Street Sighting ~ Datsun Stanza

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I'm not quite sure where my affinity for the Datsun Stanza came from, maybe the yellow SSS colour scheme? Or maybe because it's boxy and the last of the dattos?

http://www.cornerstories.au

So seeing one, "gettin about" meant obligatory photo taking.

http://www.cornerstories.auhttp://www.cornerstories.auhttp://www.cornerstories.auhttp://www.cornerstories.au
http://www.cornerstories.au

While the tease images of the car might indicate otherwise, what I actually like the most about the Stanza model - is that it lacks character. 

That makes it fun to write about. It both separates this specific car from its brethren and gives me a chance to add character.  

For example while it's (reliable) jap crap, the Stanza was actually assembled in Australia. These are the result of the old fella in  front of you in the line at the bakery clockin in to make a living. 

They were also the end of the line when it came to Dattos like the 180b, 1600, Bluebird etc. Nissan branding strategy would have its own connotations. 

http://www.cornerstories.au

A lack of character can be good with the notion of a blank canvas. 

These are not great cars, not massively adored, don't handle exceptionally, aren't very quick, or even culturally that significant. But that's nice. It means you can make the car your own. Throw some 80's SAAS seats innit, give it a sporty steering wheel, find some jelly beans or superlites 4it, foggies, springz, Webbers, and go pummel it through the Adelaide hills. Find some quiet dirt roads to play with.

http://www.cornerstories.auhttp://www.cornerstories.auhttp://www.cornerstories.au

The thing about car ownership is, it isn't about having your name on the paper-work and the car in the garage. It's what you do with a car that defines ownership - whether that's make the car look cool, go faster, sound great, restore it, lovingly maintain it. But above all you have to drive it. Ferry your friends to the pub, take the missus out, chase your mates (responsibly) through some hills roads. People encode personality into cars and that's what makes them influential. We invent competition, display, style, marketing, purpose. 

Even though this Stanza is pretty ruff, it's driven. It has the character to show it's lived a life. Not sold? Fair enough. Maybe check out this one featured on Speedhunters HERE. 

After all it's the kinda car you drew as a kid after discovering a ruler. 

 

Adelaide based. No real consistency just yarns, plain and simple.

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