Nissan President: 60 years of history of the Japanese flagship - from an imperial limousine to a collector's rarity

Nissan President is not just a car, but a status symbol that for decades has represented the pinnacle of engineering and luxury from the Japanese auto industry. Launched in 1965 as a response to the growing demand for premium sedans, it became the first production car Nissan, equipped with a V8 engine, and for a long time remained inaccessible to the general public - its main clients were high-ranking officials, the business elite and even the imperial family.

Today President is a rarity on the road, but its legacy continues to influence the brand's philosophy. In this article, we'll trace how the model evolved from a monstrous hand-built limousine to a high-tech sedan of the 2000s, why its production ceased, and what secrets the surviving examples hide. If you are interested in classic Japanese cars or the history of the auto industry, this material will be a real find for you.

1965–1973: Birth of a Legend - First Generation (H150)

Debut Nissan President took place in October 1965 at the Tokyo Motor Show. The model was the answer to success Toyota Crown Eight and was called upon to approve Nissan as a manufacturer of premium cars. The first generation, known by the index H150, differed:

• 🔧 4.0 l V8 engine (modification Y40) - the first production V8 in the company's history, developing 165 hp.
• 🚗 Hardtop body without a central pillar, which was an innovation for Japanese cars at that time.
• 👑 Manual assembly — each copy was assembled on a special line in Yokohama with special care.
• 💰 Price, exceeding the cost of the average house in Japan (about 2.5 million yen in 1965).

Interesting fact: President H150 became the first Japanese car to be officially used imperial family for ceremonial events. Its dimensions (length 5.2 meters!) and luxurious interior with wooden inserts and leather seats made it an ideal choice for VIPs. However, due to the high price, only about 2,000 copies - by the standards of the mass market this is a failure, but for the premium segment it is quite an expected result.

⚠️ Attention: Today original President H150 in good condition valued by collectors at 15–30 million yen (100–200 thousand dollars). When buying, check the car's history - many examples have been repainted or modified, which reduces their value.

Technically H150 was ahead of its time: in addition to the V8, the model was equipped power steering, automatic transmission (3-speed) and disc brakes on all wheels - a rarity for Japanese cars of the 1960s. However, due to the weight of 1.8 tons, the dynamics left much to be desired: acceleration to 100 km/h took about 14 seconds.

1973–1990: Oil crisis era and second generation (H250)

Second generation President debuted at the height of the 1973 oil crisis, forcing engineers Nissan reconsider the flagship concept. Model H250 became more compact (length was reduced to 4.9 m), but retained the key features of luxury:

• 🛢️ New V8 4.4 l (VH45DE) with electronic fuel injection - power increased to 200 hp, and fuel consumption decreased.
• 🔄 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive, improving efficiency.
• 🎚️ Air suspension on the rear axle for a smooth ride.
• 🔐 Central lock And electric windows — innovations for that time.

Despite the crisis, President H250 remained a status symbol. It was bought mainly by the heads of large corporations and government officials. For example, the Prime Minister of Japan Yasuhiro Nakasone used an armored version of this model in the 1980s. Externally, the car was distinguished by strict lines and a massive radiator grille, which became the hallmark of all subsequent generations.

In the 1980s President has achieved cult status among Japanese "yakuza". Crime bosses preferred black models with tinted windows - such a car demonstrated power and influence. This gave the model a bad name, but at the same time strengthened its image as “a car for those who have achieved success.”

Parameter	H150 (1965–1973)	H250 (1973–1990)
Engine	V8 4.0 l (165 hp)	V8 4.4 l (200 hp)
Gearbox	3-automatic	4-automatic
Length, mm	5 200	4 900
Max. speed, km/h	180	200
Price (yen, 1970s)	~2.5 million	~3.8 million

1990–2002: Peak Technology - Third Generation (PG50)

Third generation Nissan President (PG50) became the most technologically advanced in the entire history of the model. Having debuted in 1990, it embodied all the achievements of Japanese engineering of that time:

• 🤖 The first Japanese sedan with all-wheel drive (ATTESA E-TS) - a system later used in Nissan Skyline GT-R.
• 🎛️ Electronically controlled suspension with a choice of hardness modes.
• 🔊 Bose audio system with 10 speakers - a rarity for the early 1990s.
• 🚀 V8 4.5 l twin-turbo (VH45DETT) with a power of 280 hp. - limited version for enthusiasts.

Design PG50 developed under the guidance Shiro Nakamura, legendary designer Nissan, who also created 300ZX (Z32) And Skyline R32. The car received a more streamlined shape, but retained a massive radiator grille and chrome elements that emphasize premium quality. The interior was trimmed with natural wood Japanese cedar and premium leather.

The version stands apart President Limousine — an extended modification with a partition between the passenger and driver compartments. These cars were commissioned for official events, and today they are among the most coveted exhibits for collectors. For example, in 2019, at an auction in Tokyo, such a copy was sold for 45 million yen (about 320 thousand dollars).

2002–2010: Decline of an era - fourth generation (F50) and discontinuation of production

Fourth and final generation Nissan President (F50) debuted in 2002 in the wake of the merger Nissan And Renault. The model became the most compact in history (length 5.05 m) and lost the V8 engine - instead it was installed V6 3.5 l (VQ35DE) with a power of 280 hp, borrowed from Nissan Cima.

Main features F50:

• 🔄 CVT - first attempt Nissan implement it in a premium sedan.
• 🛡️ Collision avoidance system (IBS) - innovation for the early 2000s.
• 📱 Multimedia system with navigation and rear monitors.
• 💔 Last year of production — 2010, when the model was officially removed from the assembly line.

Reasons for discontinuation of production President:

1. Decline in demand on large sedans in Japan due to stricter environmental regulations.
2. Competition with more affordable models such as Nissan Fuga (export version - Infiniti M).
3. Brand strategy: Nissan decided to focus on crossovers and electric vehicles (for example, Leaf).

⚠️ Attention: President F50 with mileage it often suffers from problems with the variator. If you're considering a purchase, be sure to check the service history and condition of the transmission fluid. A CVT repair can cost between $3,000 and $5,000.

Last Nissan President rolled off the assembly line in June 2010. In just 45 years, about 50,000 copies - extremely small by the standards of mass production. Today the model has become a cult among fans JDM (Japanese Domestic Market), and its price on the secondary market is growing steadily.

Technical features that made President unique

Nissan President has always been distinguished by its innovations, many of which later appeared in other models of the brand. Let's look at the key technical solutions:

Engines: from the first V8 to turbocharged monsters

Over the history of the model, five main power units were used:

• 🔥 Y40 (1965–1973) - first V8 Nissan, 4.0 l, 165 hp
• ⚡ VH45DE (1990–2002) - 4.5 l, 260–280 hp, aluminum block.
• 💨 VH45DETT (1990–1997) - twin-turbo version, 280 hp. (limited by "gentlemen's agreement").
• 🔄 VQ35DE (2002–2010) - V6 3.5 l, 280 hp, borrowed from Nissan 350Z.

It's interesting that the version VH45DETT was developed jointly with Nismo and had reinforced transmission, but due to the high cost, it was released in less than 500 copies. Today, such cars are considered “black sheep” and are valued at 100–150 thousand dollars.

Transmission and suspension: innovation with an eye on comfort

President has always been famous for its smooth ride. To do this, engineers used:

• 🔧 Air suspension (since 1973) with automatic clearance control.
• 🔄 ATTESA all-wheel drive system (in PG50), similar Skyline GT-R.
• 🛞 Adaptive dampers with electronic control (since 1990).

Fun fact: pendant President H250 was developed taking into account Japanese roads, where there are frequent bumps due to earthquakes. Therefore, its resource exceeded standard indicators by 1.5–2 times.

Why is President PG50 considered the best for tuning?

Engine version VH45DETT has the potential to increase power to 400+ hp. without major modifications to the block. Popular modifications include replacing turbines with Garrett GT28, installing a larger intercooler and reflashing the ECU. However, original parts (e.g. turbines) IHI) are extremely rare and expensive today.

Safety: ahead of its time

President often became a testing ground for new security systems:

• 🛡️ ABS appeared in the 1980s, when most cars were not equipped with it.
• 🚨 Traction control system (TCS) debuted in PG50 in 1990.
• 👁️ Rear view cameras (since 2002) - a rarity for that time.

In 1995 President PG50 became the first Japanese car to pass crash test according to European standards and received high marks for passive safety.

President in culture: from the emperor to the silver screen

Nissan President It's not just a car - it's part of Japanese culture. He can be seen in different guises:

Official transport of the Emperor and Prime Ministers

From 1967 to 2006 President used as ceremonial car of the imperial family. For example, the emperor Akihito drove an armored version H250 during official visits. Interestingly, these cars were never sold - after being written off, they were transferred to museums or disposed of to avoid falling into private hands.

Also President was the work machine of several Japanese prime ministers, including Junichiro Koizumi (2001–2006). Its black PG50 with the national flag became a symbol of the era.

In cinema and anime

Due to associations with power and luxury, President often appeared in Japanese films and TV series:

• 🎬 "Battle Royal" (2000) - black H250 used as the program director's machine.
• 🎭 "The Player" (1998) — the main character rides a PG50 as a symbol of success.
• 🎮 Series of games "Yakuza" — President often seen as the antagonist's car.

In anime, the model is associated with "bossed yakuza". For example, in "GTO" (1999) the main villain walks on black H250 with tinted windows.

Collectible value today

Today Nissan President is an investment asset. Prices for rare specimens increase by 10–15% annually. The most popular versions:

• 💎 H150 (1965–1973) - original copies with documentation.
• 🔥 PG50 twin-turbo (1990–1997) - limited series.
• 🚗 F50 Limousine (2002–2010) - extended versions.

In 2023 at auction RM Sotheby’s President H150 1967 in perfect condition was sold for 520 thousand dollars - a record for a Japanese classic car.

How to buy a Nissan President today: tips for collectors

If you dream of becoming an owner Nissan President, here are the key points to pay attention to:

Where to look?

Main search sites:

• 🌏 Japanese auctions (USS Tokyo, Nagoya Auto Auction) - here are the most original copies.
• 🛒 Specialized JDM dealers (For example, JDM Buyer, Japanese Classic Car Centre).
• 📱 International venues: Bring a Trailer (USA), Mobile.de (Europe).

Cost depends on generation and condition:

• H150 (1965–1973) - from 80 thousand dollars (restoration project) to 500+ thousand (competition copy).
• PG50 twin-turbo — 50–100 thousand dollars.
• F50 — 20–40 thousand dollars (in good condition).

What to look for when purchasing?

Check service history (especially for PG50 And F50)|Inspect the body for corrosion (at H150 the sills often rot) | Check the operation of the air suspension (repairs cost 3–5 thousand dollars) | Make sure the engine and transmission are original (many PG50 lost turbines)|Check the condition of the electrical wiring (a problem with all old Japanese cars)-->

Pay special attention to the following nuances:

• 🔧 Engine VH45DETT: Check compression and condition of turbines. Original turbines IHI They last 150–200 thousand km, after which they require replacement.
• 🔋 Electronics: in F50 Climate and multimedia control units often fail.
• 🛡️ Body: y H150 And H250 check the condition of the frame - rust may be hidden under a layer of putty.

If you buy a car abroad, consider the cost of delivery and customs clearance. For example, import President to Russia will cost 30–50% of the cost of the car due to high duties on cars older than 7 years.

Restoration and tuning

Restoration President - an expensive pleasure. Here are the estimated prices for the work:

Type of work	Cost (USD)	Notes
Major renovation VH45DE	8 000–12 000	Includes replacement of piston rings, bearings, timing chain
Air suspension replacement	4 000–6 000	Original shock absorbers cost ~1,500 USD per piece
Full body painting	10 000–15 000	The original color "President Black" is difficult to match
Interior restoration (leather + wood)	5 000–8 000	Natural wood is restored by hand

The following modifications are popular for tuning:

• 🔥 Installation turbo kita on VQ35DE (for F50) - adds 80–100 hp.
• 🎵 Modernization audio systems (replacement of original Bose to modern Focal).
• 🖥️ Installation digital dashboard (for example, from Nissan GT-R R35).

⚠️ Attention: When tuning President PG50 with engine VH45DETT Avoid cheap Chinese turbines - they often fail after 10-20 thousand km. Optimal choice: Garrett GT2860 or IHI VF34 (original).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Nissan President

How many Nissan Presidents were produced?

Over 45 years of production (1965–2010), approximately 50,000 copies of all generations. There are no exact data, since some of the cars were assembled by hand according to individual orders.

Why did Nissan stop producing the President?

Main reasons:

1. Decline in demand for large sedans in Japan due to stricter environmental regulations.
2. Competition with more affordable models (Nissan Fuga, Infiniti M).
3. Strategic shift Nissan towards crossovers and electric vehicles.

The last copy rolled off the assembly line in June 2010.

Which Nissan President model is the rarest?

The rarest are:

• H150 (1965–1973) — less than 500 copies have survived.
• PG50 twin-turbo (1990–1997) — about 500 pieces were produced.
• F50 Limousine (2002–2010) — extended versions for VIP clients.

Prices for these models start from 100 thousand dollars and can reach 500+ thousand for perfect specimens.

Is it possible to legally import a Nissan President into Russia?

Yes, but it comes with difficulties:

• Cars older than 5 years are subject to increased duties (up to 54% of the cost).
• Required vehicle type approval (VTA), which is difficult for rare models.
• For H150 And H250 Re-equipment to modern standards may be required (for example, installation of a catalyst).

Legal import will cost 30–50% of the cost of the car.

What alternatives to the Nissan President are there?

If you are looking for a Japanese premium sedan of a similar class, pay attention to:

• Toyota Century - main competitor, also used by the imperial family.
• Mitsubishi Debonair - less luxurious, but with an interesting design.
• Nissan Cima (Infiniti Q45 for export) is a more affordable alternative.
• Lexus LS 400 (1989–1994) - the first Japanese sedan to challenge Mercedes S-Class.

However, none of these models has such historical value as President.