Datsun Type 15

Datsun Type 15
Datsun Model 15 Phaeton
Overview
Manufacturer	Datsun/Nissan
Model years	1936-1937
Assembly	Japan
Body and chassis
Body style	Phaeton Roadster Coupe Sedan Van
Layout	FR layout
Powertrain
Engine	722 cc (44.1 in3) Type 7 I4
Transmission	3-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,005 mm (78.9 in)
Length	3,187 mm (125.5 in)
Width	1,190 mm (46.9 in)
Chronology
Predecessor	Datsun Type 14
Successor	Datsun Type 16

The Datsun Type 15 was a small car produced in Japan in the 1930s. It had a 16 hp (12 kW) side valve engine and was offered in several body styles.

Design

The Datsun 15 was mechanically very similar to the preceding Datsun Type 14. 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, but with less chrome detail (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