5 Essential Facts To Know Before Buying A Datsun Cherry 100A For Sale In 2025
The Datsun Cherry 100A (E10) is rapidly becoming one of the most sought-after Japanese classics, especially in the UK and European markets where it was sold as Nissan’s first front-wheel-drive supermini. As of December 2025, the market for well-preserved examples is tight, with prices climbing steadily, reflecting its rarity and cultural significance at classic events like the Festival of the Unexceptional. This guide provides the most up-to-date market analysis and crucial technical details you need before making a purchase.
Finding a Datsun Cherry 100A for sale today means navigating a niche market where condition is everything. A recent sale in April 2024 saw a clean 1976 model fetch approximately £5,832, signaling a strong collector interest for low-mileage or expertly restored vehicles. Whether you are seeking a weekend cruiser or a full restoration project, understanding the car’s unique specifications and potential pitfalls is essential for any serious enthusiast.
Datsun Cherry 100A (E10) Technical Profile and Specifications
The Datsun 100A, or E10 chassis code, was a groundbreaking model for Nissan/Datsun when it debuted in 1970. It was the company's first foray into the front-wheel-drive (FWD) segment, positioning it as a direct competitor to popular European superminis of the era, such as the Classic Mini. Understanding its core specifications is crucial for assessing any potential purchase.
The European Datsun 100A was predominantly powered by the robust, small-capacity A-series engine, a staple of Datsun reliability.
- Model Designation: Datsun 100A (Europe/UK), Datsun Cherry (Japan/US).
- Chassis Code: E10.
- Production Years: 1970–1977 (First Generation).
- Body Styles: 2-door sedan, 4-door sedan, 3-door coupe (Cherry X-1R), and 3-door wagon/estate.
- Drivetrain Layout: Front-engine, Front-Wheel Drive (FWD).
Engine and Performance Details (A10 Series)
The most common engine found in the 100A is the 1.0-liter (988 cc) Nissan A10 engine. This overhead valve (OHV) straight-four unit is known for its simplicity and durability, though performance varies slightly based on market tune.
- Engine Type: Nissan A10, Water-cooled, OHV Straight-four.
- Displacement: 988 cc (1.0 L).
- Horsepower: Typically ranges from 45 hp (33 kW) to 58 hp (43 kW) at 6,000 rpm.
- Torque: Approximately 55–59 lb-ft (75–80 Nm) at 4,000 rpm.
- Top Speed: Up to 87 mph for well-tuned examples.
- Key Feature: The A10 engine utilizes a three-main-bearing design, making it a rugged but simple workhorse.
- Transmission: 4-speed manual gearbox is standard.
The Current Datsun 100A Market: Price, Rarity, and Condition
The Datsun Cherry 100A market is characterized by scarcity. Unlike its more numerous contemporaries, the 100A was often discarded, meaning survivors are rare and highly prized. This rarity directly impacts the current asking prices and the overall buying experience in 2025.
What to Expect on Price and Listings
Listings for the 100A are infrequent, often appearing on specialist classic car platforms or through enthusiast clubs. The price spectrum is wide, depending almost entirely on the car's condition:
- Project Cars: Unseen or non-running project cars may occasionally be found for under $2,000, though these will require significant body and mechanical work.
- Good Condition/Driver Quality: Well-maintained, running examples with some cosmetic flaws typically command prices in the $4,000 to $6,000 range.
- Concours/Low Mileage Examples: Exceptional, low-mileage cars—like the one recently featured at the 2025 Festival of the Unexceptional—can easily exceed $7,000 and even approach $10,000 for the very best.
As of late 2025, the market shows that while general Datsun classics can start low, the 100A's unique status as a "cult classic" pushes its value higher than many might initially expect.
Restoration Challenges and Essential Buyer Inspections
Purchasing a 100A is often a commitment to a restoration project. Due to its age and the general use these superminis saw, there are specific areas prospective buyers must inspect carefully. These challenges also inform the kind of LSI (Latent Semantic Indexing) keywords that dominate enthusiast forums: rust repair, engine maintenance, and parts sourcing.
The Rust Nightmare
Like many Japanese cars of the 1970s, rust is the primary enemy of the Datsun 100A. A thorough inspection is paramount, focusing on known weak spots:
- Sills and Wheel Arches: These areas are highly susceptible to corrosion due to road spray and debris.
- Floor Pans: Check for weak spots, especially under the carpets and around the pedal box.
- Suspension Mounting Points: Critical structural areas, particularly the front strut towers and rear leaf spring mounts, must be solid.
The Parts Availability Conundrum
Sourcing authentic Datsun parts is arguably the biggest challenge for 100A restoration. While the A-series engine shares some components with the more common Datsun 1200 (B110), many body and trim pieces are unique to the E10 Cherry chassis and are extremely hard to find and expensive.
- Rare Spares: Exterior trim, specific light lenses, and interior components are often only available through specialist suppliers like Datsun Classic Parts or dedicated international forums.
- Mechanical Commonality: Fortunately, many engine components (like pistons, rings, and gaskets) for the A10 can be cross-referenced with parts from the A12 engine family, offering some relief for mechanical repairs.
- The Clutch and Brakes: Enthusiast reports frequently mention issues with the clutch and the need for a full brake system overhaul on barn-find examples. Buyers should budget for immediate work on these safety-critical systems.
Modification Potential (Engine Swaps and Upgrades)
For those looking for a little more pep than the original 45–58 hp, the 100A chassis is a popular platform for mild modifications. The most common performance upgrade is an engine swap to a larger A-series variant, such as the 1.2L A12 or 1.4L A14 engine, which are relatively easier to source and offer a significant power boost while keeping the car period-correct. This kind of project is a popular subject on forums like Retro Rides.
The Datsun 100A Legacy: Why Collectors are Buying Now
The appeal of the Datsun Cherry 100A extends beyond its technical specifications; it represents a pivotal moment in Nissan’s history. It was the first mass-produced FWD vehicle from the company, a bold move that set the stage for future successful superminis. Its compact size, distinctive "coke bottle" styling, and surprisingly spacious interior made it a strong seller in the 1970s.
Today, the 100A is a symbol of the quirky, unpretentious side of classic motoring. Its presence at events celebrating the "Concours de l'Ordinaire" highlights its status as a beloved, everyman classic. The strong interest in JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) classics globally means that the Datsun Cherry 100A is not just a car; it's a piece of automotive history that is only appreciating in value and desirability. Securing a clean example now, in late 2025, is a wise investment for collectors and enthusiasts looking for a piece of authentic 1970s Japanese motoring heritage.
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