Manufacturer Nissan Layout FR layout Successor Datsun 110 | Production 1950-1954 Predecessor Datsun DA | |
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Also called Datsun Thrift (DS-4 and DS-5) | ||
The Datsun DS series was introduced in 1950 as the replacement for the Datsun DA. It was based on pre-war Datsun designs, themselves closely based on the Austin Seven. A more luxurious range with the same underpinnings, called the DB series, was sold in parallell.
The Datsun DS (Datsun DS-1) was introduced in 1950 as the replacement for the Datsun DA and was based on the Datsun 4146 truck (it was basically a 4146 with a sedan body) and it used the grille from the 17T, except the center strip was chrome instead of painted. The same engine was used, but was modified to produce 20 hp. The DS was in production until early 1951, after which it became known as the DS-1. It was replaced by the Datsun DS-2.
The Datsun DS-2 was released in 1951 and was completely redesigned with modern styling (the front end resembled a scaled-down Willys Jeep). The DS-2 was now based on the Datsun 5147 truck and the drivetrain was carried over from the DS. The DS-2 and later DS models were marketed as a less expensive (and basic) alternative to the more upscale DB. The DS-2 was known in Japan as the "Square Dandy" thanks to its square and boxy styling; the DS-2 was in production until 1952, when it was replaced by the Datsun DS-4.
The Datsun DS-4 (the DS-3 designation was skipped) was released in 1952 and was the first four-door car (along with the DB-4) to have the Datsun name. The styling was a nightmare (it looked like five different cars put together). The drivetrain carried over from the DS-2, although the chassis was lengthened for the larger passenger compartment. The front doors were rear-hinged while the rear doors were front-hinged. The front end was similar to the DS-2 but with a different grille; the front of the hood spelled out "DATSUN" in individual chrome letters. The DS-4 was in production until late 1953, when it was replaced by the Datsun DS-5.
The Datsun DS-5 was released in 1953 and was the same as the DS-4 except for the engine, which was changed to the new 860cc D10 engine (basically a stroked Type 7 engine) producing 25 horsepower. The grille was changed sometime in 1954. The DS-5 was in production until 1954, when it was replaced by the completely redesigned Datsun DS-6.
The Datsun DS-6 Convar was released in 1954 and was more modern and attractive compared to the DS-4 and DS-5. The DS-6 was based on the DS-5 and used its drivetrain. The front-end was unique with a flat panel (with "DATSUN" in individual letters) between the hood opening and the grille, which was oval-shaped that was split by the bumper bar. The trunk lid lifted up rather than folded down. The DS-6 was in production until December 1954, when it was replaced by the all new Datsun 110.