miss those years. Great vid
Best car ever! I had a 1.8GS auto, then I got a BB Turbo Exec; then I moved to NZ. The 1.8GS was stolen, and identified after being crushed after being banger raced. The Turbo Exec is rusty but in dry storage. However in New Zealand, I have a BB turbo non-exec with 1 previous owner, dry stored. This video - I need to get it back on the road! It wasn’t sold here, the original owner imported it brand new from UK dealer to ship, then arrived in NZ. Zero rust :) ZXOC - I wish ZXOC was still here! - landspeed
Had a bluebird in the 90s. Oh the luxury after driving mk3 Cortinas and Capris. Power steering, electric windows, electric sunroof. What a comfortable car.
I had a Bluebird as a taxi years ago and it was such a reliable and comfortable car to be in for 10 hours a day or more, sadly like Mk2/3 Cavaliers, Montegos, Mk1 Mondeos they either ended their useful lives on the banger tracks or through the scrappage scheme a few years ago.
This is why sadly not many 80s saloons are left - many of them got used as taxis so got run into the ground and were eventually seen as disposable bangers. Such a shame as they are history - its what the average person's dad drove back then and many people have experienced them.
Great review Steph. The Japanese were really leading the way with build quality back then - it's amazing to see such close fitting panels in a mid 80s family hatchback. When you compare it to the Sierras and Cavaliers that were on the road at the time, the difference is incredible.
I also remember racing my friend in my bluebird turbo, my friend had a brand new ford capri 2.8i special.. and i destroyed him on take off and top end.. the Nissan Bluebird Executive turbo was out of this world.. very under rated car! wish i kept it... once again thumbs UP for this video :-)
The Bluebird ZX Turbo was my 1st love for speed? 1986 model. a couple of years later, I then bought a 1989 Bluebird Executive 1.8turbo with full leather.. probably 1 of the best cars Ive ever owned!! Luv this video.. its FAB!! also would like to say, you look FAB in those retro Glasses.. they make you look so cool hun :-) x
So cool, I used to notice these back in the day as a kid. I've always liked them. Great informative and thorough reveiw. Your enthusiasm and genuine love for the cars in your videos is a joy to watch.
The best ones were the import ones. They were built to a higher standard. Most of the diesel taxi ones in the Highlands did between 2 and 3 hundred thousand miles. The petrol ones did between 1 and 2 hundred thousand. They set a standard above the rest at the time. I do know a owner of a ZX TURBO. He is the second owner. It lives in a luxury garage. It does get used. He will never sell it. He has been offered obscene amounts of money for it. Love your enthusiasm x
Just bought a 1.8l 1985' Bluebird yesterday without any knowledge of this model and was so happy to find a review video, thank you ! This will be my first car !
Oh you should join the owners club. My lovely friend Cat is in Manchester with one. You should meet her, she’s a newbie bluebird owner too (well, a year in)
@@idriveaclassic Awesome ! But I am french ahaha, and based in the south-center of the country. Can't wait to drive it, needs to pass MOT. Keep doing your reviews, love it !
Lovely car, favourite colour, outstanding presenter - do carry on the excellent reviews! Someone we know in Daws Heath here in Thundersley has just sold a white D Reg Bluebird, still in good condition.
I own a very early British build hatchback, March 1987 the same month as production started, its all Blue like the car you tested and drives just as good but only the 1600cc engine, better drive than my 7 year old Vauxhall Insignia and more reliable.
6:33 - 6:45 That is exactly what I thought of when I saw that dash. It actually reminds me a lot of the opening theme sequence for the '80s cartoon M.A.S.K. with the grid lines. '80s "futuristic like". I love all the blue inside this car (and there sure is a lot of it). I find it very relaxing. Thank you for this review.
Thank you for doing this video. My dear dad taught me to drive in his 88 E reg Bluebird saloon 2.0L GSX, way back in 1994. Awesome car. Had 4 x elec windows and elec sunroof, with Blupunkt stereo casette and Perelli 14 " alloy wheels.
Haven't finished watching it yet as I'm trying to focus on stuff that needs doing at home today, but great review so far. Thanks for choosing Bluebird.
My grandad had one in blue for 15 years. Utterly simple and utterly reliable. His had electric windows in the back so was considered posh spec ha ha. Another great vid 😊
Another super review Steph, thank you. That's a splendid example of a Bluebird. I've never owned a Japanese car and I'm starting to feel that I've really missed out! Thanks again.
My Schoolmate's dad many years ago owned a Bluebird. It seemed years ahead of its time. I remember being mesmerised by how fast and smooth it drove. It's great that your so passionate about retro cars. 🐵
Great video! Retro Nissan cars are amazing to drive and extremely reliable! I personally own a 1995 Nissan sunny (N14) and I love it! If you could find one and make a video about it, I would love to hear your comments about this car!!
The Nissan Bluebird (Mine was very brown inside) was my first car and I have tried ever since to replicate the experience of driving one of these! It was the best car I have ever driven. I would love to have a go in one again!!!!
As a fan of older Japanese (and Korean) cars myself, I'm with you! I currently have a Suzuki Liana 1.6 Hatchback, but would LOVE to own a Daihatsu Grand Move + if I could only find one. My dad had a Honda Civic 1.6 which was amazing, as was the Honda Civic Shuttle 1.5 (now very rare), and along with the Nissan Bluebird, are/were excellent. I've owned some Toyota's as well (Carina, Corolla and Carina) and they are so good. Simple mechanically, built to keep going with no major problems. Thanks for the review, great to see...
Another great vid on another nice motor, many thanks Steph. I had a 1993 Bluebird (a couple of models after this one) which I absolutely loved. Couldn’t bear to sell it so ended up giving the car to Mum who loved it as much as I did 😀
Wonderful review Steph. Thanks again. Lovely car and really pleased to hear that you are looking at reviewing some more Japanese cars in the future. I'm now finding that after a bad day, I look forward to your interesting and informative reviews as I find that they completely lift my spirits.
These were amazing cars increadibly reliable, Smooth engine, gearbox and light clutch. A pleasure to own and drive. You summed it up very well in this video, keep up the good work.❤️
When I was growing up my mom had a 90s Nissan Altima (bluebird in some markets) with the same door chime. I think it's one of the cutest chimes ever put in a car and it's such a nostalgia trip. Fun tidbit about my mom's car is that it was a car from 1993 with a factory holographic heads up display!
I had a 1984 one of these back in the late 80s had it 7 years and it was brilliant never let me down once only sold it because the body was starting to rot shame really
Amazing. And thank you for this video. My one is Nissan Bluebird EU 11: 1984 (Diesel : Engine LD 20 II). It's a brilliant car, perfect on the road. (It's waiting to be repainted in garage - can't wait!)
Hi,60 year old lady driver here,i had an LX 2ltr four door saloon.It was mirror black and the interior was lush.It was a dream to drive and people would stop and take photos of it.Cylinder head blew big time and the engine seized. It was holed up in a local garage for ages then disappeared😥
I had one bought it in 1989 it was a 1986 LX had it wax oiled underneath and every inside door panels. Had it 17yrs never had any problems just normal things, tyres batteries exhausts. Sold it still rust free. Best car I've ever had.
Had two of these 1st one was identical to this one same colour and year the 2nd one was a fuel injected one in white both brilliant cars never had a problem with either of them 👍👍
I was lucky enough to have an 89 T12 Bluebird 2.0 GLXi. It was so comfy and totally bullet proof, with electric everything and great features like variable intermittent wipers and bulb out warning lights. It was the peak of Japanese build quality as the later Primera was no where near as well engineered. Glad you loved the Bluebird too Steph, their quality really shines through!
They look completely different to the Bluebirds we had here in Australia, we had the basic normal sedan with a boot and the station wagon (estate car). I had a 1983 series 2 Bluebird station wagon, purchased secondhand and ended up owning it for 16 years. and amazing and wonderfully reliable car that never let me down.
When I was in the forces Stationed in West Germany I was getting brochures of the Datsun Bluebird & the Ford Cortina's.I was lent towards the Datsun Bluebird with the styling but the interiour carpet was too fake as it looked like fibreglass.Then I fell in Love with the Audi's which had a very good reputation for build quality & design.I went to a Audi Dealer and my eyes fell on the Audi 200 turbo but the price was out of my of my pocket BUT the Dealership spoke broken english and explained their was a non turbo version,I asked what price it was without any duty,went away to workout my army pay & insurance costs.Well it was a bit of a fight with the Army but I gave all the workings out details for 2 years payment on HP to the NAAFI.Got the car and by god it was fantatic.What amazed me the most was the rubbised Underseal & how quiet the car was at any speed.I had the car for about 12 yrs and the only thing went wrong was 1 sparkplug lead.
I had a red one, truly one of the best cars I ever owned. I agree with every comment this young women makes about this car she has nailed it. The reason there are so few left is most used Bluebird’s where bought up as mini cabs and run into the ground, there reliability was awesome. I once got in mini cab Bluebird that had 260,000 miles on the clock and was still purring along. Thanks for making this video a lovely trip down memory lane👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
I owned the same model, a 2.0SLX (D573WPA) from 1993 to 2003. White paint with the same blue interior. Ran it for 90K miles before it was written off in an accident. Never broke down once. They were surprisingly well equipped and comfortable for a car in its price range. Although the Bluebird had a reputation for being a little uninspiring at a time when the hot hatch was all the rage, I was very sorry part with mine.
My dad had the previous generation bluebird, the last true Datsun/Nissan bluebird an 1985 B reg they made it only in 84 to 86, his reg was B327XWR. It ran till it’s 2nd engine failed, being the 1.8 petrol DX model it seemed too heavy for such a small engine.
Got an earlier model saloon version with all the original import and log books .Slight pin pick rust marks but presentable .MOT`d but sworn .I think I`ll tax and insure it . Feel like taking it to a show ,never been to one but I`ve noticed one near me at a place called Houghton Towers nr Preston in September .
They were incredibly reliable. I have a 1999 Nissan Primera which I use for my wife and children and to pull our caravan. I have had it 11 years. Renault bought Nissan in 1999 and then the company went downhill. The side mirrors look the same as my 1992 Nissan Micra (which I had to replace with the Primera due to our son being conceived). As a driving instructor I get to drive different new cars, I prefer the quality of the 20 year old Primera to new cars I have driven.
Oh Daer! The bullshit spouted by some people. Nissan was going downhill and was going broke and the Renault came along and bought them and saved them. Both companies still design and engineer their own cars etc and Renault is successfukl and making huge profits and are teh most reliable of the European brands and have been for a long time now while Nissan is still struggling and their cars etc are getting slated for their lack of reliabilty in the US and many other markets. Nissans problems are their own problems. We have been using Renault Kangoo and Clio vans for a very long time and they are excellent reliable vehicles so much so that I bought a 2008 Kangoo 1.5 DCi Expression car version the last of the original Kangoos which has also been totally reliable and just sails through its MOT every year only needing the odd number plate bulb - nothing wrong with Renault.
My dad had the Datsun Bluebird 1.8 GL on an X reg (1981) which would have been the predecessor to the one you are driving. That car was the best car by miles that our family had. It even ran on 3 cylinders on the way to swanage for our holiday and carried on running like that for the whole 2 weeks and got us back home again.
As a lover of RWD Volvos, I don't have a very high opinion of banger boys tbh. Most of the stock of 240s ended up stripped and crashed into others during their aub-£500 days. Somehow 4,000+ of them have managed to survive (approximately 50/50 split between tax and SORN) but we're it not for banger racing, there would be thousands more as they really do go on for ever.
Had a white D reg saloon for me 1st car Indicator stalk on the right Loved it . Drive out in a convoy of novas , fiesta, then me in the tank And it has the BLUE interior She went all over the uk
I remember the old days. These cars was the easiest cars to nick alongside the sunny and some primeras . All you needed was an old Datsun key ground down. Even the bluebird turbo zx or sunny coupe.
I remember these being used as private hires in the 90s. One firm I used (in Manchester in 1998), had an 86 bluebird happily trucking around with nearly 300000 miles.
Subbed fantastic cars fantastic commentry fantastic outfits keep the videos coming and maybe add your outfits when you review the classics still going strong on our roads x
first type of car i drove after getting my driver's licence in Finland was the 2.0 L LXi 16v (model year 88/89, made in Japan, the same colour, same steering wheel but different dash style), not the hatchback but the more common sedan, they run steady like trains!
Datsun ghanged to Nissan in 1982 in the US. I bought a 1982 Maxima which is what the Bluebird was called here. Interestingly thr Maxima lives on after seneral model ghanges. My car was rear drive with a 2,4 liter straight 6 & sedan (saloon) with metal sunroof. The 1982 models still had rust oroblems and the bottom of the driver's door was pretty rottrd. This was also the era when cars talked and said things like "The door is ajar" which I found hilarious. I passed it on to my cousin's son and he drove it to high school.
There must be good reasons why taxi drivers liked the Bluebird. I rode in many as a passenger and remember they were quite nice. Actually, a lot of 1980s Japanese designs were great. I used to own such a car, a Mazda MX6 (626) coupé, albeit a 1991 model. That car was amazing and I think I'd gladly have another one if I could find one.
More style in that Car than all the modern bland Euro boxes on the roads to day. Remove the badges on them and you will find they are all very similar to one another.
Yeah nice car Steph. I have a Nissan bluebird slx auto 2.0 1986 1 lady owner, like new condition with 3800 genuine miles on the clock with original bill of sale and all books and paper work. It’s a shame because it never gets used!!
I own a 1990 Nissan Bluebird Station Wagon and I can say they are little tanks very reliable machines , my one have over 300,000km on the clock and still drives as new. However of all my cars the most reliable of them is the Peugeot 504 which due to his successful design drive and handle better that any car of today.
Era of the Lancia Delta. It has a Nissan Skyline R31 & R32 CA engine. It failed to replace the Datsun 510 in 86 for the previous generation. Long bonnet means good for engine swap, to straight 6 or twin turbos, Horse Power etc.. A true classic.
Amazing cars when you think it was in reality the Japanese Marina! Many were taxi cabs (note twin trip mileage!) and yes Japanese import as the indicators are on the correct side,! The Sunderland built BB’s had it on the left. Couldn’t agree more that you and HubNut should do a video together.
lovely car, but theres very few left due to rusting away (just like many 34 year old cars) and if you like that 2.0 slx, you would love the 1.8 zx turbo!
Another mint Nissan, the owner is lucky to have found a Japanese built one because any Japanese built car is generally better screwed together, love the pantograph rear wiper too 😎👍🏼
Remember the dealer Masons garage of High Hesket Carlisle Nissan dealer now long gone Steph one of my local towns is Carlisle great this car is still in the area
These were everywhere in the 80s and early 90s. Amazing so few left. Back in the days when cars did what they needed and no more or no less. Unlike todays cars over full of unnecessary technology. I miss those years. Great vid
Thanks Martin! I remember them too!
You're right Martin, I would say from memory, I saw more of these on the road in the 80s and 90s than Montegos.
Yes, I remember them also. They were popular as minicabs. They had loads of space and, being a Nissan, as reliable as reliable can be.
One of the most reliable cars ever made. I still own a 1.6 LX and a 1.8 executive turbo
Best car ever! I had a 1.8GS auto, then I got a BB Turbo Exec; then I moved to NZ. The 1.8GS was stolen, and identified after being crushed after being banger raced. The Turbo Exec is rusty but in dry storage. However in New Zealand, I have a BB turbo non-exec with 1 previous owner, dry stored. This video - I need to get it back on the road! It wasn’t sold here, the original owner imported it brand new from UK dealer to ship, then arrived in NZ. Zero rust :) ZXOC - I wish ZXOC was still here! - landspeed
Had a bluebird in the 90s. Oh the luxury after driving mk3 Cortinas and Capris. Power steering, electric windows, electric sunroof. What a comfortable car.
Yeah IT was nice but cant Computer with galant, accord and 626 nach then.
I had a Bluebird as a taxi years ago and it was such a reliable and comfortable car to be in for 10 hours a day or more, sadly like Mk2/3 Cavaliers, Montegos, Mk1 Mondeos they either ended their useful lives on the banger tracks or through the scrappage scheme a few years ago.
Such a massive shame.
This is why sadly not many 80s saloons are left - many of them got used as taxis so got run into the ground and were eventually seen as disposable bangers. Such a shame as they are history - its what the average person's dad drove back then and many people have experienced them.
She was a Japanese built car for the UK market as it was built before the Sunderland factory was here. So so special.
Nissan started producing cars in Sunderland in 86 with parts from Japan, complete kits! I started work there in87 and they were still doing it!
Great review Steph. The Japanese were really leading the way with build quality back then - it's amazing to see such close fitting panels in a mid 80s family hatchback. When you compare it to the Sierras and Cavaliers that were on the road at the time, the difference is incredible.
I also remember racing my friend in my bluebird turbo, my friend had a brand new
ford capri 2.8i special.. and i destroyed him on take off and top end..
the Nissan Bluebird Executive turbo was out of this world.. very under rated car!
wish i kept it... once again thumbs UP for this video :-)
The Bluebird ZX Turbo was my 1st love for speed? 1986 model.
a couple of years later, I then bought a 1989 Bluebird Executive 1.8turbo
with full leather.. probably 1 of the best cars Ive ever owned!!
Luv this video.. its FAB!! also would like to say, you look FAB in those
retro Glasses.. they make you look so cool hun :-) x
I had both the saloon & hatchback versions of the 1.6 LX Bluebird, utterly reliable, comfortable & easy to work on.
I love cars from that period!
So cool, I used to notice these back in the day as a kid. I've always liked them. Great informative and thorough reveiw. Your enthusiasm and genuine love for the cars in your videos is a joy to watch.
Honestly thanks so much for such a lovely comment.
The best ones were the import ones. They were built to a higher standard. Most of the diesel taxi ones in the Highlands did between 2 and 3 hundred thousand miles. The petrol ones did between 1 and 2 hundred thousand. They set a standard above the rest at the time. I do know a owner of a ZX TURBO. He is the second owner. It lives in a luxury garage. It does get used. He will never sell it. He has been offered obscene amounts of money for it. Love your enthusiasm x
Thanks so much Alan!!!! I really want one now. I’m hooked! X
Just bought a 1.8l 1985' Bluebird yesterday without any knowledge of this model and was so happy to find a review video, thank you ! This will be my first car !
Oh you should join the owners club. My lovely friend Cat is in Manchester with one. You should meet her, she’s a newbie bluebird owner too (well, a year in)
@@idriveaclassic Awesome ! But I am french ahaha, and based in the south-center of the country. Can't wait to drive it, needs to pass MOT. Keep doing your reviews, love it !
I’m blue babadi babada😁. Great review of an Japanese classic. I’m sure that Ian (HubNut ) would love to test the rear wiper action👍
Wow! This was one of my papa's favorite cars!!!!! Living in Boston MA in the 80s as a child, this car equals nostalgia!!!!!
Lovely car, favourite colour, outstanding presenter - do carry on the excellent reviews! Someone we know in Daws Heath here in Thundersley has just sold a white D Reg Bluebird, still in good condition.
Thanks again! Very nice of you to say
I own a very early British build hatchback, March 1987 the same month as production started, its all Blue like the car you tested and drives just as good but only the 1600cc engine, better drive than my 7 year old Vauxhall Insignia and more reliable.
Oh god I’m jealous x
@@idriveaclassic my mate in work has a 1988 peugeot 309, 1.3GL one previous owner, and 64k on the clock if ur interested, it's in plymouth.
6:33 - 6:45 That is exactly what I thought of when I saw that dash. It actually reminds me a lot of the opening theme sequence for the '80s cartoon M.A.S.K. with the grid lines. '80s "futuristic like".
I love all the blue inside this car (and there sure is a lot of it). I find it very relaxing.
Thank you for this review.
I’m so glad somebody else though that
Thank you for doing this video. My dear dad taught me to drive in his 88 E reg Bluebird saloon 2.0L GSX, way back in 1994. Awesome car. Had 4 x elec windows and elec sunroof, with Blupunkt stereo casette and Perelli 14 " alloy wheels.
Haven't finished watching it yet as I'm trying to focus on stuff that needs doing at home today, but great review so far. Thanks for choosing Bluebird.
Thanks Simon 🥰🥰🥰
My grandad had one in blue for 15 years. Utterly simple and utterly reliable. His had electric windows in the back so was considered posh spec ha ha. Another great vid 😊
Another super review Steph, thank you. That's a splendid example of a Bluebird. I've never owned a Japanese car and I'm starting to feel that I've really missed out! Thanks again.
Thanks Mike! She’s beautiful isn’t she
My Schoolmate's dad many years ago owned a Bluebird. It seemed years ahead of its time.
I remember being mesmerised by how fast and smooth it drove.
It's great that your so passionate about retro cars. 🐵
Thanks Charlie 🥰🥰🥰
Great video! Retro Nissan cars are amazing to drive and extremely reliable! I personally own a 1995 Nissan sunny (N14) and I love it! If you could find one and make a video about it, I would love to hear your comments about this car!!
The Nissan Bluebird (Mine was very brown inside) was my first car and I have tried ever since to replicate the experience of driving one of these! It was the best car I have ever driven. I would love to have a go in one again!!!!
aww that’s lovely!
As a fan of older Japanese (and Korean) cars myself, I'm with you! I currently have a Suzuki Liana 1.6 Hatchback, but would LOVE to own a Daihatsu Grand Move + if I could only find one. My dad had a Honda Civic 1.6 which was amazing, as was the Honda Civic Shuttle 1.5 (now very rare), and along with the Nissan Bluebird, are/were excellent. I've owned some Toyota's as well (Carina, Corolla and Carina) and they are so good. Simple mechanically, built to keep going with no major problems. Thanks for the review, great to see...
Thanks Tim!!!!
Mate your liana is a shitter
@@endofd-d7c Kindly keep your opinions to yourself. If you don't like Lianas, no-one is forcing you to own one.
@@timelwell7002 out of all the beasts u have owned u settled with a liana wow
Great cars. I remember my dad having one....fond memories. Great video as always.
Thanks Dan 🥰🥰🥰
Another great video. You really are good at this, starting to look for your videos on Wednesdays and Sundays. Thank you.
Oh Andrea ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️. You’re so incredibly kind xxx
Another great vid on another nice motor, many thanks Steph. I had a 1993 Bluebird (a couple of models after this one) which I absolutely loved. Couldn’t bear to sell it so ended up giving the car to Mum who loved it as much as I did 😀
My uncle had one back in the 80s, It was so comfortable and as a kid I would fall asleep on long journeys
I learnt to drive in one of these in 1988, for a large car it was so easy to drive. Great video!
Wonderful review Steph. Thanks again. Lovely car and really pleased to hear that you are looking at reviewing some more Japanese cars in the future. I'm now finding that after a bad day, I look forward to your interesting and informative reviews as I find that they completely lift my spirits.
Aww thanks so much Jim!
These were amazing cars increadibly reliable, Smooth engine, gearbox and light clutch.
A pleasure to own and drive.
You summed it up very well in this video, keep up the good work.❤️
Great video. My dad had one in dark blue in 1994-5 and I was feeling nostalgic
I really enjoy watching your reviews of the cars of my childhood. Your commentaries are excellent. Keep it up Steph your doing a great job.
Thanks Tom 🥰🥰🥰
When I was growing up my mom had a 90s Nissan Altima (bluebird in some markets) with the same door chime. I think it's one of the cutest chimes ever put in a car and it's such a nostalgia trip. Fun tidbit about my mom's car is that it was a car from 1993 with a factory holographic heads up display!
I love the chime 😂😂😂
I had a 1984 one of these back in the late 80s had it 7 years and it was brilliant never let me down once only sold it because the body was starting to rot shame really
puuf hahaha
Amazing. And thank you for this video. My one is Nissan Bluebird EU 11: 1984 (Diesel : Engine LD 20 II). It's a brilliant car, perfect on the road. (It's waiting to be repainted in garage - can't wait!)
Hi,60 year old lady driver here,i had an LX 2ltr four door saloon.It was mirror black and the interior was lush.It was a dream to drive and people would stop and take photos of it.Cylinder head blew big time and the engine seized. It was holed up in a local garage for ages then disappeared😥
The original owner had to get an automatic after he had a stroke... it sat outside for 14 years!
I had one bought it in 1989 it was a 1986 LX had it wax oiled underneath and every inside door panels. Had it 17yrs never had any problems just normal things, tyres batteries exhausts. Sold it still rust free. Best car I've ever had.
Had two of these 1st one was identical to this one same colour and year the 2nd one was a fuel injected one in white both brilliant cars never had a problem with either of them 👍👍
I was lucky enough to have an 89 T12 Bluebird 2.0 GLXi. It was so comfy and totally bullet proof, with electric everything and great features like variable intermittent wipers and bulb out warning lights. It was the peak of Japanese build quality as the later Primera was no where near as well engineered. Glad you loved the Bluebird too Steph, their quality really shines through!
My friend bought one after watching the video. Haha!
Great to see some enthusiasm for all the small details in this rare and interesting car!
Thank you!
@@idriveaclassic, no problem at all, I am enjoying going through your videos at the moment.
Proud of you out doing what you love....
Thank you for the occasion to hop on board and see how nice to drive is this beautiful Bluebird!
They look completely different to the Bluebirds we had here in Australia, we had the basic normal sedan with a boot and the station wagon (estate car). I had a 1983 series 2 Bluebird station wagon, purchased secondhand and ended up owning it for 16 years. and amazing and wonderfully reliable car that never let me down.
I had a Nissan Bluebird 1.8 GS for my first car in 1998 and I still miss it today.
Steph your car knowlege is second to none so glad I subscribed.
Aw thanks so much 🥰🥰🥰
My brother used to have one I'm Nissan Bluebird it was absolutely amazing heel pain £200 back in 2001 but sag aloo balloon up on the motorway in 2003
Sag aloo means spinach and potato pal
A good friendof mine had a few of these back in the day in Bolton when he was a taxi driver.
I’m sure he’ll support me in saying they’re so comfy!!!!
When I was in the forces Stationed in West Germany I was getting brochures of the Datsun Bluebird & the Ford Cortina's.I was lent towards the Datsun Bluebird with the styling but the interiour carpet was too fake as it looked like fibreglass.Then I fell in Love with the Audi's which had a very good reputation for build quality & design.I went to a Audi Dealer and my eyes fell on the Audi 200 turbo but the price was out of my of my pocket BUT the Dealership spoke broken english and explained their was a non turbo version,I asked what price it was without any duty,went away to workout my army pay & insurance costs.Well it was a bit of a fight with the Army but I gave all the workings out details for 2 years payment on HP to the NAAFI.Got the car and by god it was fantatic.What amazed me the most was the rubbised Underseal & how quiet the car was at any speed.I had the car for about 12 yrs and the only thing went wrong was 1 sparkplug lead.
It may be your best video so far and it shows you enjoyed this car a lot ☺
There seems to be a lot of interest in retro-Japanese over here now.
Interesting innit!
In Canada, classic cars are so expensive that the hobby is dying .
I had a red one, truly one of the best cars I ever owned. I agree with every comment this young women makes about this car she has nailed it.
The reason there are so few left is most used Bluebird’s where bought up as mini cabs and run into the ground, there reliability was awesome. I once got in mini cab Bluebird that had 260,000 miles on the clock and was still purring along.
Thanks for making this video a lovely trip down memory lane👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
I owned the same model, a 2.0SLX (D573WPA) from 1993 to 2003. White paint with the same blue interior. Ran it for 90K miles before it was written off in an accident. Never broke down once. They were surprisingly well equipped and comfortable for a car in its price range. Although the Bluebird had a reputation for being a little uninspiring at a time when the hot hatch was all the rage, I was very sorry part with mine.
My dad had the previous generation bluebird, the last true Datsun/Nissan bluebird an 1985 B reg they made it only in 84 to 86, his reg was B327XWR. It ran till it’s 2nd engine failed, being the 1.8 petrol DX model it seemed too heavy for such a small engine.
One thing that I love from cars from the 80's is their interior smell.
I had one from 1991 to 2007. It had 400,000 on the clock when I sold it. It was a 4spd auto and the CA20 SOHC engine was smooth. Simply amazing car.
Great review and what a perfect example you got your hands on .
Cheers my love
Great video Steph, HubNut loves a pantograph wiper. 😂
Cheers Tony x
I had a Bluebird in the 90s. Loved it.
Got an earlier model saloon version with all the original import and log books .Slight pin pick rust marks but presentable .MOT`d but sworn .I think I`ll tax and insure it . Feel like taking it to a show ,never been to one but I`ve noticed one near me at a place called Houghton Towers nr Preston in September .
Deffo take it out!!! It’ll get so appreciated
My first love was the model before this, SNA 542X.
Nice car I still got my 2.0 sgx model I still get so many people showing interested in the car saying my dad had one 😎 car
My bluebird was made in England and one of the first batch of the production line
They were incredibly reliable. I have a 1999 Nissan Primera which I use for my wife and children and to pull our caravan. I have had it 11 years. Renault bought Nissan in 1999 and then the company went downhill. The side mirrors look the same as my 1992 Nissan Micra (which I had to replace with the Primera due to our son being conceived). As a driving instructor I get to drive different new cars, I prefer the quality of the 20 year old Primera to new cars I have driven.
Oh Daer! The bullshit spouted by some people. Nissan was going downhill and was going broke and the Renault came along and bought them and saved them. Both companies still design and engineer their own cars etc and Renault is successfukl and making huge profits and are teh most reliable of the European brands and have been for a long time now while Nissan is still struggling and their cars etc are getting slated for their lack of reliabilty in the US and many other markets. Nissans problems are their own problems. We have been using Renault Kangoo and Clio vans for a very long time and they are excellent reliable vehicles so much so that I bought a 2008 Kangoo 1.5 DCi Expression car version the last of the original Kangoos which has also been totally reliable and just sails through its MOT every year only needing the odd number plate bulb - nothing wrong with Renault.
My dad had the Datsun Bluebird 1.8 GL on an X reg (1981) which would have been the predecessor to the one you are driving. That car was the best car by miles that our family had. It even ran on 3 cylinders on the way to swanage for our holiday and carried on running like that for the whole 2 weeks and got us back home again.
Awww they are special cars 🥰🥰🥰
@@idriveaclassicI think secretly my dad still misses that car!!
Couple of Freightliner 86s passing at 17.20. Getting rare too!
i remember them as minicabs, the diesel versions especially
Great review, most disappeared because they were sub £100 and ended their days on the banger tracks
Gutting end to a decent car imo
As a lover of RWD Volvos, I don't have a very high opinion of banger boys tbh. Most of the stock of 240s ended up stripped and crashed into others during their aub-£500 days. Somehow 4,000+ of them have managed to survive (approximately 50/50 split between tax and SORN) but we're it not for banger racing, there would be thousands more as they really do go on for ever.
What a lovely car. Great review.
Thank you 🥰 x
Had a white D reg saloon for me 1st car
Indicator stalk on the right
Loved it . Drive out in a convoy of novas , fiesta, then me in the tank
And it has the BLUE interior
She went all over the uk
Love the color of the car. My parents owned several Datsuns when I was a kid.😀
Really nice car, great review steph 👍👍
Thanks so much Nick x
I remember the old days. These cars was the easiest cars to nick alongside the sunny and some primeras . All you needed was an old Datsun key ground down. Even the bluebird turbo zx or sunny coupe.
I remember these being used as private hires in the 90s. One firm I used (in Manchester in 1998), had an 86 bluebird happily trucking around with nearly 300000 miles.
Yeah mad innit!!!!
Subbed fantastic cars fantastic commentry fantastic outfits keep the videos coming and maybe add your outfits when you review the classics still going strong on our roads x
Ahhh all my outfits are true vintage. It’s what I wear day to day - don’t own anything modern. Thanks so much Ian! Z
first type of car i drove after getting my driver's licence in Finland was the 2.0 L LXi 16v (model year 88/89, made in Japan, the same colour, same steering wheel but different dash style), not the hatchback but the more common sedan, they run steady like trains!
Its in real good shape. Credit to the owner. Good review.
Thanks Eddie!!!!
Datsun ghanged to Nissan in 1982 in the US. I bought a 1982 Maxima which is what the Bluebird was called here. Interestingly thr Maxima lives on after seneral model ghanges. My car was rear drive with a 2,4 liter straight 6 & sedan (saloon) with metal sunroof. The 1982 models still had rust oroblems and the bottom of the driver's door was pretty rottrd. This was also the era when cars talked and said things like "The door is ajar" which I found hilarious. I passed it on to my cousin's son and he drove it to high school.
There must be good reasons why taxi drivers liked the Bluebird. I rode in many as a passenger and remember they were quite nice. Actually, a lot of 1980s Japanese designs were great. I used to own such a car, a Mazda MX6 (626) coupé, albeit a 1991 model. That car was amazing and I think I'd gladly have another one if I could find one.
Wonder if theres many bluebird zx turbo's or executive turbo's my 1st car was a bluebird 1.6 premium =)
Lucky devil.
Bluebird one of most reliable of all time, try an early 90s primera even better to drive in every way
Cheers Glenn for the tip off!
No problem though I think you should try and get a drive in a Nissan figaro amazing
The Bluebird was a very handsome looking car.
Agreed xx
More style in that Car than all the modern bland Euro boxes on the roads to day. Remove the badges on them and you will find they are all very similar to one another.
Eurgh and this is why I don’t have one. I can’t justify paying out for something so boring.
Yeah nice car Steph. I have a Nissan bluebird slx auto 2.0 1986 1 lady owner, like new condition with 3800 genuine miles on the clock with original bill of sale and all books and paper work.
It’s a shame because it never gets used!!
I own a 1990 Nissan Bluebird Station Wagon and I can say they are little tanks very reliable machines , my one have over 300,000km on the clock and still drives as new. However of all my cars the most reliable of them is the Peugeot 504 which due to his successful design drive and handle better that any car of today.
Isn’t she a beautiful drive? So light and smooth to drive ❤️
She really is. Can’t wait to pinch the keys off dan again
Not the only one that wants to do that
Bring memories I remember back In 90s
Lot people in my town this car
Era of the Lancia Delta. It has a Nissan Skyline R31 & R32 CA engine. It failed to replace the Datsun 510 in 86 for the previous generation. Long bonnet means good for engine swap, to straight 6 or twin turbos, Horse Power etc.. A true classic.
yes yes, W16 Quadturbo.
Still got the new supply dealers number plates on seen that car in carlisle a few times looks good on the road
Amazing cars when you think it was in reality the Japanese Marina! Many were taxi cabs (note twin trip mileage!) and yes Japanese import as the indicators are on the correct side,! The Sunderland built BB’s had it on the left. Couldn’t agree more that you and HubNut should do a video together.
Thanks for the lovely feedback Barry!
idriveaclassic any time Steph!
lovely car, but theres very few left due to rusting away (just like many 34 year old cars) and if you like that 2.0 slx, you would love the 1.8 zx turbo!
I had a Nissan Bluebird 1.6LX 89F saloon in Metallic Green.
Had a sr turbo for five or six years front tyre guzzler but great bloody fun
Please try to find an early-eighties vintage Datsun Laurel. An outstanding car, IMHO.
Really surprised it hasn't got electric windows, most had front and rear.
Exactly, mine has at all doors. UK quality.... 😂
Another mint Nissan, the owner is lucky to have found a Japanese built one because any Japanese built car is generally better screwed together, love the pantograph rear wiper too 😎👍🏼
Yeah my friend bought a bluebird based on this video 😂😂😂
Oh really, that’s good to hear, well done 😎👍🏼
Remember the dealer Masons garage of High Hesket Carlisle Nissan dealer now long gone Steph one of my local towns is Carlisle great this car is still in the area
They were built in England weren’t they for Europe?
I think Datsun changed to Nissan circa 1982/3. Process took a few years though
Indeed they were!
Had new face lift version, very reliable, rust on all doors at 3 years old.