Datsun Type 17

The Datsun Type 17 is a small car produced by Datsun in Japan either in 1938 exclusively or from 1938 to 1944. It was the last in a line of Datsun small cars produced before Nissan's resources were diverted to military materials for the Second Sino-Japanese War.

Datsun Type 17
Datsun Model 17 Phaeton
Overview
Manufacturer	Datsun/Nissan
Production	1938[a]
Assembly	Japan: Yokohama
Body and chassis
Body style	Phaeton Roadster Coupe Sedan
Layout	Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive
Powertrain
Engine	722 cc (44.1 cu in) 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)
Curb weight	630 kg (1,390 lb)
Chronology
Predecessor	Datsun Type 16
Successor	Datsun DA

Design

The Datsun 17 was almost identical to the preceding Datsun 16 but distinguished by a wide vertical bar in middle of the front grille and a simpler interior.^[1]

Drivetrain

The Datsun 17 was mechanically identical to the preceding Datsun 16.^[1] The 16 PS (11.8 kW) engine drove the rear wheels through a 3-speed gearbox to give the car a top speed of 80 km/h (50 mph).^[2]

Production

Production of the Datsun 17 started in Yokohama in April 1938 and, according to Nissan, continued until January 1944, although Alan Bent claims that it finished in late 1938 as part of the cessation civilian car production that followed the Japanese decision to focus on military vehicles.^[2]

See also

• Datsun 17T

Notes

1. Nissan claims that production continued until January 1944.