|
|
Post by gainsb1 on Feb 7, 2013 18:22:34 GMT 1
Interesting article in this week's issue about the introduction of Datsuns to the UK by Mr Octav Botnar who set up a large network of dealerships for Nissan.... and then eventually fell out with them.  He is obviously an important figure in the history of Datsun/Nissan UK but I'd NEVER heard of him or read about him in any web articles. Strange, huh?  Has anyone else heard of him? Some pictures included of the 240Z 100A Cherry FII, early Laurel and B110. Leigh (Area rep) |
|
|
|
Post by Al Ramone on Feb 7, 2013 19:39:07 GMT 1
i'd be interested to read that. and also to find out just how much of it is accurate..... ;D
|
|
|
|
Post by spottedlaurel on Feb 7, 2013 22:24:57 GMT 1
I have a moderate amount of stuff about him, along with the story of how Datsun/Nissan were imported here and how the factory-owned Nissan Motor GB eventually took over UK sales. I have also spoken to someone who worked for him for many years in reasonably responsible position (the person who I got all the Type Approval files from).
It's a complicated story and I'm not sure which elements that I've read are completely true or otherwise...
I'll try and pick up a copy of that CCW, it'd be interesting to add to my archive. At some point I'll try and scan in a few bits.
|
|
|
|
Post by gainsb1 on Feb 7, 2013 22:38:58 GMT 1
The guy died some years ago so potentially slanderous and libelous remarks are okay now and the article doesn't hold back about him. Quite funny to see these remarks in print. ;D Have a look at this.. www.inpmedia.com/2011/09/15/why-nissan-prefers-to-forget-octav-botnar/Still, Jimmy Saville got a right pasting, eh?  Irrespective of your views, I think we must acknowledge his impact on bringing our beloved Datsuns over to " Ol' Blighty".  Leigh (Area rep) |
|
|
|
Post by Al Ramone on Feb 7, 2013 23:01:49 GMT 1
well that little write up that gainsb1 has linked too calls our cars "pretty disgusting" and "horrible" it seams this Martin Derrick is just another ignorant journalist plonker... |
|
tommygoldy
club Member
Posts: 191
Location: North London
|
Post by tommygoldy on Feb 7, 2013 23:30:19 GMT 1
"Horrible but with a standard rear heated screen." lol
|
|
|
|
Post by gainsb1 on Feb 8, 2013 22:47:00 GMT 1
well that little write up that gainsb1 has linked too calls our cars "pretty disgusting" and "horrible" it seams this Martin Derrick is just another ignorant journalist plonker... I have to agree. The Laurel was described as "dull as dishwater" (even that's not original) but compared to, say, Fords of the same era (and, yes, I have had several Fords), the standard of finish and the standard equipment of the Datsuns was far better. Also, performance and handling of my Fords were rubbish - I recall in both MKII escort and MKIV cortina, the back end used to drift out on roundabouts....FRIGHTENING! Wish I'd had a Datsun at the time, seriously! Leigh (Area rep) |
|
wilko
club Member
Posts: 49
|
Post by wilko on Mar 18, 2013 14:55:22 GMT 1
I recall in both MKII escort and MKIV cortina, the back end used to drift out on roundabouts You say that like it's a bad thing?  |
|
|
|
Post by gainsb1 on Mar 18, 2013 16:35:54 GMT 1
I actually used to love doing the rear end drift on a particular roundabout in Chingford, Essex that had, additionally, an adverse camber..... and in the wet it was trouser-soiling but fun, so long as there were no other cars around... Hmmmm...
Leigh (Area rep)
|
|
|
|
Post by Talking Hoarse on Mar 19, 2013 8:35:20 GMT 1
I recall in both MKII escort and MKIV cortina, the back end used to drift out on roundabouts You say that like it's a bad thing? Exactly - one of the most enjoyable things of RWD! I find (even my old 910 estate) a joy to drive BECAUSE it is rwd like those old Escorts & Cortinas. The steering has "feel", it doesnt weight up when pressing on around a corner like fwd, & I can overcome the understeer with my right foot - ie steer a little bit with the accelerator. I can see however that RWD cars will be a handful to the uninitiated - especially if fitted with cheap Chinese etc tyres. Ed |
|
