Datsun Cherry Price Guide

The Datsun Cherry was Datsun’s first front-wheel-drive car sold in the UK. It came in the guise of a supermini that preceded most European front-wheel-drive competitors, using a transverse 988cc or 1,171cc engine in a three-door or five-door hatchback body. The Cherry arrived at an ideal moment, offering the packaging efficiency of front-wheel drive when buyers were just beginning to understand its advantages.

The Car

The N10 Cherry launched in the UK in 1975 with the 988cc and 1,171cc A-series engines. The five-door body was available from launch, which was unusual in the supermini class. The 1.2-litre five-door Cherry F-II was the UK bestseller. A 1.0-litre version provided the most economical option. In Japan the Cherry was also available as a coupe with more sporting specification. The Cherry was replaced by the Nissan Micra in 1982 when Datsun began transitioning to the Nissan name.

Buying

Any surviving Cherry is a rare period piece. Rust is severe on virtually all survivors. The Cherry’s primary interest is historical as it represents the moment Japanese front-wheel-drive cars arrived in the UK mainstream.