This Nissan Gloria is the most untouched car you'll ever find

​Peter Nunn came across this delightful and rare Nissan Gloria at a classic car auction in Christchurch, New Zealand in 2009.

It was discovered by the family of the original owner along with his daily-driver - a mid-'40s Chevrolet Fleetmaster. The original owner ran a successful merchant store in central Christchurch. It was sold new by an agent called Croyden Motors, a separate company to Datsun importer Nissan-Datsun NZ Ltd.

The Gloria had only recorded 9500 kilometres, which was supported by evidence from the Land Transport database and inspection of roadworthy (Warrant of Fitness, WOFs) checks. The licence had expired in 1985, and in New Zealand, if the vehicle isn't used for a period of two years, the registration becomes dormant and the number plates stay on the vehicle.

Peter had a battle getting the vehicle re-complied and ‘live’ again with Land Transport, but he got there in the end. He had to buy the original plates (ED-871) as a white personalised plate, but he hasn't attached them; the black plates are the originals in keeping with the age of the car and so he has left them on.

The Nissan was hibernating in a shed and completely wrapped in woollen blankets and a drop cloth. Amongst other things found were crates of longneck beer bottles which were never opened! Everything is original from the factory tool-kit (with wooden Nissan screwdrivers), cross-ply tyres, plastic covers over the sun visors, to the optional transistor radio unit with pop up aerial that goes up about three metres for better radio reception. 

Peter’s Gloria came with an array of interesting documents including WOF stickers that never got stuck to the windscreen, a warranty and service book (which was only stamped once on the 25th November 1980 at 7608 kilometres), a shop manual, and a Nissan paper fan given to the customer on delivery of their new car!

Nissan probably thought the paper fan was as good as air conditioning. Of interest is the seat belt safety tag, which was attached to show that they had met New Zealand safety standards.

Powering the Nissan is the Prince G7 six-cylinder, overhead cam, chain-driven engine, mated to a three-speed manual transmission with overdrive. This was the last vehicle to carry over its mechanicals from its forebear, Prince Motor Company, who were responsible for the development and production of the Skyline nameplate.

Peter’s Nissan Gloria was originally sold with a six-month/6000 mile (9600 kilometre) new vehicle warranty that excluded the tyres and the battery. Pity the warranty didn't go by the longest of either parameter, as the warranty would have only run out in 2009 soon after he bought the car!

Peter’s Gloria has been used regularly, even towing his caravan on occasion. It now shows just 22,530 kilometers and he says he can’t get enough of that new car smell.

Source: Survivor Car Australia

Do you think Japanese cars did it better back in the days? What's you favourite car from Japan? Tell us in the comments.