In case you are acquainted with the Nissan Cedric, then the Nissan Gloria just isn’t your new title. Each automobiles have been first produced in 1960, however there’s a twist in Gloria’s early historical past. In contrast to the Nissan Cedric, which Nissan made initially, the Nissan Gloria began its life beneath Prince Motors’ manufacturing line.
The Gloria was bought as Prince Gloria from 1960 to 1971. However in its third technology, 1967-1971, it was bought in Japan because the Nissan Prince Gloria since Nissan merged with Prince Motors in 1966. When Nissan took over the manufacturing of the Gloria, it turned a sportier model of the Cedric. Value Motors had already made a racing model of the Gloria primarily based on the 1964 Gloria tremendous six.
Prince motors constructed the primary Gloria primarily based on early variations of the Nissan Skylines, so it has a lighter platform than the Nissan Cedric. Nevertheless, the looks of each automobiles isn’t that completely different even for the primary two generations produced by two completely different corporations.
Nissan took inspiration from Prince Motors earlier earlier than the 2 corporations merged. The one notable variations within the early generations are headlight, bumper, and taillight design.
Differentiating each automobiles can solely be accomplished by figuring out the engine code. For instance, the sixth-gen Gloria comes with the L-series and S-series engines. Nevertheless, this doesn’t apply to all mannequin years. After the fourth technology, 230, each share the identical chassis code and engine variants.
Execs and Cons
Execs
Nice Minimalistic Appears to be like
It’s arduous to disregard an previous lowered JDM sedan with a wonderful paint job and a unbelievable set of wheels at a automotive meet. The one that owns it’s in all probability cleansing the chrome bits frequent in classics whatever the producer. Designers within the 60s and 70s had a typical language. If you happen to’ve mistaken a Nissan Gloria A30 for a 1964 Pontiac GTO or a Dodge Charger, you’re not the primary to take action.
JDM traditional automotive lovers will love each Nissan Gloria mannequin produced earlier than 1975. There’s an excessive amount of magnificence in JDM classics, from coupes to hardtop sedans, and the Nissan Gloria is not any exception. Base fashions have been bought with black paint, whereas excessive spec fashions such because the Tremendous six and customized deluxe include inexperienced, blue, or white paint. The chrome bits on the physique panels, headlights, taillights, and grille complement the Gloria completely.
Low-cost
Most first-time automotive consumers are prepared to spend between $5,000 to 10,000. For that finances, you may get quite a lot of automobiles. However when you love JDM automobiles, the Nissan Cedric is among the many few autos that match into that finances. However there are lots of different choices, together with the Mazda Miata, a typical first automotive for JDM fanatics.
Costs for the Nissan President begin at roughly $6,000 for one in pristine situation. For a automotive with a V6 engine, that’s fairly low cost. You even have some change left for a wrap and a few good wheels. Older mannequin years are extra reasonably priced, and you probably have an RB engine mendacity about in your storage, they make one of the best challenge automobiles.
Nice Inside
The Nissan Gloria being sportier than the Nissan Cedric and Cima doesn’t imply it’s not luxurious. Within the inside, you get woolen seats much like these within the Nissan President. Nissan used woolen seats throughout their flagship sedans as a substitute of switching supplies to cut back manufacturing prices. Nevertheless, some fashions used as cabs in Japan include cloth seats lined with fabric. Consumers may additionally go for leather-based at no additional fees however solely in luxurious trims.
In contrast to within the Nissan President, solely the entrance seats are heated and can’t be adjusted. However nonetheless extra comfy than most trendy sedans. Suppose you might be fearful in regards to the inside wanting too previous and soiled. In that case, a detailing will return your Gloria to its former glory. There’s additionally an upholstery possibility when you love some private customization.
Tall passengers gained’t have it arduous in entrance or rear seats. The leg room is ample to stretch your legs everytime you resolve to be chauffeured. Headroom isn’t that dangerous both, even for a 6’2 grownup. Nissan additionally thought-about driver consolation by protecting the steering wheel and equipment knobs in leather-based.
The Nissan Gloria additionally has powered home windows apart from earlier mannequin years. Different luxurious options within the Nissan Gloria embrace ambient lighting, window blinds, and a traditional analog watch mounted on the dashboard’s middle. In case you are a morning espresso particular person, you might need to get some aftermarket cupholders because the Nissan Gloria has none. A attribute of Nissan Sedans, even within the Nissan Cima and Cedric.
Shares Components with Nissan Cedric and Cima
Resulting from its rarity within the US, aftermarket elements for the Nissan Gloria are arduous to come back by. Most OEM elements have to be shipped from Japan, which could take longer, thus delaying your challenge construct. Nevertheless, the Nissan Gloria shares alternative elements with a number of Nissan Fashions, together with the 350Z.
Properly, you may not get physique panels from a 350Z, however engine elements from VQ engines can be utilized on VG engines. The VQ engine is simply an up to date model of the VG. You probably have a Nissan Gloria with a VQ engine, you would possibly swap each engine and transmission element from a 350Z with minimal mechanical work required.
Some elements from the Nissan Cedric are much like these within the Nissan Gloria. Some aftermarket corporations, similar to Nengnun, label their elements as Cedric/Gloria suitable.
Glorious Experience Consolation
Among the finest issues about JDM traditional luxurious sedans just like the Nissan Gloria is that they provide a greater journey consolation than most sedans in the identical worth vary. The wonderful journey consolation is partly due to the luxurious inside. You don’t hear any street noise when driving beneath 60mph with the home windows closed. However the trick just isn’t within the inside. It’s within the suspension.
Older fashions have an unbiased rear suspension which was cutting-edge expertise throughout manufacturing. In newer fashions, you get the same suspension setup however upgraded options similar to helical springs and telescopic shock absorber.
The Nissan Gloria absorbs bumps, and also you’d assume it has an air suspension much like that discovered within the Toyota Crown or Nissan President. Some high-spec trims have a pneumatic suspension which permits a change in floor clearance and rides consolation relying on the suspension mode.
Cons
Onerous To Discover in The US
Nissan Sedans are uncommon within the US in comparison with Toyota sedans. For instance, it’s simpler to discover a Toyota Chaser or Mark II than a Nissan Gloria or Cedric. Fortunately this doesn’t make the Nissan Gloria costly. A go to to a neighborhood JDM automotive dealership makes it simpler to get one. If you happen to nonetheless can’t discover the proper spec, importing one can be viable, particularly by means of JDM importers in your state.
View a complete list of JDM dealerships, exporters in Japan, and Importers in the US.
Low Experience Peak
Stance lovers will benefit from the Nissan Gloria’s low journey peak, nevertheless it comes at a value, particularly when driving on metropolis roads. You’ll not want aftermarket coil-overs if you wish to decrease the journey peak. However are you ready to cringe once you scrap the bumper when coming into your driveway or going over a bump?
The low journey peak additionally places mechanicals such because the oil pan and the exhaust susceptible to injury. You may drive rigorously or get adjustable coil-overs if baggage are too costly.
Controls Labeled in Japanese
Most JDM automobiles have been with Japanese-labelled controls, particularly if there have been no particular make and mannequin export models. The Nissan Gloria is not any exception since only a few models have been exported to Native English international locations. Some controls are navigable by default since all automobiles have the identical function.
However if you wish to change the navigation system settings, you might need to be taught slightly Japanese.
Widespread Points
Rust
For a automotive that’s something between 20 to 60 years previous, rust is inevitable. There isn’t any particular information on the place rust happens on the Nissan Gloria, however there are frequent rust spots on older automobiles it’s best to verify. Beneath the automotive is at all times the primary rust spot to examine, then transfer to the engine bay earlier than different elements.
Floor rust is typical, but when there’s extra rust, it needs to be a figuring out issue whether or not you purchase the automotive or not. Different frequent rust spots embrace, within the trunk, beneath the wheel wells, and on the wheel hubs. Uneven surfaces on the paint may also point out rust beneath, relying on when the automotive was final repainted.
Failing Electronics
Not all the pieces works on previous automobiles, and the Nissan Gloria is not any completely different. Typically you will need to unlock the passenger door from the within because of jammed door locks. Or the fog lights gained’t activate, particularly once you want them on a snowy morning. No person modifications the OEM fog lights; they’re in all probability useless on a Nissan Gloria.
The automotive remains to be drivable with some failures. But when the ABS sensor or the headlights should not working, it’s best to repair the wiring earlier than driving your Gloria. Some consolation options such because the powered seats or AC may also work sometimes. Rewiring is the best repair because the wires and harnesses is likely to be worn out because of previous age.
Defective Braking System
Upgrading the brakes needs to be a precedence when you resolve to place cash in a Nissan Gloria. Most include a rear drum and entrance disk brake setup, which works because it ought to however would possibly want altering. New brakes will do, however you probably have some cash to spare, you possibly can improve to all-around aftermarket disc brakes.
Excessive Oil and Gas Consumption
Excessive oil and gas consumption in a Nissan Gloria are extra of an obstacle than a mechanical subject. By nature, Nissan VH, VQ, and VG engines have excessive oil and gas consumption. However when you discover consumption is larger than regular, verify for leaks on the top gasket and seals.
These are among the many points that the Nissan Gloria shares with the Nissan Cedric. To learn extra on frequent issues affecting the Nissan Gloria and Cedric, learn our Nissan Cedric buying guide.
Common Costs
Costs for the Nissan Gloria begin at roughly $6,000, making it the proper finances birthday current for a teen turning 16 years previous. While you handle gas and oil consumption, the VG and VQ engines are among the most dependable and sturdy JDM engines.
View Nissan Gloria Ads for sale
Comparable Options
Fashions and Specs
1959-1963 Prince Gloria (BLSI)
The primary-gen Nissan Gloria debuted in late 1959 primarily based on the Nissan Skyline ALS1, thus the chassis code BLSI. But it surely was produced beneath Nissan’s sister firm, Prince Motors
At the moment, Nissan was making the Nissan Cedric, and the 2 automobiles had related seems to be and shared physique panels. You probably have a eager eye, you’ll discover Prince Gloria has horizontally positioned twin headlights on all sides whereas the Nissan Cedric has vertically positioned twin headlights.
You get the Gloria BLSI with two 1.9-liter 4-cylinder engine variants, GB30 and GB4. Like most automobiles produced within the 60s, the 4-speed computerized transmission was the one possibility for Gloria.
1963-1967 Prince Gloria (S40, W40, S44)
Earlier than Prince put in a 6-cylinder engine within the Skyline, they put in it within the Nissan Gloria, making it the primary Nissan/Prince to function a 6-cylinder engine. A brand new platform was additionally launched, and designers took inspiration from the Chevrolet Corvair, lately launched within the Japanese market.
To extend gross sales and because of excessive demand, Prince Motors added a Gloria wagon to the manufacturing line constructed on a extra prolonged platform than the Gloria sedan. In addition they made a racing unit out of a Gloria Tremendous Six and raced it on the Japanese Grand Prix in 1964. All these enhancements, together with bigger engines, meant that the Gloria was not a compact sedan beneath Japanese street legal guidelines.
You get the second-gen Gloria with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder and two I6 engines, a 2.0-liter, and a 2.5-liter engine. Just like the earlier technology, the second-gen Gloria solely comes with a 4-speed guide transmission.
1967-1971 Nissan (Prince) Gloria (A30)
The third-gen Gloria was produced after Nissan merged with Prince Motors in 1966. Nevertheless, because it was nonetheless government-registered beneath Prince Motors, it was bought because the Nissan Prince Gloria. On the time, the federal government was utilizing Prince Gloria. After Nissan took over manufacturing, Prince Motors was tasked with producing the Prince Royal Saloon for presidency use.
Nissan discontinued all earlier engines besides the two.0-liter 6-cylinder G-7. The two.5-liter engine was discontinued primarily because of excessive street taxes that house owners confronted because of Japanese street tax laws concerning automobiles with giant engines. Because it was not thought-about a compact sedan, the taxes have been greater than urgent to the house owners. A brand new 3-speed computerized transmission was added as an choice to the 4-speed guide.
1971-1975 Nissan Gloria (230)
After 1971 Nissan solely produced the Nissan Gloria constructed on Cedric’s platform. For instance, the Nissan Gloria 230 (fourth technology) is much like the Cedric 230 (third technology) with minor facial modifications. The sign lights, bumper, and mirror design are the one options that aren’t shared.
A brand new Gloria coupe was launched in 1973 primarily based on the Cedric coupe (Datsun 260). Nissan made it to compete towards the Toyota Crown coupe and later the Mazda Cosmo.
All fashions have a 2.0-liter or 2.6-liter engine mated to a 4/5-speed guide or 3-speed computerized transmission.
1975-1979 Nissan Gloria (330)
The fifth-gen Gloria was constructed on the Cedric 330 chassis, the identical chassis used within the Gloria 230. It’s accessible as a coupe, van, or sedan like earlier generations. Nissan didn’t use quite a lot of engines within the Nissan Gloria as within the Nissan Cedric.
The fifth-gen Gloria comes with 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engines and two 6-cylinder engines. Nissan nonetheless retained the 4/5-speed guide and 3-speed computerized transmission for the Nissan Gloria.
1979-1983 Nissan Gloria (430)
For the 6th technology, the Nissan Gloria was fully up to date with a brand new platform and a redesigned physique with smoother flowing physique strains. Newer trims and extra engines have been supplied, together with a 2.0-liter turbocharged L20ET used within the Jack Nicklaus trim. The Jack Nicklaus trim was the top-of-the-line spec outdoing the Brougham with the two.8-liter 6-cylinder L28 engine.
Different fashions include completely different variants of the L-series and S-series engines. Additionally, two diesel engines, 2.2-liter SD22, and a couple of.8-liter LD28 engines have been used. Transmission choices stay the identical, like within the 330 Gloria with an addition of a 4-speed computerized.
1983-1987 Nissan Gloria (Y30)
There’s no notable distinction between the Gloria 430 and Y30 besides perhaps a minor facelift on the entrance and rear bumper and including chrome bits on the bodywork. Nevertheless, it obtained Nissan’s new sequence of VG V6 engines. Resulting from success in earlier generations, the two.8-liter LD28 engine was nonetheless used even within the Nissan Cedric.
You get the Y30 Gloria with a 3/4-speed computerized or 4/5-speed guide. Nevertheless, the 5-speed guide was reserved for trims with the turbocharged 2.0-liter VG20ET and three.0-liter VG30ET. Consumers who needed models with these engines may additionally go for the 4-speed computerized transmission.
Modifications have been made to the suspension because the Y30 Gloria obtained an unbiased entrance suspension. For the rear suspension, sedans have a multilink suspension, whereas wagons have an unbiased rear suspension. Inside customization was additionally elective, relying on the trim.
1987-1991 Nissan Gloria (Y31)
For the 8th Era, Nissan discontinued the wagon citing low gross sales, and the two.8-liter RD28 diesel engine changed the L28 diesel engine. In contrast to the Nissan Cedric, which obtained a major facelift in 1987, the Nissan Gloria nonetheless retained the identical look because the sixth-gen Gloria 430.
Nevertheless, vital upgrades have been made to the engine and transmission. A brand new DOHC turbocharged engine was launched, the two.0-liter VG20DET and the 4-speed computerized transmission is pc managed to enhance gear shifts.
The gear shifter was additionally moved to the ground to enhance driver engagement by conserving fingers on the steering wheel. Like all earlier generations, the Y31 Gloria has an FR (front-engine rear-wheel-drive) format. It comes with a 4/5-speed computerized transmission.
Autech, Nissan’s tuning division, made a sportier model of the Gloria Grant Turismo (GT) with the two.0-liter turbocharged V6. This mannequin was made to enchantment to youthful consumers. Thus, it has a sportier enchantment and distinctive tweaks, similar to an upgraded infotainment and stereo system. It additionally has a better-sounding exhaust than the usual Gloria GT.
The Nissan Gloria was briefly discontinued in 1995 and changed with the Y32. Solely buyer models have been completed that yr, and authorities parade models have been produced till 2014.
1991-1995 Nissan Gloria (Y32)
The Nissan Gloria Y32 debuted in late 1991 primarily based on the Nissan Cedric Y32. It has smoother flowing physique strains and a decrease journey peak than its predecessors. Additionally, Nissan discontinued the hardtop sedan and added a B pillar for extra help, amongst different security enhancements similar to an improved braking system.
Nissan nonetheless used the VG engines from the earlier Y31 technology however solely supplied the 4-speed or 5-speed computerized transmission.
1995-1999 Nissan Gloria (Y33)
Nissan solely up to date the entrance bumper, fog lights, headlights, and taillights once they launched the Gloria Y33. VQ VY engines have been launched, changing the earlier VG engines. You can too get one with a 2.8-liter diesel engine primarily utilized in cab models.
Excessive spec fashions just like the Grand Turismo and Brougham include the VQ30DET. You get a turbocharged 2.5-liter RB25DET within the Grand Turismo trim, which additionally has Nissan’s ATTESA E-TS AWD system.
1999-2004 Nissan Gloria (Y34)
Nissan merged with Porsche to fabricate the last-gen Nissan Gloria. The collaboration primarily revolved across the engine as they upgraded the VQ to direct gas injection. Autech additionally produced a 40th Anniversary mannequin primarily based on the Gloria GT with the RB25DET and AWD. Prime-of-the-line fashions, which embrace the Ultima Z and ZV, include a CVT transmission. Different trims have the 4-speed computerized transmission used within the Y33.
FAQ
The Nissan Gloria makes use of the identical VG and VQ engines because the Nissan Cedric and 350Z. Older fashions have the H-series and L-series engines.
When maintained frequently, a Nissan Gloria will final for round 180,000 miles. The VG and VQ engines are high-maintenance engines. If you happen to skip a scheduled service day, the lifespan shortens.
Other than the excessive gas and oil consumption Nissan Glorias are among the most dependable automobiles. House owners give it a median reliability ranking which isn’t dangerous for a 20-year-old automotive.
The Nissan Gloria is a sportier model of the Nissan Cedric. Nevertheless, each share the identical platform and physique panels. In order for you a Nissan traditional sedan, both is ideal.
Virtually, sure. Each automobiles are constructed on the identical platform, have related engine choices, and share physique panels. The one distinction is the badging.
One of the simplest ways to distinguish a Nissan Gloria from a Nissan Cedric is by wanting on the badging. Each have related emblems, and figuring out badging, particularly within the inside, is the easiest way to distinguish between a Nissan Gloria and Cedric.
Sure. The Nissan Gloria’s FR platforms make it among the finest finances drift builds. Nevertheless, you would possibly must shed some weight off it and improve the engine’s energy output.
How To Import a Nissan Gloria
Learn our Final Information on How to Import a Car from Japan.
- Sources
- wikipedia.org/wiki/Nissan_Gloria
- www.sbtjapan.com/kp-Nissan-Gloria-review/
- nashipoezda.ru/en/lawn-mower/nissan-Gloria-foto-otzyvy-tehnicheskie-harakteristiki-Nissan-gloriya-nissan.html
Christopher joined jdmbuysell.com in 2018 as an automotive Journalist and now oversees all communications with consumers & sellers.
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