Nissan Gloria

This article incorporates information from the equivalent article on the Japanese Wikipedia.

Nissan Gloria

Class	Executive car
Manufacturer	Prince/Nissan
Also called	Prince Gloria Infiniti M45
Production	1959–2004
Successor	Nissan Fuga
Related	Nissan Cima Nissan Leopard Nissan Crew Nissan Cedric

The Gloria (Japanese: 日産・グロリア) is a large luxury car made from 1959 by the Prince Motor Company, and later by Nissan Motors since its merger with the former - hence being originally marketed as Prince Gloria and later as Nissan Gloria. Initially based on the smaller Prince Skyline, the Gloria line was merged with Nissan Cedric starting with 1971 models and both continued until 2004, when they were both replaced by Nissan Fuga.

Glorias were sold at Nissan Prince Shop dealerships that were formerly affiliated with the Prince company; when Nissan assumed operations, Glorias were sold along with the Nissan Skyline. The Prince G engine was used in the Gloria until 1969.

According to the article found in Japanese Wikipedia, the Gloria got its name as a tribute when the first series BSLI sedan was presented to the then Crown Prince Akihito, the future Emperor of Japan, and Princess Michiko as an anniversary gift after one year of marriage. The Prince Automotive Industry was the official vehicle supplier to the Imperial Household at that time, previously known as Fuji Precision Technology. It was inspired by the Latin word "Glory".

First generation BLSI

Prince Gloria BLSI

Production	1959-1963
Body style	4-door sedan
Layout	FR layout
Engine	Straight-4 1.9 L GB30
Transmission	4 speed manual
Wheelbase	2,535 mm (99.8 in)
Length	4,380 mm (172.4 in)
Width	1,675 mm (65.9 in)
Height	1,535 mm (60.4 in)
Curb weight	1,360 kg (3,000 lb)
Related	Prince Skyline

The Prince Automobile Manufacturers, previously known as Fuji Precision Industry, released a modification of their Prince Skyline with a more luxurious approach, and modified exterior sheet metal, at the All Japan Automobile Show, after the Tokyo Motor Show and the Skyline 1900 exhibition, in October 1958. In February 1959 the Gloria was released with the 1.9 L OHV 4 cylinder engine.

In April 1959, the Crown Prince and future Emperor of Japan was presented with the first Gloria.

For 1961 and 1962, Prince modified the Skyline with a larger 1.9 L engine and more luxury features. The GB-30 straight-4 produced 80 hp (60 kW).

The suspension used double wishbone and coil springs in the front, and De Dion setup in the back.

Second generation S40 and S44

Prince Gloria S40

Also called	Prince B200 PMC B200 Prince B250 PMC B250
Production	1962-1967
Body style	4-door sedan
Layout	FR layout
Engine	Straight-6 2.5 L G-11 Straight-6 2.0 L G-7 Straight-4 1.9 L G-2
Transmission	4 speed manual
Wheelbase	2,680 mm (105.5 in)
Length	4,650 mm (183.1 in)
Width	1,695 mm (66.7 in)
Height	1,480 mm (58.3 in)
Curb weight	1,295 kg (2,850 lb)
Related	Prince Skyline

Later that same year, Prince introduced the S40 Gloria. It was the first 6-cylinder Prince, offering an updated straight-4, the 94 hp (70 kW) 1.9 L G-2, or a straight-6 variant known as S41 Gloria 6. This new engine, called the G-7, produced 106 hp (79 kW) with a new SOHC head. The Gloria had an independent suspension in front and a de Dion tube in the back.

A prototype of the Second Generation Gloria had many design similarities to the Chevrolet Corvair, so the car was completely redesigned.

On October 1962 at the 9th All-Japan Auto show, the 2.5 L G-11 engine was presented.

On June 1963, the first mass produced SOHC 6 cylinder engine was introduced, known as the G7, and was installed in the Gloria Super 6, model S41D-1. The same engine was used in the Gloria 6 Estate and in a commercial delivery van called "Gloria 6 Wagon".

On May 1964, the Grand Gloria S44P was released. This vehicle included electric power windows and the 2.5 L engine.

The 2nd Japan Grand Prix T-IV class saw the G7B-R Gloria Super 6 engine win the race installed in a Skyline.

The S44 Gloria was available with the G-11 2500 cc engine. This was the first series that was no longer regarded as a compact sedan under Japanese vehicle classification regulations due to the engine displacement exceeding 2000  cc

Third generation A30

Nissan (Prince) Gloria A30

Production	1967-1971
Body style	4-door sedan/wagon
Layout	FR layout
Engine	Straight-6 2.5 L G-11 Straight-6 2.0 L G-7 Straight-4 2.0 L H20 Straight-6 2.0 L L20
Transmission	4 speed manual 3 speed automatic
Wheelbase	2,680 mm (105.5 in)
Length	4,690 mm (184.6 in)
Width	1,695 mm (66.7 in))
Height	1,445 mm (56.9 in)
Curb weight	1,295 kg (2,850 lb)
Related	Nissan Prince Royal

April 1967 saw a restyle of the bodywork, and all Prince vehicles were now known as Nissan (but the A30 Gloria was officially registered as "Prince" to the Government) . The former Prince company, now a division, was given the task of designing the Nissan Prince Royal, to be used by the Imperial Household, and presented a special version of the Gloria, which had a similar appearance to the previous Royal Prince. The styling of this generation was said to emulate Pontiacs and Cadillacs during the same time period. Vehicles designated as the Super Deluxe, the Super 6 and Van Deluxe had the 6 cylinder engine, whereas the Standard and Van Standard used the 4 cylinder engine. Later the Super Deluxe GL became the top trim level. Due to the Gloria and Cedric being combined to save on production costs, the De Dion axle previously used by the Prince Gloria was changed to the solid rear axle with leaf springs.

In 1971, the Gloria model was merged with its former competitor, the Nissan Cedric, to become the Nissan Gloria. This name was also used in some export markets instead of the Cedric or 260C moniker. The name continued in use through the latest Cedric model line.

After the S44 was the PA30 sedan and WA30 wagon, which were only available with either the G7 or G11 engines. Disc brakes for the front wheels were added to the options list.

The appearance of the A30 Gloria is very similar to the Nissan Prince Royal, built exclusively for the Emperor of Japan.

Fourth generation 230

Nissan Gloria 230

Also called	Nissan Cedric Yue Loong Victory 803 (TW)
Production	1971-1975
Assembly	Miaoli, Taiwan
Body style	2-door hardtop coupe 4-door hardtop/sedan/wagon
Layout	FR layout
Engine	2.6 L L26 Straight-6 2.0 L GB30 Straight-4 2.0 L SD20 Straight-4 diesel
Transmission	4 speed manual 5 speed manual 3 speed automatic
Wheelbase	2,680 mm (105.5 in)
Length	4,690 mm (184.6 in)
Width	1,690 mm (66.5 in))
Height	1,455 mm (57.3 in)
Curb weight	1,345 kg (2,970 lb)

Starting with this generation on February 1971, the Cedric and Gloria were essentially the same vehicle, with the Gloria being more upscale than the Cedric. The hood ornament is a stylized version of the Japanese Paper Crane (Orizuru). The primary differences are the hood, radiator grille, taillights and wheel covers.

The 4 cylinder is the H20 series OHV engine, with the 6 cylinder engine using the L20 twin carburetor, sourced from manufacturer SU carburetor. The H20P uses LPG for fuel, and the SD20 OHV is a diesel engine. The SD20 was the first time a diesel engine was offered in a Gloria.

October 1971 saw the 2.5 L L26 6 cylinder engine added to the options list.

On August 1972, both a 2-door hardtop coupe and 4-door hardtop was added, to compete with the Toyota Crown coupe.

Fifth generation 330

Nissan Gloria 330

Also called	Nissan Cedric
Production	1975-1979
Body style	2-door hardtop coupe 4-door hardtop/sedan/wagon/van
Layout	FR layout
Engine	2.8 L L28 Straight-6 2.0 L L20 Straight-6 2.0 L H20 Straight-4
Transmission	3 speed automatic 4 speed manual 5 speed manual
Wheelbase	2,690 mm (105.9 in)
Length	4,785 mm (188.4 in)
Width	1,705 mm (67.1 in))
Height	1,430 mm (56.3 in)
Curb weight	1,445 kg (3,190 lb)

This generation of the Gloria has been completely shared with the Cedric, essentially being the same vehicle, aside from changes in appearance. Halogen headlights are introduced to the Gloria, along with both a 2-door and 4-door hardtop body style, in addition to a 4-door sedan. Twin carburetors are removed from the L20 4 cylinder, due to emission regulations. The 2.8 L engine is replaced with the 2.6 L and used on the 4-door sedan for taxi usage, and uses LPG fuel.

October 1975 saw the introduction of the 2000GL-E and the 2000SGL-E, with the "E" designation signifying fuel injection.

June 1976 saw cosmetic changes, with halogen headlights being used on all versions except the sedan used for taxi service. Wheel covers are now painted to match the exterior body color.

June 1977 saw the introduction of the 2800 E Brougham at the top of the options list. The SD22 2.2 L diesel on the basic sedan and wagon, which was a first for the Gloria. Column shift is replaced with a floor mounted system on the 4-door hardtop.

November 1978 saw another emissions adjustment. Items found on the 2800 Brougham were introduced on the 2000 SGL-E sedan and hardtop. Radial tires are introduced.

Datsun 260C, 2 door coupe, right-hand drive.

Sixth generation 430

Nissan Gloria 430

Also called	Nissan Cedric Yue Loong Victory 2000 (TW) Yue Loong Victory 2400 (TW)
Production	1979-1983
Assembly	Miaoli, Taiwan
Body style	4-door hardtop/sedan/wagon/van
Layout	FR layout
Engine	2.8L L28E Straight-6 2.0L Turbo L20ET Straight-6 2.0L L20E Straight-6 2.0L L20S Straight-6 2.8L LD28 Straight-6 diesel 2.0L L20P Straight-4 LPG 2.0L Z20P Straight-4 LPG 2.2L SD22 Straight-4 diesel 2.0L SD20 Straight-4 diesel
Transmission	4 speed automatic 3 speed automatic 5 speed manual 4 speed manual
Wheelbase	2,690 mm (105.9 in)
Length	4,825 mm (190.0 in)
Width	1,715 mm (67.5 in))
Height	1,430 mm (56.3 in)
Curb weight	1,470 kg (3,200 lb)

June 1979 saw a completely redesigned Nissan Gloria with assistance with Pininfarina, with a more simple and straightforward appearance over the previous generation, and exchanging the single unit halogen headlights with 4 sealed beam headlight units, achieving a more American appearance, similar to the Buick Century during the same time period. Computer controlled fuel injection was added to more engines offered, with the "E" designation signifying fuel injection. The L20ET was the first usage of a turbo on Japanese production vehicles.

The 2-door hardtop coupe was discontinued and replaced with the luxury sports coupe Nissan Leopard.

Trim levels were expanded, and were designated the Brougham, SGL Extra, SGL, GL and the Jack Nicklaus edition which was very similar to the Brougham, which offered the turbo. Other trim levels were the Turbo S, S Custom, Custom Deluxe, Deluxe, Custom, and the Standard at the bottom. The diesel engine SD22 was offered in 1979 on the sedan GL and DX. The Standard SEdan and Van were discontinued April 1981. October 1979, the 6 cylinder LD28 diesel was added with the automatic transmission selector moved from column shift to a floor mounted system. December 1979 was when the first turbo L20ET was introduced,

February 1980 saw the LD28 6 cylinder offered with a 5 speed manual transmission installed with a floor mounted shifter, but leaving the column shift for the 4 speed manual transmission. Later in April of that same year the Turbo Brougham appeared with a 4 speed automatic transmission, floor mounted, to the 4-door hardtop model. A glass moonroof was also offered on the options list.

Seventh generation Y30

Nissan Gloria Y30

Also called	Nissan Cedric Yue Loong Victory 830 (TW) Yue Loong Victory 3000 (TW)
Production	1983-1987
Assembly	Miaoli, Taiwan
Body style	4-door hardtop/sedan/wagon/van
Layout	FR layout
Engine	3.0 L VG30ET V6 turbo 3.0 L VG30E V6 2.0 L VG20ET V6 turbo 2.0 L VG20E V6 2.0 L SD20S diesel Straight-4 2.8 L RD28 Straight-6 diesel
Transmission	4 speed automatic 4 speed manual 5 speed manual
Wheelbase	2,730 mm (107.5 in)
Length	4,690 mm (184.6 in)
Width	1,690 mm (66.5 in))
Height	1,435 mm (56.5 in)
Curb weight	1,440 kg (3,200 lb)

June 4, 1983 saw a major restyle of the previous generation for all versions of the Gloria. Sedans used for taxi service utilized four round headlights whereas other versions upgraded to European style halogen headlights.

The Straight-6 cylinder, which was used for many years, was upgraded to an all new V6 design, called the VG series engine. This was the first, mass production engine used in Japan, and used fuel injection instead of a carburetor for fuel delivery. The VG20ET was turbocharged, another first for Nissan in Japan. The diesel Straight-6 LD28 was also upgraded to the RD28 Straight-6 engine. The CA engine was built to run on LPG fuel and used for taxi service. The 6 cylinder L20P also ran on LPG. In June 1984 the VG30ET turbo V6 was introduced.

Trim levels offered were the Brougham, SGL, Grand Edition, GL Grand Edition, GL and the Standard. In June 1984 the Brougham VIP appeared as the top level car. The Jack Nicklaus special edition, introduced with the previous edition, was a sales success for the company and continued to be offered as a hardtop only with a turbocharged engine. Electronically modified air suspension appeared in June 1984.

On the 4-door hardtop, the front driver and passenger seat belt shoulder strap was connected at the top to the ceiling, however, the upper portion could be detached, with the shoulder strap resting on the driver's and passenger's shoulder so that rear passengers could have an unobstructed view from the rear seat without the seat belt hanging from the ceiling. The upper part would then swing up to the ceiling and could be fastened into place.

June 1985 saw mild exterior changes, with the biggest change being a variable nozzle for the VG20ET turbocharged engine. The LD28 diesel was replaced with the RD28. A sonic modified suspension system was added to the options list, with an upgrade to MacPherson Struts for the front and a rigid link coil suspension for the rear.

Eighth generation Y31

Main article : Nissan Gloria Y31

Nissan Gloria Y31

Also called	Nissan Cedric
Production	1987-1991 hardtop 1987-present sedan
Body style	4-door hardtop/sedan
Layout	FR layout
Engine	3.0 L Turbo VG30ET V6 3.0 L VG30 V6 2.0 L Turbo VG20DET V6 2.0 L VG20E V6 2.8 L RD28 Straight-6 diesel
Transmission	4 speed automatic 5 speed automatic 4 speed manual 5 speed manual
Wheelbase	2,735 mm (107.7 in)
Length	4,690 mm (184.6 in)
Width	1,695 mm (66.7 in))
Height	1,445 mm (56.9 in)
Curb weight	1,380 kg (3,000 lb)
Related	Nissan Cedric Y31 Nissan Crew Nissan Cima Y31 Nissan Leopard Y31 Nissan Cefiro A31

June 1987 saw a special-edition Gloria built for parade usage. The sedan remains with revised body appearance and is still in production currently. Private Glorias are now only available in 4-door hardtop guise. Engines available continue to be the newly developed VG series engine, with the VG20DET adding DOHC, another first for Nissan.

The 4 speed automatic transmission is now computer controlled for smoother shifts. The transmission now exclusively uses a floor mounted gearshifter, and a 5-speed manual transmission is still available. The rear suspension was upgraded to multi-link independent setup. Trim levels start with the VIP Brougham, Gran Tourismo, Classic SV, Classic and Super Custom. The Gran Turismo received more sport-oriented styling, adding a youthful appearance, which found new, younger, buyers.

The Gloria competed for buyers with related Nissan vehicles that shared platforms used for the Gloria, specifically, the Nissan Cima, Nissan Leopard and the Nissan Cedric, as well as other sport oriented vehicles, such as the Nissan Cefiro, Nissan Skyline and Nissan Laurel.

The Gloria Y31 can be distinguished from its sibling, the Cedric Y31 by the taillights at the back. Unlike its sibling, the Gloria has not received a new body.

Ninth generation Y32

Nissan Gloria Y32

Also called	Nissan Cedric
Production	1991-1995
Body style	4-door hardtop
Layout	FR layout
Engine	3.0 L VG30DET V6 3.0 L VG30DE V6 3.0 L VG30E V6 2.0 L VG20E V6 2.8 L RD28 Straight-6 diesel
Transmission	4 speed automatic 5 speed automatic
Wheelbase	2,760 mm (108.7 in)
Length	4,800 mm (189.0 in)
Width	1,745 mm (68.7 in))
Height	1,405 mm (55.3 in)
Curb weight	1,660 kg (3,700 lb)
Related	Nissan Crew Nissan Cima Y32 Nissan Leopard Y32

This generation was introduced June 1991, and was offered in hardtop only. A center "B" pillar is added to improve vehicle solidity, and improve crash worthiness, but is obscured behind side window glass and frameless side windows. The VG series engine continues to be offered with the 5 speed computer controlled automatic transmission, with the 4 speed offered with the RD28 diesel engine. A manual transmission is no longer offered.

Trim levels offered were the Gran Turismo SV, Grand Turismo, and the top level vehicle is called the Gran Turismo ULTIMA. Other trim levels offered were the Brougham VIP type C, Brougham G, Brougham, Classic SV and the Classic.

Popularity of the Nissan Cima is beginning to affect sales of the Gloria, as sales are not as high as in past generations.

Tenth generation Y33

Nissan Gloria Y33

Also called	Nissan Cedric
Production	1995-1999
Body style	4-door hardtop
Layout	FR layout/AWD
Engine	3.0 L VQ30DET V6 3.0 L VQ30DE V6 2.5 L VQ25DE V6 2.0 L VQ20DE V6 2.8 L RD28 Straight-6 diesel 2.5 L I-6 RB25DET
Transmission	5 speed automatic
Wheelbase	2,760 mm (108.7 in)
Length	4,800 mm (189.0 in)
Width	1,745 mm (68.7 in))
Height	1,405 mm (55.3 in)
Curb weight	1,660 kg (3,700 lb)
Related	Nissan Crew Nissan Cima Y33 Nissan Leopard Y33

The Y33 series Nissan Gloria is given a body restyle and introduced June 1995. Major changes were the introduction of the newly developed VQ series engine, and replacing the VG series, with the VQ30DET turbo utilizing an intercooler and DOHC valvetrain architecture. AWD is introduced only on the RB25DET, including Nissan's ATESA E-TS. The diesel RD28 is now only available with a 4 speed transmission. Due to economic pressure, some of the trim levels are discontinued, leaving the Gran Turismo type X, Gran Turismo Ultima, Gran Turismo SV, Gran Turismo S, Gran Turismo, Brougham VIP, Brougham and the Brougham J.

The 4-door sedan is no longer offered.

Eleventh generation Y34

Nissan Gloria Y34

Also called	Nissan Cedric Infiniti M
Production	1999–2004
Body style	4-door hardtop
Layout	FR layout/AWD
Engine	2.5 L V6 VQ25DD LEV 2.5 L I-6 RB25DET 3.0 L V6 VQ30DD LEV 3.0 L V6 VQ30DET LEV
Transmission	CVT/4 speed automatic
Wheelbase	2,800 mm (110.2 in)
Length	4,860 mm (191.3 in)
Width	1,770 mm (69.7 in))
Height	1,440 mm (56.7 in)
Curb weight	1,710 kg (3,800 lb)

June 1999 saw the release of the final version of the Gloria, with design assistance from Porsche. Direct Injection is introduced on all engines with the "DD" designation. The AWD was offered only on vehicles with the RB25DET engine. The top levels 300 ULTIMA-Z and the 300 ULTIMA-ZV were available with the CVT transmission.

January 2000 saw Autech release a 40th anniversary edition of the Gloria.

End of production

Production of the Gloria ended after 46 years of production, and was replaced by the Nissan Fuga on October 2004.

External links

• Nissan Sedan history (japanese site)
• RatDat.com - paint colors, sales brochures, and model names