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The Complete Guide to Classic Datsun Cars and Trucks
1955 Nissan 580 Truck
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 The Nissan 580 was introduced in December 1955 and was in production until March 1959. 
 The Nissan 580 was another update of the body shape that began with the Nissan 380 in 1952. All the panels on the 580 are exactly the same as the 380 and 480, with the only major  visual differences being to the grille design. The previous Nissan 480 had a grille that consisted of three very wide horizontal chrome bars covering it's two large grille opening in the body. For the 580 these two large grille openings each have their own grille, which consists of a white painted pressed steel rectangle with two horizontal slots. These grilles do not fully cover the grille opening, and they leave a gap at the top and bottom. On the front of the bonnet, just under the front air intakes, there is a long chrome strip with Nissan on it. On the side of the bonnet the slots have a chrome strip that runs horizontally through the middle of slot. 
 The engine used in the Nissan 580 is the same engine that was introduced in the previous Nissan 482 model, which was the NC series 3960cc 105hp 6 cylinder unit. A longer wheel base model, the G580 was also available, which was an extra 1000mm longer between the wheels. The bus version of the 580 was called the Nissan 590, and it was introduced six months before the 580 truck, in May 1955. A diesel engine version was also built called the M580. 
In 1958 a new version of the Nissan 580 was introduced, called the Nissan 582. Mechanically the 582 was the same as the 580, the only notable differences being to the grille and trim. The grille on the 582 is much taller than that on the 580, and it now fills the whole grille opening, rather than leaving a large gap at the top and bottom like the 580. The 580 grille was fairly straight and angular, while the new 582 grille is much more rounded. Also in the side of the bonnet the trim has changed. On the 580 the slot on the side of the bonnet has a horizontal strip this travels through the middle of the slot, on the 582 the strip sits on top of the opening slot.
 The Nissan 582 was the last vehicle in this body shape that first began with the Nissan 380 in 1952. The 582 was replaced in March 1959 with the all new Nissan 680.
A sales brochure for the Nissan 580
A sales brochure for the Nissan 590
1952 Nissan 380 Specifications 
Length - 7010mm   
Width - 2240mm   
Height - 2290mm   
Wheelbase - 4000mm   
Weight - 3585kg   
Top speed - 88kph  
Transmission - 4 speed Floor change 
Final Drive - 6.33:1
Engine Specifications 
Model - NC   
Capacity - 3960cc   
Bore & Stroke 86x114mm   
Power - 105hp@3400rpm   
Torque- 195 ft/lb@1600rpm   
Compression - 6.8 : 1   
Carburettor - Hitachi Stromberg VC-45 single throat down draught
 
Model Variations
 
Nissan 580 
The Nissan 580 was the truck version.
 
Nissan 590 
The Nissan 590 was the bus version.
 
Nissan FS480 Fire Truck 
A purpose built fire truck version of the Nissan 580
 
Nissan 582 
The updated version of the 580, with a new grille design.
Nissan 592 
The bus version of the Nissan 582.
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