NISSAN

Nissan AD-1: the 1975 prototype of the Japanese brand that never reached the market

Almost half a century ago, at the 1975 Tokyo Motor Show, Nissan presented a prototype very similar in configuration to the 1974 Fiat X1/9 and also to the later 1984 Toyota MR2, but unfortunately the model never became a reality.

This interesting two-seater concept car with a transverse mid-engine was based on the street-legal Nissan Cherry F10 1400, but with a very particular design, designed with the best possible aerodynamics in mind (Cx of 0.26) and developed in the wind tunnel.

Thanks to the low aerodynamic resistance of the bodywork and a weight of only 740 kilos, the Nissan AD-1 was able to settle for a compact and economical engine, specifically the brand's A14, with 1.4 liters and electronic injection, whose power was not announced. , but it was probably less than 100 hp, as in series cars.

The transmission was a 5-speed manual and, unlike most mid-engined cars, Nissan decided that large air intakes on the side of the vehicle were not necessary, although the 'gills' on the engine cover were missing to extract the engine bay heat.

At an aesthetic level, the prototype stood out for its restrained proportions, relatively short overhangs, a very horizontal rear end, a floating roof (with thin front pillars), large square headlights and rearview mirrors mounted on the door, not on the sides. front fenders, as was customary at that time in Japan.

There were also numerous chrome details on the exterior, a folding hatch in the roof and a folding rear window. In addition, the AD-1 had quite advanced solutions for the time, especially in such a small car, such as the McPherson type suspension and brake discs on both axles.

In the passenger compartment, with a very simple and non-futuristic design, the Nissan AD-1 incorporated two sports-style seats, with different adjustments (seat, backrest, height), in addition to a curious steering wheel and a small instrument panel.

Although it was a perfectly viable car for production, the truth is that the brand never dared to launch it on the market, but as we mentioned before, in the following year (1976) Toyota began to explore the possibilities of a compact sports car of this size. kind, which ultimately materialized in 1984's MR2.

Autonews