Nissan Gloria
Encyclopedia
The Gloria 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
".
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.
, 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
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.
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.
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.
, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
January 2000 saw Autech
release a 40th anniversary edition of the Gloria.
on October 2004.
Automobile
An automobile, autocar, motor car or car is a wheeled motor vehicle used for transporting passengers, which also carries its own engine or motor...
made from 1959 by the Prince Motor Company
Prince Motor Company
Prince Motor Company was a Japanese automobile manufacturer from 1952 until its merger with Nissan in 1966. Prince began as the Tachikawa Aircraft Company, a producer of the famous Japanese Zero fighter planes used in WWII...
, and later by Nissan Motors
Nissan Motors
, usually shortened to Nissan , is a multinational automaker headquartered in Japan. It was a core member of the Nissan Group, but has become more independent after its restructuring under Carlos Ghosn ....
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
Nissan Cedric
The Nissan Cedric is a large automobile produced by Nissan since 1960. It was developed to provide upscale transportation, competing with the Prince Skyline and Gloria which were later merged into the Nissan family...
starting with 1971 models and both continued until 2004, when they were both replaced by Nissan Fuga
Nissan Fuga
The Fuga is a full-size sedan, rear wheel drive with optional all wheel drive, produced by Nissan of Japan since October 2004 and now in its second generation. It is built on a wider, stretched wheelbase version of the Nissan FM platform. After the Nissan Cima and Nissan President were...
.
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
Nissan Skyline
The first Skyline was introduced in April 1957, by the Prince Motor Company, and was marketed as a luxury car. It featured a 1.5 L GA-30 engine producing 44 kW @ 4400 rpm. It used a de Dion tube rear suspension and was capable of 140 km/h . The car weighed around 1300 kg...
. The Prince G engine
Prince G engine
The Prince G-series engine was the company's only straight-4 and straight-6 which began production in 1955. A number of variations were made, with both OHV and OHC heads. The G series was used in the Skyline, the Laurel and the Gloria from the 1950s to the early 1970s.Note that, prior to its...
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
Glory (disambiguation)
-Religion:* Glory , in Judeo-Christian religious tradition, the manifestation of God's presence; see also Hod * Glory, a term in Christian art for a halo surrounding the whole body of a person....
".
First generation BLSI
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
Prince G engine
The Prince G-series engine was the company's only straight-4 and straight-6 which began production in 1955. A number of variations were made, with both OHV and OHC heads. The G series was used in the Skyline, the Laurel and the Gloria from the 1950s to the early 1970s.Note that, prior to its...
straight-4
Straight-4
The inline-four engine or straight-four engine is an internal combustion engine with all four cylinders mounted in a straight line, or plane along the crankcase. The single bank of cylinders may be oriented in either a vertical or an inclined plane with all the pistons driving a common crankshaft....
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
Later that same year, Prince introduced the S40 Gloria. It was the first 6-cylinder Prince, offering an updated straight-4Straight-4
The inline-four engine or straight-four engine is an internal combustion engine with all four cylinders mounted in a straight line, or plane along the crankcase. The single bank of cylinders may be oriented in either a vertical or an inclined plane with all the pistons driving a common crankshaft....
, the 94 hp (70 kW) 1.9 L G-2
Prince G engine
The Prince G-series engine was the company's only straight-4 and straight-6 which began production in 1955. A number of variations were made, with both OHV and OHC heads. The G series was used in the Skyline, the Laurel and the Gloria from the 1950s to the early 1970s.Note that, prior to its...
, or a straight-6
Straight-6
The straight-six engine or inline-six engine is a six-cylinder internal combustion engine with all six cylinders mounted in a straight line along the crankcase...
variant known as S41 Gloria 6. This new engine, called the G-7
Prince G engine
The Prince G-series engine was the company's only straight-4 and straight-6 which began production in 1955. A number of variations were made, with both OHV and OHC heads. The G series was used in the Skyline, the Laurel and the Gloria from the 1950s to the early 1970s.Note that, prior to its...
, produced 106 hp (79 kW) with a new SOHC head. The Gloria had an independent suspension
Independent suspension
Independent suspension is a broad term for any automobile suspension system that allows each wheel on the same axle to move vertically independently of each other. This is contrasted with a beam axle, live axle or deDion axle system in which the wheels are linked – movement on one side affects...
in front and a de Dion tube
De Dion tube
A de Dion tube is an automobile suspension technology. It is a sophisticated form of non-independent suspension and is a considerable improvement over the alternative swing axle and Hotchkiss drive types. A de Dion suspension uses universal joints at both the wheel hubs and differential, and uses a...
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
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
Nissan Cedric
The Nissan Cedric is a large automobile produced by Nissan since 1960. It was developed to provide upscale transportation, competing with the Prince Skyline and Gloria which were later merged into the Nissan family...
, 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
Nissan Prince Royal
The Nissan Prince Royal is a limousine made for the Imperial Household of Japan.-History:The Japanese auto industry was expanding rapidly in the early 1960s, and the Imperial Household Agency sought a Japanese auto manufacturer to produce a suitable car for the Emperor of Japan...
, built exclusively for the Emperor of Japan.
Fourth generation 230
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 ornamentHood ornament
A hood/bonnet ornament, or radiator cap, or car mascot is a specially crafted model of something which symbolizes a car company like a badge, located on the front center portion of the hood...
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
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 hardtopHardtop
A hardtop is a term for a rigid, rather than canvas, automobile roof. It has been used in several contexts: detachable hardtops, retractable hardtop roofs, and the so-called pillarless hardtop body style....
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.
Sixth generation 430
June 1979 saw a completely redesigned Nissan Gloria with assistance with PininfarinaPininfarina
Pininfarina S.p.A. is an Italian car design firm and coachbuilder in Cambiano, Italy.Founded as Società anonima Carrozzeria Pinin Farina in 1930 by automobile designer and builder Battista "Pinin" Farina, Pininfarina has been employed by a wide variety of high-end automobile manufacturers,...
, 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
Buick Century
Buick Century is the model name used by the Buick division of General Motors for a line of full-size performance vehicles from 1936 to 1942 and 1954 to 1958, and from 1973 to 2005 for a mid-size car....
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
Hardtop
A hardtop is a term for a rigid, rather than canvas, automobile roof. It has been used in several contexts: detachable hardtops, retractable hardtop roofs, and the so-called pillarless hardtop body style....
coupe
Coupé
A coupé or coupe is a closed car body style , the precise definition of which varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, and over time...
was discontinued and replaced with the luxury sports coupe Nissan Leopard
Nissan Leopard
The Nissan Leopard is a line of luxury sports cars built by Japanese carmaker Nissan. The Leopard began life in 1980 and was discontinued in 1999. Leopards were initially based on the Japanese market Nissan Skyline and Nissan Laurel and the American Datsun 910/Nissan Maxima, then later based on the...
.
Trim levels were expanded, and were designated the Brougham, SGL Extra, SGL, GL and the Jack Nicklaus
Jack Nicklaus
Jack William Nicklaus , nicknamed "The Golden Bear", is an American professional golfer. He won 18 career major championships on the PGA Tour over a span of 25 years and is widely regarded as one of the greatest professional golfers of all time. In addition to his 18 Majors, he was runner-up a...
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
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
Straight-6
The straight-six engine or inline-six engine is a six-cylinder internal combustion engine with all six cylinders mounted in a straight line along the crankcase...
cylinder, which was used for many years, was upgraded to an all new V6 design, called the VG
Nissan VG engine
The VG engine family consists of V6 piston engines designed and produced by Nissan for several vehicles in the Nissan lineup. The VG series started in 1983 becoming Japan's first mass produced V6 engine. VG engines displace between 2.0 L and 3.3 L and feature an iron block and aluminum...
series engine. This was the first, mass production engine used in Japan, and used fuel injection
Fuel injection
Fuel injection is a system for admitting fuel into an internal combustion engine. It has become the primary fuel delivery system used in automotive petrol engines, having almost completely replaced carburetors in the late 1980s....
instead of a carburetor
Carburetor
A carburetor , carburettor, or carburetter is a device that blends air and fuel for an internal combustion engine. It is sometimes shortened to carb in North America and the United Kingdom....
for fuel delivery. The VG20ET was turbocharged, another first for Nissan in Japan. The diesel Straight-6
Straight-6
The straight-six engine or inline-six engine is a six-cylinder internal combustion engine with all six cylinders mounted in a straight line along the crankcase...
LD28 was also upgraded to the RD28
Nissan RD engine
The Nissan RD engine series is substantially similar in design to the Nissan RB engine series, except that it is only a single overhead cam six cylinder diesel engine. It was the successor to the Nissan LD and SD 6 cylinder engines and was joined by the Nissan TD engine 6 cylinder.From 1997 onwards...
Straight-6
Straight-6
The straight-six engine or inline-six engine is a six-cylinder internal combustion engine with all six cylinders mounted in a straight line along the crankcase...
engine. The CA
Nissan CA engine
The CA engine is a 1.6 L to 2.0 L Inline-4 piston engine from Nissan designed for a variety of smaller Nissan vehicles to replace Z and smaller 4-cylinder L series engines. It is an iron block, aluminum head design with a timing belt, thus was cheaper to make than the timing chain setup...
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
Jack Nicklaus
Jack William Nicklaus , nicknamed "The Golden Bear", is an American professional golfer. He won 18 career major championships on the PGA Tour over a span of 25 years and is widely regarded as one of the greatest professional golfers of all time. In addition to his 18 Majors, he was runner-up a...
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 Y31Nissan Gloria Y31
The Nissan Gloria Y31 is a large automobile, the original version built from late 1987 through 1991 available in either Sedan or Hardtop guises.- Y31 :...
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
Nissan VG engine
The VG engine family consists of V6 piston engines designed and produced by Nissan for several vehicles in the Nissan lineup. The VG series started in 1983 becoming Japan's first mass produced V6 engine. VG engines displace between 2.0 L and 3.3 L and feature an iron block and aluminum...
, 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 Cima
The Nissan Cima is a large luxury sedan produced by Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. for the Japanese market. The car's name is derived from Spanish for "summit". The hood ornament uses an image of an acanthus leaf. The acanthus leaf was commonly used by classical Greeks to make a wreath for use as a...
, Nissan Leopard
Nissan Leopard
The Nissan Leopard is a line of luxury sports cars built by Japanese carmaker Nissan. The Leopard began life in 1980 and was discontinued in 1999. Leopards were initially based on the Japanese market Nissan Skyline and Nissan Laurel and the American Datsun 910/Nissan Maxima, then later based on the...
and the Nissan Cedric
Nissan Cedric
The Nissan Cedric is a large automobile produced by Nissan since 1960. It was developed to provide upscale transportation, competing with the Prince Skyline and Gloria which were later merged into the Nissan family...
, as well as other sport oriented vehicles, such as the Nissan Cefiro
Nissan Cefiro
The Nissan Cefiro is a intermediate-size automobile range sold in Japan and other countries. The 1989 model was introduced initially as a 4-door sedan, however a wagon was later produced. A large proportion were equipped with automatic transmissions....
, Nissan Skyline
Nissan Skyline
The first Skyline was introduced in April 1957, by the Prince Motor Company, and was marketed as a luxury car. It featured a 1.5 L GA-30 engine producing 44 kW @ 4400 rpm. It used a de Dion tube rear suspension and was capable of 140 km/h . The car weighed around 1300 kg...
and Nissan Laurel
Nissan Laurel
In April 1968 Nissan presented its new Laurel in four-door deLuxe and Super deLuxe versions, both equipped with a 1.8 L inline-four cylinder engine and independent rear suspension. In summer 1970 a hardtop coupé joined the line-up, one year later a 2000 cc engine became available...
.
The Gloria Y31 can be distinguished from its sibling, the Cedric Y31
Nissan Cedric Y31
- Y31 :The Y31 was built from late 1987 through 1991 available in either Sedan or Hardtop guises. The sporty GranTurismo SV version had short bumpers with a body kit, and was powered by a 2.0 liter VG20DET engine. The Sedan version of the Y31 was rebodied at the launch of the Y32...
by the taillights at the back. Unlike its sibling, the Gloria has not received a new body.
Ninth generation 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
Nissan Cima
The Nissan Cima is a large luxury sedan produced by Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. for the Japanese market. The car's name is derived from Spanish for "summit". The hood ornament uses an image of an acanthus leaf. The acanthus leaf was commonly used by classical Greeks to make a wreath for use as a...
is beginning to affect sales of the Gloria, as sales are not as high as in past generations.
Tenth generation 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 intercoolerIntercooler
An intercooler , or charge air cooler, is an air-to-air or air-to-liquid heat exchange device used on turbocharged and supercharged internal combustion engines to improve their volumetric efficiency by increasing intake air charge density through nearly isobaric cooling, which removes...
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
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
Autech
, is a pro tuner of Nissan cars.Autech was founded in 1986 as a subsidiary of Nissan Motor Co. Ltd.. Nissan named Shinichiro Sakurai, the former general manager of Nissan's Advanced Vehicle Design Department, as president designate of the new subsidiary...
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 FugaNissan Fuga
The Fuga is a full-size sedan, rear wheel drive with optional all wheel drive, produced by Nissan of Japan since October 2004 and now in its second generation. It is built on a wider, stretched wheelbase version of the Nissan FM platform. After the Nissan Cima and Nissan President were...
on October 2004.