In 1947, Nissan’s marketing manager thought of an ultra-simple car, capable of conveying the masses in the midst of rebuilding the country. But it was ultimately not a smooth plan for this alter ego of the Citroën 2CV.
Called Flying Feather, this atypical machine is to be considered as a light utility vehicle. Nissan provided much of the development of the car, which is based on four motorcycle wheels.
An essential car
In 1947, Japan was in the throes of reconstruction, and automobile firms mainly assembled foreign models produced under license. To put the country back on track, we must offer a minimalist model that will have the merit of being very affordable. Yutaka Katayama, Nissan’s marketing manager, then embarked on the project of a light and inexpensive small car which could be sold in large quantities. The very first prototype, dating from 1951, included many motorcycle parts, such as wheels, mudguards and headlights.
The transmission also used technology from the world of two-wheelers with a 200cc single-cylinder engine.3 positioned at the rear and connected only to the rear left wheel via chain. In terms of design, the car was designed like a buggy with notches on the sides. The idea: to do without doors, hinges and other elements that weigh down the bodywork as well as the manufacturing budget. It is also to its weight limited to 250 kg that the car owes its baptismal name. Flying Feather, or “flying feather”.
A twisted fate
The car was presented in 1954 at the Tokyo Motor Show. 2.77 m long, 1.30 m wide for a similar height, it was equipped with a 350 cc V-twin engine3 delivering 12.5 bhp and mated to a three-speed manual gearbox. The Flying Feather was camped on wire-spoked motorcycle wheels with a diameter of 19 inches. From the prototype to the series, the machine took a little overweight and its weight climbed to 425 kg, which remains reasonable. On the other hand, the selling price rose very quickly.
Initially, its designer was counting on a price of 150,000 yen. But, without the support of the association of Japanese manufacturers or that of the Japanese Ministry of Economy, the project took a turn for the worse. The sale price at the commercial launch in March 1955 increased first to 300,000 yen, then very quickly to 380,000 yen. What clearly compromises the success of the model. In the end, only 200 units were built.
