Post-war Japan saw its automotive industry pivot quickly from wartime production to practical vehicles for rebuilding cities and businesses; many early Nissan efforts were modest, workaday designs rather than showpieces. That context helps explain the small but varied roster of models from 1946 and why each entry tells a bit of industrial history.
There are 3 1946 Nissan Car Models, ranging from Datsun 1121 to Nissan 180 Bus, covering light passenger cars to small buses. I list each model’s Body type,Production year(s),Engine (cc), and brief notes — you’ll find below.
Are these all the Nissan models produced in 1946?
This list reflects the commonly documented models attributed to Nissan/Datsun for 1946 based on surviving records; wartime disruption and regional naming differences mean some minor variants or commercial derivatives might not appear, but the three entries capture the core known range.
How should I read the Body type, Production year(s), and Engine (cc) columns?
Body type describes the vehicle’s configuration (sedan, van, bus, etc.), Production year(s) shows when it was built or marketed, and Engine (cc) gives displacement in cubic centimeters — together these fields let you compare size, purpose, and power at a glance.
1946 Nissan Car Models
| Model | Body type | Production year(s) | Engine (cc) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan 180 | Truck | 1946–1950 | 3,670 |
| Datsun 1121 | Truck | 1946–1950 | 722 |
| Nissan 180 Bus | Bus | 1946–1950 | 3,670 |
Images and Descriptions
Nissan 180
A crucial vehicle for Japan’s postwar reconstruction, the Nissan 180 was a medium-duty truck based on a pre-war design. Its production was authorized by Allied occupation forces in 1946 to support recovery efforts, making it one of the first vehicles Nissan built after the war.
Datsun 1121
The first Datsun vehicle to enter production after WWII, starting in August 1946. This light-duty truck utilized the pre-war Datsun car chassis and engine. It was essential for small business and transport in a Japan where passenger car production was still banned.
Nissan 180 Bus
Built on the same chassis as the Nissan 180 truck, this bus was vital for restoring public transportation in post-war Japan. Production resumed in 1946 under Allied supervision, providing essential mobility when private car ownership was virtually nonexistent.
