Yes, yes, we’ve already seen this model. Twice, in fact. But you know what, I’ve grown quite fond of these and the other week this I found this one, an unmolested high-trim example with stock wheels, on a bright and sunny day. Sheer perfection. So I’m afraid it left me no option. We’re going to visit the last Cedric / Gloria wagon again.
I’m not going to go through the whole history again, then. This is a quick post where the photos will do most of the talking. Just to say that the Y30 saloon / hardtop / wagon appeared in 1983, but the 4-door cars switched to a new platform in 1987, leaving the live axle wagon in a state of blissful arrested development until 1999.
Changes from one year to the next were few and infrequent, so I’m not at all sure when this one was made. The one thing that marks a later car is the third brake light, which the Y30 Cedric / Gloria got in early 1994 and is here. So this is a later wagon, like both of the ones I photographed before, but it has (as we shall see) the pre-’96 flat steering wheel (sans airbag), so it should be a 1994-95.
If the hubcaps are any indication, this seems to be the top-of-the-line “SGL” wagon, albeit without the faux wood on the side as well as the tailgate. But that’s not a biggie for me – I can take the faux wood or leave it in the fauxrest. By the early ‘90s, all Y30 vans and wagons came with the 115hp 2-litre V6; Diesels are rare.
I hadn’t been able to capture the interior in my previous Y30 wagon posts, so allow me to make amends. Some had a column change, different colour schemes and all that, but by and large, this is what you got. This plush deluxe version is fully kitted, complete with corduroy fabric, three ‘70s-TV-style dials for the climate control and, joy of joys, a tape deck. Nissan obviously never got the memo about it being the ‘90s.
I don’t know if it’s the T-Bird-esque hood ornament, the generous inlays of “wood” trim in the cabin, the overall mini-American wagon feel of the thing, or just finding this one on a very nice summer day, but this Gloria really hits the spot. I’d be hard pressed to think of another mid-‘90s wagon that I would find more attractive. So please forgive this surfeit – three posts in six months! – of Gloria wagons. It’s the last one, I promise. Until the next one, of course.
Related posts:
Curbside Classic: 1995 Nissan Gloria (Y30) Wagon – Nissanosaurus Rex, by T87
Such an old fashioned wagon, still made in 1994 and even 1999. Respect.
Great findings / articles Tatra, keep them coming. Even if it is about cars I do not like much (like this one).
I love it! I wish that it had the mirrors mounted on the front quarter-panels.
Very yummy. Odd that only the hatch has di-noc though. Reminds me of the Maxima wagon we had here in the states
The wood panel kills me! A subtle homage to the wagons of yore…
The rear “Woody Panel” is standard on this model, but the sides were optional. It sure does seem odd for the rear to be standard.
This may be the best one yet, I especially like the wood on the rear hatch only for some reason. And that must be peak-plush interior, so sumptuous! You know how much I like the Mark II/Cresta/Cressida but this is just as good and (heresy) may even be better due to its greater rarity.
What caught my eye was the century 21 real estate sign.
You just don’t think of an American real estate company selling property in Japan.
Franchising American brands was very common in Japan. There’s a number of American franchised brands still going in Japan despite being dead in the US, like ToysRUS. And that’s what Century 21 is, like most real estate brands: a franchiser.
Favorite: Mister Donut. I can’t remember them here, but that logotype gives me nostalgic feels.
Not related to this excellent Gloria, but here’s our local Mister Donut (Fairfax, VA) from 1984, with some CC’s thrown in as a bonus:
Likewise, we’ve got C21 here in NZ too, but they’re not a big part of the market, which is dominated by NZ or Australian brands.
Tower Records Japan is also still going strong decades after the demise of its US counterpart; its ownership is independent of the American company.
Yahoo! Japan is also going quite strong, too.
What’s also interesting is that Century 21 sign refers to leasing monthly parking. In a crowded metropolis like Tokyo, parking is in short supply and priced accordingly.
Love it! Thanks.
I like it too but think I prefer the contemporary Toyota wagons.
This one is a V-6. I think the competing Toyotas were generally straight sixes. Did Japanese preference for one type engine over the other make any difference in the market?
My choice would be an inline six and I also seem more attracted to the Toyota interior/dash design and materials. Lots of wagons to look at on the Duncan Imports site.
The V6 in question is the 2L version of the VG engine which was (and is) an excellent powerplant. Never liked V6s ’til I got a Nissan with the VG30. Still got 3 lumps sitting in the shop, one of which is a VG30ET out of an ’84 300ZX turbo. And yes, it’s going into something.
Daniel Stern’s comment in the previous article about the availability of left-hand drive Cedric and Gloria. I posted the response…
Yes, Y30 Cedric was available in left-hand-drive for China and Taiwan if you know their local names: Yunbao YB6470 (China) and Yue Loong Cedric 811/830 (Taiwan).
I’m always struck by how these basically look like a miniature version of an American car. From the side view, just cover up the front and and at first glanse you’d almost think you were looking at a big GM wagon.
Whew, I’m glad they put a WAGON callout on the tailgate. I wouldn’t’ve known, otherwise.
Considering Japan has called low-trim commercial oriented wagons as “van” vs. “wagon” specifically since 60 odd years ago, Yes. There is a reason. It formally announces your employer isn’t paying for it.
That is a beauty….and in great shape. Looks like its been given lots of TLC.