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Datsun 120Y

144 registered in New Zealand · 1973–1980 · 85% from Not Known

The Datsun 120Y is a recognisable name on New Zealand roads, with 144 registered across model years 1973 to 1980. Most are petrol-powered saloons with a 1.2L engine.

Below you'll find a complete breakdown of fuel types, body styles, drivetrain options, regional distribution, and estimated running costs. Select a specific model year to see detailed specs, buyer insights, and variant-level data for that generation of the 120Y.

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144 On NZ Roads
1.2L Engine

Fuel Types

Datsun 120Y fuel type breakdown: PETROL 100%.

PETROL 100%

Fleet Age Profile

How many Datsun 120Y vehicles from each manufacture year are still registered in NZ. Taller bars mean more of that year on the road — better parts availability and more mechanics who know it.

Datsun 120Y fleet age profile: 1974: 27, 1975: 35, 1976: 28, 1977: 19, 1978: 27.

Drivetrain

Engine Size

Datsun 120Y engine sizes: 1.2L 69%, 1.2L 13%, 1.2L 5%, 1.5L 3%, 1.2L 1%.

Imported From

Datsun 120Y imported from: Not Known 85%, Japan 13%, Australia 1%, New Zealand 1%.

Colours

RED 29 (20%)
GREEN 27 (19%)
ORANGE 23 (16%)
BLUE 23 (16%)
WHITE 13 (9%)
YELLOW 12 (8%)
BROWN 9 (6%)
BLACK 3 (2%)

Colours shown are approximate representations of NZTA basic colour categories, not exact manufacturer paint codes.

Where They Are in NZ

Datsun 120Y regional distribution: CHRISTCHURCH: 22, AUCKLAND: 18, TIMARU: 8, WESTERN BAY OF PLENTY: 6, NELSON: 6.

Body Types

SALOON 86%
SPORTS CAR 6%
STATION WAGON 5%
HATCHBACK 3%

Similar Cars

1 Holden logo
Holden Commodore 49,259
1978–2022 11.1 L/100km
2 Ford logo
Ford Falcon 33,206
1960–2020 11.5 L/100km
3 Toyota logo
Toyota Camry 30,957
1980–2026 7.3 L/100km
4 Toyota logo
Toyota Corolla 24,532
1956–2023 5.8 L/100km
5 Honda logo
Honda Accord 20,130
1978–2020 7.9 L/100km

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Datsun 120Y are there in New Zealand?

There are 144 Datsun 120Y vehicles registered in New Zealand as of March 2026, making up 0% of the total passenger fleet. Model years range from 1973 to 1980.

What body type is the Datsun 120Y?

The Datsun 120Y is primarily classified as a saloon in the NZTA fleet register. It is also available in other body configurations: sports car, station wagon, hatchback. The most common fuel type is petrol.

Are Datsun 120Y cars imported or NZ-new?

85% of Datsun 120Y vehicles in New Zealand originated from Not Known. The majority arrived as used imports, which is typical for this model. Check the import status and origin country for the specific year you're considering on the individual year pages.

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