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Datsun 1200 sold in the U.S.A. were subject to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). These standards are administered by the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). These rules can explain in part why 1200s sold in north american differ from those sold in other markets.
FMVSS is still in effect. If you try to import a car into the USA, it must meet the standards in effect at the year of manufacture. However, cars over 25 years old can be granted a waiver from meeting the standards.
For the official word, see http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/import/FMVSS/index.html
Datsun 1200s sold in Canada had to meet the equivalent standards of Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (CMVSS) which are for the most part very similar.
Following is a partial description of some Standards.
CRASH AVOIDANCE
- 68-01 Standard No. 101 Controls and Displays
- essential controls be located within reach of the driver when the driver is restrained by a lap belt and upper torso restraint, and that certain controls mounted on the instrument panel be identified
- 72-01 Standard No. 101 Controls and Displays
- All manually operated controls must be identified by words
- 72-09 Standard No. 101 Controls and Displays
- identification of essential controls and displays must be illuminated whenever the headlamps are lit (Except for foot-operated controls or manually operated controls mounted on the steering column)
- 68-01 Standard No. 102 Transmission Shift Lever Sequence, Starter Interlock, and Transmission Braking Effect
- Standard No. 103 Windshield Defrosting and Defogging Systems
- Standard No. 104 Windshield Wiping and Washing Systems
- 68-01 Standard No. 105 Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems
- 68-01 Standard No. 106 Brake Hoses performance and labeling
- 69-01 Standard No. 108 Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment
- 68-01 Standard No. 109 New Pneumatic Tires for Passenger Cars
- the famous "DOT" approved tire standard
- 68-04 Standard No. 110 Tire Selection and Rims for Passenger Cars
- include placard requirements
- 68-01 Standard No. 111 Rearview Mirrors
- 69-01 Standard No. 113 Hood Latch System
- requires double-latch for the hood
- 70-01 Standard No. 114 Theft Protection
- 68-01 Standard No. 116 Motor Vehicle Brake Fluids
- 73-01 Standard No. 124 Accelerator Control Systems
- requires the return of a vehicle's throttle to the idle position
- 74-01 Standard No. 125 Warning Devices
CRASHWORTHINESS
- 68-01 No. 201 Occupant Protection in Interior Impact
- requirements for instrument panels, seat backs, sun visors, and arm rests. interior compartment doors are required to remain closed during a crash
- 69-01 No. 202 Head Restraint
- 68-01 No. 203 Impact Protection for the Driver from the Steering Control System
- All american Datsun 1200s are fitted with collapsing steering column
- 68-01 No. 204 Steering Control Rearward Displacement
- 68-01 No. 205 Glazing Materials