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History of Datsun Motor Cars / Automobiles |
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- 8.11.3. Datsun
- In 1911 Masujiro Hasimoto, with the help of three investors (the first initials of their family names were D.A.T.), formed the Kwaishinsha Motor Car Works.
- Note: In Japanese DAT (Datto) means “running hare” or “hare in flight”.
- By 1912 he had built an experimental car which was followed in March 1914 by a prototype for the 4-cylinder 2,000 cc DAT 31; a model that was produced in 1915. Did production of the 31 cease in 1916?
- The five-seater, 15 hp (11kW) 4-cylinder 2,300 cc, DAT 41 model was launched in 1916 and remained in production until 1925. Was a 20 hp version also available? How many made?
- The 31 and 41 models were hand made; only the magneto, wheels and tyres were not made in Japan.
- The name was changed to Kwaishinsha Motorcar Company in 1918, and then, in 1925, to DAT Motorcar Co. Note: One report states that Kwaishinsha Motors changed their name in 1917 to DAT Motor Vehicle Co.
- In 1923, the year the big earthquake struck Japan, the company produced the Type 51 Torpedo model. Were they made until 1926? How many? What engine size, etc?
- Car production ceased in 1926 when the DAT Motorcar Company merged with Jitsuyo Jidosha Seizo to form the DAT Automobile Manufacturing Company. See Section 8.11.6 (Jitsuyo Jidosha Seizo).
- Note: Jitsuyo Jidosha Co., Ltd. was established in 1919 to manufacture cars designed by the American engineer William Gorham.
- In 1931 the DAT Company built a two-seater car, the Type 10, which was smaller than their previous Type 51 Torpedo model, calling it “Datson” (son of DAT).
- It had a 495cc 10hp 4 cylinder engine. A four-seater version, the Type 11, was also produced in 1931. How many Type 10 and 11 models were made and between which dates?
- These two models, which came in three body styles; roadster, tourer and sedan, had a top speed of 35mph (56km/h).
- Production of the Phaeton model began in 1932. It had a 495cc 10hp 4 cylinder engine.
- By 1934 Nissan had taken over the company and, because “son” can also mean “loss” in
Japanese, changed the name to Datsun.
- See Section 8.11.9 (Nissan).
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