
In the 80s, Nissan's models got straight lines. Sunny/Sentra, Bluebird and Laurel were as drawn with a ruler - and they were good and reliable cars. The Laurel C32 was perhaps the best.
A pleasant retrospective
The Nissan Laurel C32 was designed at a time when other cars were starting to get rounder shapes. Nissan, on the other hand, looked like they were drawn with a ruler. Stylish, but also a bit old-fashioned towards the end of the model's life. Seen through today's eyes, the cars look good. One senses common features with other classics, such as the Opel Senator and Volvo 760 from the same period. But it's not just the look that makes the Laurel C32 a pleasant retrospect - it's also because they were good and durable cars. The Nissan Laurel was very popular in the taxi industry.
Model history
The Laurel C32 succeeded the C31 from model year 1985, and was produced until the beginning of 1989. Something that helped make the model popular among taxi owners was the 2,8 diesel engine. An inline six that with 90hp, did not excel in acceleration, but in economy and durability. Other engines offered to Norwegian customers were the 4-cylinder 2,0 (petrol, 100hp) and 2,4 (inline six, petrol, 136hp). Some Laurel C32s were also delivered from 1987 with a 3.0 V6 engine with 156hp.
Laurel C32 as a hobby car
It can be said that although Nissan Laurels were considered good and reliable cars, they had a rather low status value - and few chose to take care of the cars after the end of their service. Therefore, cars rarely appear for sale anywhere in the world. At Nordic and European car exchanges, it is still possible to sell cars with low mileage. There are currently 2 models for sale – one in Germany and one in the Netherlands for between NOK 100-150.000 (ex. VAT and shipping). Why acquire a Laurel C32 as a hobby car? The cars have good and safe driving characteristics - and are comfortable over long distances. Many people remember the cars from when they were new, and since they are becoming rare, they can attract a lot of attention. A good alternative to mid-sized American cars from the same period. And speaking of American cars – the Nissan Laurel could also be had in a 4-door hardtop version, as earlier American cars could. These were probably not delivered to Norway, and it is unknown if LHD variants were made.

About the pictures
The car in the main picture was photographed at Seaplane Harbor 2020. In the background you can see the seaplane that was then owned by "Rimi" Hagen. The front picture of the white car was taken at Hof Skole, a visitor to the car meet "Hobbybilens dag" in 2021. The front picture of the dark car was taken at the public parking lot at the Norwegian Vehicle History Museum, Hunderfossen. The interior image is taken from a sales advertisement - link.

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