Here is some Info about the History of the Z Car and it's "Father" Mr K. ( this will be Long: From www.zccr.net
Chapter 1 – The Early Days of Nissan
The history and development of the zcar began in 1912 when a man by the name of Masujiro Hashimoto founded the Kwaisinsha Motor Car Company, which began producing a car called the DAT. The car’s name was developed from the first initials of the last name of Hashimoto’s three investors: Den, Aoyama and Takeuchi.
After a merger with Jidosha Seizo Co., a reorganization of the company took place in 1930 and their new auto was named the “DATSON” or “son of DAT”. It was later changed to DATSUN. In 1931 the Tobata Imono Company acquired Seizo and in 1934 the new independent company changed their name to Nissan Motor Company Ltd. The first cars exported by Nissan were to Australia in 1935. Automobiles were considered a luxury in 1930s Japan, so many of the cars produced by Nissan saw duty as taxis.
World War II devastated Japan’s industry, including the automobile business. Many industries, including Nissan, struggled to re-establish themselves. The United States was still an influence in post-war Japan. Nissan had always had a strong presence in the truck manufacturing market and the breakout of the Korean Conflict created a demand for military vehicles and spare parts for the US and its allies. Nissan provided many of these vehicles and the company not only survived, but also began to thrive.
Enter Mr. K ….
In 1957 a young Nissan marketing manager by the name of Yutaka Katayama convinced management that a competition program would be a good way to build name recognition for Nissan and Datsun cars around the world. Katayama had been with Nissan since 1935 and had made a steady progression up the corporate ladder. He loved sports cars and was sure that competition was the best promoter of the Nissan cars. In order to do this, Katayama went over his direct supervisors heads when they turned the prospect down as too risky. Katayama, undaunted, went to corporate management and sold his idea.
He was allowed to enter two cars in the 1958 AROUND AUSTRALIA RALLY. This was a grueling around-Australia rally tour that few cars were ever able to finish. Ten thousand miles in 30 days. Few expected Datsun to show well, much less finish the race. With Katayama as Team Manager with four drivers, Datsun WON the race. Katayama’s career advanced and Datsun Competition was established.
Chapter 1 – The Early Days of Nissan
The history and development of the zcar began in 1912 when a man by the name of Masujiro Hashimoto founded the Kwaisinsha Motor Car Company, which began producing a car called the DAT. The car’s name was developed from the first initials of the last name of Hashimoto’s three investors: Den, Aoyama and Takeuchi.
After a merger with Jidosha Seizo Co., a reorganization of the company took place in 1930 and their new auto was named the “DATSON” or “son of DAT”. It was later changed to DATSUN. In 1931 the Tobata Imono Company acquired Seizo and in 1934 the new independent company changed their name to Nissan Motor Company Ltd. The first cars exported by Nissan were to Australia in 1935. Automobiles were considered a luxury in 1930s Japan, so many of the cars produced by Nissan saw duty as taxis.
World War II devastated Japan’s industry, including the automobile business. Many industries, including Nissan, struggled to re-establish themselves. The United States was still an influence in post-war Japan. Nissan had always had a strong presence in the truck manufacturing market and the breakout of the Korean Conflict created a demand for military vehicles and spare parts for the US and its allies. Nissan provided many of these vehicles and the company not only survived, but also began to thrive.
Enter Mr. K ….
In 1957 a young Nissan marketing manager by the name of Yutaka Katayama convinced management that a competition program would be a good way to build name recognition for Nissan and Datsun cars around the world. Katayama had been with Nissan since 1935 and had made a steady progression up the corporate ladder. He loved sports cars and was sure that competition was the best promoter of the Nissan cars. In order to do this, Katayama went over his direct supervisors heads when they turned the prospect down as too risky. Katayama, undaunted, went to corporate management and sold his idea.
He was allowed to enter two cars in the 1958 AROUND AUSTRALIA RALLY. This was a grueling around-Australia rally tour that few cars were ever able to finish. Ten thousand miles in 30 days. Few expected Datsun to show well, much less finish the race. With Katayama as Team Manager with four drivers, Datsun WON the race. Katayama’s career advanced and Datsun Competition was established.