Datsun Type 15

The Datsun Type 15 was a small car produced in Japan in the 1930s. Derived from the Datsun Type 14, it succeeded the earlier vehicle in production in 1936. It was larger than its predecessor but had less chrome detail due to shortages caused by the conflict in Manchuria. It had a 16 PS (12 kW) side valve engine and was offered in several body styles. The front recalled American designs of the time, but on a smaller scale.

Datsun Type 15
Datsun Model 15 Phaeton
Overview
ManufacturerDatsun/Nissan
Model years1936-1937
AssemblyJapan
Body and chassis
Body style
  • Phaeton
  • Roadster
  • Coupe
  • Sedan
  • Van
LayoutFR layout
Powertrain
Engine722 cc (44.1 in3) Type 7 I4
Transmission3-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,005 mm (78.9 in)
Length3,187 mm (125.5 in)
Width1,190 mm (46.9 in)
Chronology
PredecessorDatsun Type 14
SuccessorDatsun Type 16

Design

The Datsun 15 was mechanically very similar to the preceding Datsun Type 14 from which it was derived. The Type 7 engine was retained, by with a higher compression ratio, increased from 5.2 to 5.4, which increased power by 1 hp (0.75 kW).[1] The engine drove the rear wheels through a three speed gearbox to give the car a top speed of 80 km/h (50 mph). Externally, the car was larger than its predecessor, with a wheelbase of 2,005 mm (78.9 in), length of 3,187 mm (125.5 in) and width of 1,190 mm (46.9 in). However, it had less chrome detail as material was becoming harder to find because of the war in Manchuria; similarly, the interior was larger but more sparse. The front end resembled American cars of the period, but on a smaller scale. All Datsun 15 models had bumpers.[1]

Production

The first Datsun 15 rolled off the production line in Yokohama in May 1936 and production continued until the Datsun 16 was released in April 1937. The majority were for home use, but 87 were exported.[1]

Datsun 15T

Between May 1936 and April 1938 Nissan produced the Datsun 15T truck based on the Datsun 15. The engine cover was different, with near vertical vents instead of the cars horizontal vents.[2]

References
  1. Bent, Alan (2016). "1936 Datsun 15 Model". earlydatsun.com:The Complete Guide to Classic Datsun Cars and Trucks. Archived from the original on 17 November 2013. Retrieved 11 April 2017.
  2. Bent, Alan (2016). "1936 Datsun 15T Truck". earlydatsun.com:The Complete Guide to Classic Datsun Cars and Trucks. Retrieved 11 April 2017.
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