The C31 model, introduced in November 1980, was the first model that was only available in a four-door form, either as a sedan or hardtop. Engines for the C31 were 1.8-liter, 2.0-liter L20, 2.4-liter L24 gasoline, and 2.8-liter diesel. The coupé was replaced by the new Nissan Leopard F30. The Toyota competitor was the Cresta hardtop and the Chaser sedan. November 1982 saw the introduction of the Limited “Givenchy Version” with Hubert de Givenchy doing the TV commercials in Japan, borrowing a marketing concept for an American luxury coupe, the Lincoln Continental Mark IV. In 1981, the Nissan Laurel Spirit was offered as a smaller alternative to the Laurel, while still offering the luxury content of the larger car.

Development Supervisor, Itirou Makoto Sakurai, was in charge of developing the Laurel together with the Skyline. The Laurel’s redesign was carried out in a European style and tone. The coefficient of drag (Cd value) of the four-door hardtop is 0.38. The lowest-priced Z18 is a four-cylinder engine, as is the 2-litre Z20. The L20-series are inline-six cylinder models, also available in fuel injected L20E type, and as the turbocharged L20ET – the first turbocharged Laurel. On top of the lineup was the 2.8-litre L28E, and for some export markets the 2.4-litre L24 engine (usually carburetted) was also offered. Mostly for commercial use there was the four-cylinder LD20 diesel engine, while private users usually preferred the larger six-cylinder LD28 type which was also available with much better equipment.

In February 1981 the GX trim level was added. L20E sedan with independent rear suspension in the vehicle suspension formula (a six-link independent rear suspension was equipped as standard on the turbocharged cars). In November 1981 the car received some improvement and the Turbo Medalist model was new to the lineup.

In September 1982 there was a minor change. Up a sense of luxury and large-scale extrusion in the chrome bumpers and rear license plate holder. The tail lamp design was changed as well. Instead of the Z18 series engine, the new OHC four-cylinder 1809 cc CA18S engine was fitted to the Laurel 1.8. The engine range was overhauled at the time and now included the CA18S, L20E, turbocharged L20ET, the four-cylinder SOHC Z20S, and the diesel LD20 and LD28-6 models. The carburetted L20, the L28E, and the column-shifted LD20 (six-seater) were discontinued. The six-cylinder gasoline-powered car with automatic transmission and Super Touring equipment received an overdrive gear at the same time.

In November 1982 the Givenchy limited version was released. In February 1983 the “50 Special” released. In March the Givenchy II version went on sale. In May another 50 Special II vehicles were launched. In July electrically retractable fender and door mirrors were introduced, a first. In October, taxi and driver instruction vehicles with an OHC LPG four-cylinder engine (Z18P, Standard or GL equipment) were added. SGL Grand Touring car (with a hubcap for Medalist colored bumper and large) and 50 Special Release III.

January 1984 saw the abolition of the 1.8-litre GL models, while the Givenchy III limited edition also went on sale.
1982 Datsun Laurel 2.4 SGL Sedan

European export models received the carburetted 2.0 (DX or SGL trim) and 2.4 inline-sixes (SGL), with 71 kW (97 PS) and 88 kW (120 PS) respectively, or with the large 2.8 diesel with 60 kW (82 PS). A fuel injected 2.4 with 127 PS (93 kW) later appeared for some markets. The 2.4-liter six only developed 113 PS (83 kW) in Swedish-market petrol cars as a result of that country’s stringent emissions standards. As large Japanese cars are not very popular with private buyers in Europe, the diesel saw the lion’s share of sales, mainly for taxi usage. Fitted with a detuned version of the L24 engine, the Laurel was introduced to the Middle Eastern (mainly Saudi) market in 1982.

Also called Datsun Laurel
Chassis code: C31
Assembly Musashimurayama, Japan
Designer Shinichiro Sakurai
Body style 4-door hardtop, 4-door sedan
Layout front engine/rear drive
Engine
1770 cc Z18S/Z18P I4
1809 cc CA18S I4
1952 cc Z20S I4
1998 cc L20/L20E I6
1998 cc L20ET turbo I6
2393 cc L24 I6 (export)
2753 cc L28E I6
1952 cc LD20 diesel I4
2792 cc LD28 diesel I6

Transmission 4/5-speed manual, 3/4-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,670 mm (105.1 in)
Length 4,635 mm (182.5 in)
Width 1,690 mm (66.5 in)
Height 1,360 mm (53.5 in)
Curb weight 1,245 kg (2,744.8 lb)