Michael’s New Purchase: The Tale of Cedric

You may have noticed from the post a few days ago that I have a new (old) car.  Perhaps more accurate to say that I have another car.  It seems I can’t help myself though I’m sure had the same opportunity arisen in your daily grind, you’d have done the same thing.

1972 Datsun 260C (S47 日産 セドリック)

For those who have not been told, the following is the (brief?) story of how this amazing example of a 260C came into my possession…

…Luck.

Seriously.

My day had started like many and any others, life was still within my bones, my eye-lids retracted and allowed the efforts of the burning star at the centre of our particular solar system to reach inside my ocular devices having refracted about on various objects and provide me with sight.

It was the weekend, I had a few errands to run with my partner, breakfast was had and the chore of driving about various locations began.  Though many things are not, timing (it appears) was on my side.  We toodled about in the vehicle I’d had no more than a week.  A car to take care of the daily grind whilst I attempt to save to repair the car I’ve owned for the longest duration, the C110.  Said new vehicle took the form of a 1994 Honda Accord.  2.2litres & 5spd.  It wasn’t fast, it wasn’t slow, it was comfortable and it was doing it’s job tremendously.

We took care of one of the tasks and made our way through roads infrequently travelled to the next task.   In the distance I spied a car…  A good two blocks off, it was impossible for me to determine what it was.  Though from what I could see of the rear I deduced it was either a Crown or a Cedric.  Not seeing either option on the roads frequently any more, I took the gamble and increased my speed from 50kph to 60kph (much to the joy of those behind me, I imagine)  within moments we were close.  The car was a 230-series Cedric and not only that, but it appeared (from the rear) to be very well kept.  So I maintained course behind it, had my partner jot down the licence plate and we followed it to an intersection, it was going the same way as us which gave me the chance to catch a glimpse of the side of it as it turned.  I was stunned, it was very straight and clean bar a tiny patch of grey primer at the front of the driver’s side sill.  With my interest peaked we continued down the road behind it.   I was content though that the day was at least a little brighter than most having witnessed such a fine example of an H230.  Soon however our courses differed, I had to turn off and the 260C glided off into the distance.  Ah well, I figured that was that.

We carried on about our day.  Necessity brought us to the Supermarket, goods were purchased and upon leaving my partner pointed out that the very same H230 was parked on the side of the road outside the Supermarket we’d just utilised.  BRILLIANT! Having my camera in the car had finally paid off.  I quickly pulled the Honda to the side of the road, grabbed my camera and made my way down to where the 260C was parked.   As I drew closer to the car I noticed the driver was still in it.  Now, I wasn’t about to take photographs of the car with him in it, without asking permission,  I made my way to his window and introduced myself and asked whether he would mind so much if I took some photographs of his car.  He was quite happy to indulge in my perhaps peculiar to most, request though thought it would be better if he wasn’t in the vehicle during those photographs so he got out and as I was admiring the car and taking a couple of photos we got to talking.  I told him what I owned and how I enjoyed seeing such cars, it was at that moment that the words “Would you like to buy another?” cascaded from his mouth.   Strangely enough, I said.  “How much would you be after?”  a price was divulged that left me momentarily stunned…  in a good way.  I informed the chap of my predicament, having only just bought the Honda, I would have to sell that to raise the money to buy the Cedric but I would most definitely do that and try to get the amount to him ASAP.  Details were exchanged and we both went about our day.  Below is the second shot taken, the first you’ve already seen at the start of the post;

Check out that ass!

I got home after an excited conversation with the missus and made my way to the computer where “For Sale” signs were written, printed and hung on the windows of the Honda in a post haste fashion!  Long story short(er), a week went by with a few txt messages received in regards to the car but nothing of substance until a young chap came to my door on the Saturday along with a few mates.  He wanted to take the Honda for a test drive, which was fine, I rode along, he was impressed and said he’d get back to me on Monday.  Which is exactly what he did, he arrived again at my abode though this time with his father to cast an eye over the vehicle.  Another test drive was had and at the end of that it was essentially a done deal.  Though there was an issue with that.  I couldn’t hand over the keys straight away as I needed the Honda to go see the Datsun that very evening.  It was decided I would do such and then come to their house with the Honda to change it all over and they would in turn drop me back into town at the owner of the Datsun’s residence.  Sorted.  Those tasks took place and at on Monday night, the drive-way looked like this;

Shhh, they be sleeping!

All this meant I am now the extremely proud owner of a 1972 Datsun 260C.  In fantastic condition and just how fantastic, I’ll let you decide by the ogling of these pictures I’ve taken over the last few days that are not loving hosted on flickr.

Bought new at T.R. Taylor Motors in Invercargill, Nov. 27, 1972

Ownership History. Tiny.

Three owners.  The story is that the chap who bought the car new, owned it until he passed on at which point his son put it into his name and then as you can see, sold it just over a month later to the people who I happened to buy the car off.

Sharing the Driveway

Would you like a surface to eat off? How about the Interior, Sir.

Just Dashing! I'm sure you'll agree.

Timed Demister?, you betcha!

Clock, Speedo in Miles (88000), Required Lights and Instruments

Choke, Dash Light Dimmer, Handbrake & Trunk Popper

Self Seeking Radio, Heater Controls, Cigar Lighter & Ashtray

As though it were not enough to have this relatively fancy piece of auto-seeking, self-tuning equipment in an early 70′s Japanese car, they also saw fit to allow those in the rear of the car to have the luxury of changing the station, like so…

Rear Tuning Button, Cigar Lighter & Ashtray

Perspective.

Three Forward Speeds of NISSAN-FULL AUTO-MATIC, Captain!

Service and Series Booklets. Nice.

70's Interior Patterns. Class.

Headlining, Spotless.

More Patterns and the embossed NISSAN logo

So that pretty much covers the Interior, which speaks for itself despite my added commentary.  The only thing left to do now is take it to some strange location and be an artsy poofter with it.  Choice, onto that!

Should this coming weekend be a fine one, I’ll treat the car to a cut and polish to see if we can make the sucker really shine.  Red is known for it’s oxidisation issues and this car has certainly not been exempt to them so, we’ll see.  It could look even more amazing than it already does!

Needless to say, I love it.  The last few days driving about a classic as a daily have reminded me just how fantastic it is to do such things.  I can’t wait to get the C110 Skyline on the road again.  This Cedric provides enjoyment, inspiration and motivation.  Cars are just awesome.

-Michael