Datsun DB-4

1951 DB-4 Model

The Datsun DB-4 was a four door sedan that replaced the two door Datsun DB-2 in 1951. No DB-3 model was built, the numbering system instead went from the DB-2 straight to the DB-4. The DB-2 was a 2 door and the DB-4 is a 4 door, but the model naming has nothing to do with the number of doors they had as they followed this car with the DB-5 and DB-6, neither of which has 5 or 6 doors.

The DB-4 was built on a slightly longer chassis than the previous DB-2 to give it extra space for the four door body. The front of the car remains largely unchanged except for the grille, but everything from the firewall back is all new.

The shape of the windscreen opening has been changed, and the glass now has curved edges rather than the straight edged glass on the previous model. The rear windscreen is fairly narrow, on the later DB-5 and DB-6 models there rear windscreen is much wider and wraps around the side of the rear pillar, coming within about three inches of the rear door opening.

At the front the grille design is significantly different. Instead of having a set of chrome plated horizontal bars like the previous model, the DB-4 now has a pressed steel grille that is painted the same colour at the rest of the car. The grille now incorporates a pair of indicators. Above the grille there is a wide chrome and red strip with the Datsun name in the middle. A large round badge sits above that.

The DB-4 continues to use the 722cc 20hp Type 7 side valve engine. It was replaced with the more powerful Datsun DB-5 in 1953.

Model Variations

Datsun DB-4 - 1951

The standard sedan version.

Datsun DW-4 - Five Door Wagon

There was also a five door wagon version of the DB-4 called the DW-4.

Datsun DV-4 - Three Door Van

A three door van version of the DB-4 was also available, either as a panel van or with side windows.

1951 Datsun DB-4 Sedan Specifications

Length - 3805mm
Width - 1480mm
Height - 1560mm
Wheelbase - 2150mm
Weight - 890kg
Top speed - unknown
Transmission - Floor
change 3 speed

Engine Specifications

Model - Type 7
Side Valve 4 Cylinder
Capacity - 722cc
Bore & Stroke 55x75mm
Power - 16hp@3500rpm
Torque- 27ft/lb@2000rpm
Compression - 6.2 : 1
Carburettor - unknown
Final drive - 4.11:1