Nissan Cedric: complete collection of photos of all generations (1960–2004)

Nissan Cedric is a legendary sedan that has defined the standards of the Japanese automobile industry for 44 years. From the humble 1960s family car to the V8-powered luxury limousine, this model has gone from budget transport to status symbol. In the article you will find unique photos of all 11 generations, including rare modifications, factory prototypes and examples with mileage less than 10,000 km.

We have collected not only standard press releases, but also archival images from Nissan plants in Yokohama and Oppama, where the first gathered Cedric 30. Particular attention was paid to the “golden age” of the model - the 1980s–1990s, when the car competed with Toyota Crown for the title of best Japanese premium sedan. For collectors, there are photos of original catalogs, brochures and even advertising posters from that era.

1. Photos of the first generation (1960–1965): how the legend began

Debut Nissan Cedric 30 appeared in January 1960 as a response to the success Toyota Crown. The car was equipped with a 1.5-liter engine G-1 55 hp and cost the equivalent of 800,000 yen - the price of an average house in Tokyo at that time. The photo below shows one of the first production examples with a body sedan (P30), preserved in the Nissan Museum:

Features of the first Cedricwhich are visible in the photo:

• 🔹 Chrome radiator grille with vertical slats - a trademark of the model until the 1970s
• 🔹 Tail lights in the style of American cars (inspiration from Chevrolet Bel Air)
• 🔹 Gear shift knob on the steering column - an option for taxi drivers
• 🔹 Bumpers with "fangs" - a design solution that was abandoned already in the second generation

The second photo shows a rare modification Cedric 30 Van (van), produced in an edition of only 1,200 copies. These machines were used by the Japanese Postal Service until the mid-1970s:

⚠️ Attention: Upon purchase Cedric 30 on the secondary market, check the body number - many cars, after being written off, were converted into “replicas” of later models, replacing the front part. Original parts (for example, headlights with chrome rims) today cost up to $1,500 apiece.

2. Cedric 130 (1965–1971): revolution with 2.0L engine

Second generation Nissan Cedric 130 became the first Japanese sedan with a 2-liter engine (H20, 96 hp). The photo below shows a 1967 model in its original paint job. «Midnight Blue», which was only available for the version Special Deluxe:

Key changes in appearance noticeable in the photo:

• 🔹 Rectangular headlights instead of round (for the first time in the history of the model)
• 🔹 Long wheelbase (+100 mm compared to P30)
• 🔹 New radiator grille with horizontal slats (inspired by Ford Galaxie)
• 🔹 Tail lights with chrome trim (designer - Shinichiro Sakurai)

In the next photo - Cedric 130 Wagon (station wagon), which was produced exclusively for the Japanese domestic market. A total of 8,432 copies were produced:

Modification	Engine	Power (hp)	Transmission	Price in 1968 (yen)
Standard (P130)	H20 2.0L	96	4-st. Manual transmission	890 000
Deluxe (P130-D)	H20 2.0L	96	3-st. Automatic transmission	1 050 000
Special Deluxe (P130-S)	H20 2.0L	105	4-st. Automatic transmission	1 280 000
Wagon (VP130)	H20 2.0L	96	4-st. Manual transmission	980 000

Interesting fact: Cedric 130 became the first Nissan to be officially exported to Europe. The photo below is an advertising poster for the Dutch market (1969), where the car was positioned as “Japanese” Mercedes-Benz»:

3. Cedric 230/330 (1971–1979): the era of the “Japanese Muscle Car”

Third generation Nissan Cedric became a real breakthrough: V6 engines, disc brakes on all wheels and the first all-wheel drive version in the history of the model (1973). In the photo below - Cedric 230 GT-X with engine L24 (2.4L, 130 hp), which accelerated the car to 180 km/h:

This generation is remembered:

• 🔹 Aggressive design with recessed headlights (inspired by Dodge Challenger)
• 🔹 Sports versions GT-X And SSS (the latter was developed with the participation of Prince Motor Company)
• 🔹 First in Japan serial engine with electronic injection (L28E, 1975)
• 🔹 Export versions for Australia called Nissan 240C

In the next photo - Cedric 330 (1975–1979) in the back hardtop (without central pillar). This modification cost 30% more than a standard sedan and was equipped with a leather interior from Nissan President:

⚠️ Attention: Upon purchase Cedric 230/330 with engines L24/L26/L28 be sure to check the condition of the timing chain - its resource is 80,000–100,000 km. An open circuit on these engines leads to bent valves and major repairs (cost ~$3,000).

Photos of original brochures of that time are of particular value to collectors. The picture below shows the 1974 catalog page with technical specifications Cedric 230 SGL (taxi version):

Condition of the timing chain (listen at idle)|Oil leaks from the rear crankshaft oil seal|Carburetor performance (a common problem is clogged jets)|Condition of chrome parts (corrosion under the varnish)|Presence of original nameplates on the body-->

4. Cedric 430 (1979–1983): transition to the premium segment

Fourth generation Nissan Cedric 430 marked a change in positioning: from a “people’s” sedan, the model turned into a competitor Toyota Crown Majesta. The photo below is the top version 430 SGX with engine V8 (VH41) with a volume of 4.1 liters (200 hp), which was installed only on cars for Nissan senior management:

Distinctive Features Cedric 430, visible in the photo:

• 🔹 Square headlights (for the first time in the history of the model)
• 🔹 Chrome bumpers with rubber pads (safety requirement)
• 🔹 Digital dashboard (optional for version SGX)
• 🔹 Electronic injection system ECCS (analogue Bosch L-Jetronic)

In the next photo - Cedric 430 Wagon in a rare configuration Super Customwhich included:

• 🔹Dual zone climate control
• 🔹 Electric seats with memory
• 🔹 System Nissan Sonar Suspension (predecessor of adaptive suspension)

Engine	Volume (l)	Power (hp)	Features	Years of manufacture
L20B	2.0	115	Carburetor, taxi version	1979–1983
L24E	2.4	135	Electronic injection, export	1979–1983
LD28	2.8	95	Diesel, rare option	1981–1983
VH41	4.1	200	V8, SGX only	1980–1983

In the last photo of this section - Cedric 430 in the back limousine, released in an edition of 12 copies for government needs. Machine length - 5.8 meters:

5. Cedric Y30/Y31 (1983–1991): peak of popularity and rare modifications

Fifth generation Nissan Cedric became the most widespread: over 8 years more than 1.2 million copies were produced. In the photo below - Cedric Y30 Turbo with engine RB20ET (180 hp), which accelerated the car to 200 km/h:

This generation is remembered:

• 🔹 First in Japan serial turbodiesel (RD28T, 115 hp)
• 🔹 Sports version Cedric 4Door Hardtop (body PY30)
• 🔹 Export versions for the USA called Nissan 300C
• 🔹 System HICAS (rear steering, option for SGX)

In the next photo - Cedric Y31 (1987–1991) in the back station wagon, which was the last in the history of the model. A total of 14,321 copies were produced:

Features Y31which are visible in the photo:

• 🔹 New radiator grille with vertical slats (throwback to 1960s style)
• 🔹 Wing on the trunk lid (optional for turbo versions)
• 🔹 Digital dashboard with LCD display (in version SGX)

⚠️ Attention: Upon purchase Cedric Y30/Y31 with turbo engines RB20ET/RB25DE check the condition of the intercooler - its corrosion leads to oil leaks into the charging system. Replacement costs $1,200–$1,500.

In the last photo of this section - Cedric Y31 in a rare configuration Royal Touringwhich included:

• 🔹 Leather interior with wooden inserts from Nissan Cima
• 🔹 System Bose Acoustic Wave (10 speakers)
• 🔹 Electronic speed limiter (180 km/h)

How to distinguish the original Cedric Y31 from a replica?

On original cars, the body number is stamped on the right windshield pillar (under the seal). On replicas there are often broken numbers with errors in the font. Also pay attention to the glass markings - the originals have the engraving "ASahi Glass" in the lower left corner.

6. Cedric Y32/Y33/Y34 (1991–2004): the end of an era

Last three generations Nissan Cedric (Y32, Y33, Y34) were produced in parallel with Nissan Gloria and differed only in the design of the front part. In the photo below - Cedric Y34 (1999–2004) version 300GT with engine VQ30DET (260 hp):

Features of the latter Cedric:

• 🔹 First ever Nissan with 5-speed automatic transmission (RE5R01A)
• 🔹 All-wheel drive system ATTESA E-TS (analogue from Skyline GT-R)
• 🔹 Last year of issue - June 2004 (total sold 12,432 copies Y34)

In the next photo - Cedric Y32 (1991–1995) in the back hardtop, which became the basis for Japanese police cars:

Generation	Years	Top engine	Power (hp)	Rare option
Y32	1991–1995	VH45DE V8	270	Air suspension
Y33	1995–1999	RB26DETT	280*	System 4WS
Y34	1999–2004	VQ30DET	260	Adaptive cruise control

*Power RB26DETT artificially limited by the "gentlemen's agreement" of Japanese automakers.

In the last photo - Cedric Y34 in version Brougham VIP, which became the prototype for Nissan Fuga. This machine was equipped with:

• 🔹 Rear seat with massage function
• 🔹 By the system CarWings (predecessor NissanConnect)
• 🔹 Ceramic brake discs

Where can I find original photos and documentation?

If you are looking for high quality pictures Nissan Cedric for restoration or collection, we recommend the following sources:

• 🔹 Nissan Heritage Collection Archive (Yokohama) - more than 10,000 digitized photos and drawings. Access upon request: heritage@nissan-global.com
• 🔹 Japanese auctions (USS Auction, Japan Auto Auction) - catalogs with photos of cars with mileage less than 50,000 km
• 🔹 Facebook groups: “Nissan Cedric & Gloria Enthusiasts” (over 12,000 participants)
• 🔹 Japanese forums: Nissan Fan Club Japan (www.nissan-fan.jp)

To verify the authenticity of the photo, use EXIF data (especially parameters DateTimeOriginal And Camera Model). Many archival images of Nissan were taken with cameras. Nikon F2 with lenses Nikkor 50mm f/1.4.

⚠️ Attention: eBay and other sites often sell “unique” photos Cedric, which are actually scans from catalogs from the 1980s and 1990s. Original negatives (if preserved) cost from $200 each.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Nissan Cedric photos

Where can I download high resolution photos of Cedric for printing?

The official Nissan archives provide images in resolutions up to 6000x4000 pixels. To access you need to send a request to heritage@nissan-global.com indicating the vehicle's VIN number (if any). Alternative - Japanese site Old Car Manuals (www.oldcarmanuals.com), where digitized catalogs are sold for $15–$30.

How to distinguish Cedric from Gloria from a photo?

Main differences:

• 🔹 Cedric has vertical slats on the radiator grille, and Gloria — horizontal.
• 🔹 Tail lights Cedric rectangular (until 1991), Gloria - with rounded corners.
• 🔹 On Cedric Y32/Y33 the emblem on the hood is located on the left, on Gloria - in the center.

What are the rarest photos of Cedric in existence?

Top 5 rarities:

1. 🥇 Cedric 30 Cabriolet (1961, 3 copies produced)
2. 🥈 Cedric 230 Police Interceptor (1973, engine L28 160 hp)
3. 🥉 Cedric 430 Limousine (1982, extended by 1.2 m)
4. 4. Cedric Y31 NISMO (1990, 500 units produced)
5. 5. Cedric Y34 Brougham VIP (2002, last episode)

Photos of these models can be found in the Nissan Museum (Yokohama) or at auctions Bring a Trailer.

How to take high-quality photos of your Cedric for sale?

Recommendations:

• 🔹 Use polarizing filter for shooting chrome parts.
• 🔹 Take pictures of the car in the shade or in cloudy weather (avoid glare).
• 🔹 Shoot VIN number and a body data plate (customers appreciate this).
• 🔹 For salon use external flash with diffuser.

Examples of good angles: 3/4 from the front, top view (from the stairs), interior details (steering wheel, dashboard).

Is it possible to use photos of Cedric from the Internet for commercial purposes?

Legal nuances:

• 🔹 Photo before 1970 usually free of copyright (public domain).
• 🔹 Pictures after 1970 protected by copyright (for a period of 70 years after the death of the author).
• 🔹 For commercial use you need written permission from Nissan or the photographer.
• 🔹 The exception is photos from auctions (for example, eBay), where the rules indicate "All images are copyrighted".

For safe use, look for licensed images Creative Commons CC-BY (for example, on Flickr or Wikimedia Commons).