Technically, it wasn't replaced by Nissan, as it was still a Nissan when they were Datsun. Nissan didn't make cars (only trucks) so their introduction into the US market was under an old name, "Datsun". Nissan was a more known name in the US, and they didn't want Americans to associate their cars with Nissans past (military wise). So, Datsun it was. And Datsun eventually became "Datsun by Nissan" once their market share was solidified, etc. Datsun was its own company prior to Nissan buying it in 34. It's a neat history actually. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Datsun#Origin_of_Datsun
My friend who works for Nissan design (used to be here in San Diego, now in Brazil) had an early 1500 Fairlady (the first version of this car, with a smaller engine). It was a real beauty. I would take one over an MGB every day of the week. Unfortunately he sold it before he had to move to Brazil.
My first was a mid 60s dodge dart slant 6 4 door in monkey shit brown...the opposite of a chic magnet but that car made several trips across the country without a hitch….used to laugh passing expensive cars overheated on the mountain passes in the Rockies.....maybe the ugliest car ever made
I started on Jeeps (a 1951 CJ3) - but my first "car" was a 1969 Citroen Ami 6 Break. That's about as ugly as they get. Looked like this image (not the same car) 2 cylinders, 20+ horsepower. Never drove it for more than 10 minutes without having to fix something. On the other hand, it was $30 to rescue it from an airport where I found it abandoned. Drove it for about 6 months and decided it made more sense to take the bus to get to school. Wish I still had it - as now I am not a broke student and could actually put some love into it. There used to be one at the international market on Barbur Blvd in Portland. Went to look at it when he had it for sale, but it was in worse condition than the one I dragged from the airport. I still think maybe I should have given him the $1,500 he wanted and dragged it home with me. They are super rare here in the US - but I see one every once in a while. If I ever run against the Berline (sedan) version, I am buying it. It is so ugly that it is actually cute.
My friend in hs had a VW bug and I remember when you sped up the lights got brighter and the wipers moved faster...slow down and they did the opposite
If that International Market is the one I think it is, near Capitol Hwy, then it used to be a Piggly Wiggly.
My mom had an early 60s Renault Dauphine. She claimed it looked better than the Beetle. My God, that thing was trash.
It was indestructible....at the time all I could afford ...300 bucks....drove it for years...sold it for 300 bucks, it's probably still in Iowa running around..all my friends had hot rods...I had the Dart
I palled around in the Army with a bunch of guys who loved fast cars. I remember several of them who loved the Dart. It also looked good to me. Had the reputation of being virtually indestructible.
Go drive one of these. My friend has one and loves it. Wife totalled the old Rav4 that he didn't much care for. @Lanny https://www.beavertontoyota.com/new...-toyota-rav4-hybrid-beaverton-oregon-32824868