Datsun's Escort Answer

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Datsun's Escort Answer

Modern Motor magazine July 1970

Introduction

DATSUN'S ESCORT ANSWER Datsun has some powerful new ammo with which to do battle in the fierce small car market, reports Barry Cooke Datsun Australia has been swift to reply to the threatposed by Ford's recent introduction of the Escort. The Japanese company has just announced details of its new 1200 range of small cars that competes head on with the Escort. They replace the Datsun 1000 series. The new car is a complete revision, having not only a new body, but an enlarged enine -- up from just under 1000cc to 1171cc. In introducing the new model,Datsun has rationalised its small-car range somewhat. The new 1200 is available in four door sedan, five door wagon, and two door coupe forms. All share identical specification. Prices are coupe -- $2298; four-door standard/deluxe $1885/1998; five-door $2115. Automatic transmission is available on the four-door only, and costs an extra $222. The coupe and wagon are fully imported, but the sedan is assembled in both Sydney and Melbourne. Specification The new engine has a bore of 73 mm and a stroke of 70 mm, for a capacity of 1171cc. It develops 69 bhp at 6000 rpm, and 70 lb. ft. of torque at 3600 rpm. The old engine developed 62 bhp. A five-bearing crankshaft is a feature of the new unit. Transmission is a floor-change four-speed all-synchro manual as standard, and as already mentioned a three-speed automatic is optional. The auto uses a floor mounted T-bar shift lever. Manual transmission ratios are 3.76, 2.17, 1.40 and 1.00. Final drive is 3.90 -- rather tall for an 1200cc motor car. Suspension is independent at the front with coil spring/telescopic shock absorber struts, tension rods and a stabiliser. At the rear a rigid axle is

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