The Economical Design of the Datsun Pickup

The development of the Datsun pickup is traced from the post-World War II model with a wooden body, to the modified passenger car, to the current independent truck model.

Some differences between the Datsun pickup and other Japanese-made trucks and American-made trucks are discussed. It is noted that the Japanese stress load efficiency: the Americans do not. Problems with size-dependent taxation rates; crowded roads; and scarce, expensive oil supplies have all led to a compact, economical design.

Also discussed are the truck's adaptability to export destination requirements and its body construction.