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Nissan Datsun Cherry (1970 – 1974) Review

Nissan Datsun Cherry (1970 – 1974) At A Glance

4/5

+Swiss watch precision in the drivertain, cool styling, perky acceleration, economy and reliability

-Cramped, flat seats, rust

The E10-generation Datsun Cherry (or 100A as it was officially known as in the UK) was a breakthrough car for Nissan in Britain. It was small, available as two- and four-saloons, a weird-looking coupe and a small estate, called the Van. The Cherry continued its bigger brothers' tendancy for reliability and high equipment levels, which made these cars so irresistable to buyers during the early 1970s.

The Cherry was one of the first entrants into what would subsequently be know as the supermini sector - although, like the Peugeot 104 and original Fiat 127, it initially did without a hatchback. The E10 models featured all-independent suspension, front wheel drive, BMC inspired A-Series overhead valve engine and appealing trans-Atlantic styling.

When they first arrived in Europe in facelifted F10 form in 1973, it didn’t take buyers long to cotton on to how good these reliable little cars were. The Cherry matured into the larger second series a couple of years later, was known as the F11 in the UK, and became a top-ten seller. Rare and sought after now, few have survived the ravages of rust.

Ask Honest John

Where can I sell a 1984 Nissan Cherry?

"My uncle, who is sadly now suffering from demetia, has a petrol (1270 cc) 1984 Cherry which we'd like to sell on his behalf. It's currently garaged in West London, has been well looked after and has done just over 71k miles as well as being currently registered as SORN. I would like to sell it and find it a good home with perhaps someone who would appreciate it. Do you have a suggestion of a good place to sell such a vehicle? "
While a Cherry is certainly old enough to be considered a classic, it belongs to an era of cars (Renault 6, Hillman Avenger) that doesn't have much of a following, I'm afraid. Consequently, prices remain fairly low. This means that a non-runner - albeit in good condition - could struggle to sell. There is a demand for the car from the modifying sector, but not everyone wants to see the car they're selling end up as someone else's project. If you're keen to sell, we'd recommend that you place the car for sale in as many outlets as possible: Car and Classic, Classic Cars for Sale, Honest John Classics will give you good coverage online while weekly newspapers Classic Car Weekly and Classic Car Buyer also have a strong readership. You can read our tips for selling a classic car here: https://classics.honestjohn.co.uk/how-to-sell-a-classic-car/
Answered by Keith Moody

I'm looking for a classic car to run around the city - what's a good buy?

"I'm looking for a classic car to run around the city - reliable, easy to park, won't rust away at the roadside and able to stand up to lots of stopping and starting. Probably automatic. What do you suggest?"
You've got plenty of choices here - but there are a few factors to take into consideration. How much have you got to spend? What kind of era are you looking for? And how worried are you about it getting dinged and scratched? For cheap and cheerful you could do a Renault 5, late-model Minis were available with a three-speed auto, or if you're feeling flush a Fiat 500. Fancy standing out a bit? Then a Datsun Cherry could be worth a look. If you're not too tall, then consider something like a Nissan Figaro (for modern cons and a sunshine lid) or a Suzuki Whizzkid.
Answered by Keith Moody
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