Nissan UK celebrates 35 years with restomod electric Bluebird

Nissan has marked 35 years of its Sunderland plant with a one-off electric version of the Bluebird – the first car to leave its UK production line in 1986. The ‘Newbird’ is powered by the drivetrain from a Nissan Leaf.

In place of a four-cylinder petrol engine and gearbox, the 1989 Bluebird hatchback uses the Leaf’s electric motor, inverter and 40kWh battery pack. The battery modules are split between the engine bay and boot to improve weight distribution. 

Although it hasn’t been subject to official WLTP tests, Nissan estimates a range of around 130 miles for the Newbird. Zero to 62mph takes an easygoing 15 seconds, with top speed limited by the car’s bluff aerodynamics.

Acceptable in the 80s

Nissan Bluebird EV

The restomod Bluebird is recharged via the fuel flap, which now houses a charging port. The battery accepts up to 6.6kW, with the former petrol gauge now displaying the level of charge.

To cope with the extra weight of an electric drivetrain, the Nissan’s suspension has been completely replaced. Other components such as the brakes, power steering and heating have also been upgraded to offer a safer, more comfortable driving experience.

Conversion work was entrusted to Kinghorn Electric Vehicles of Durham, which specialises in electrified classic cars. The Newbird’s exterior graphics are by Nissan Design Europe and ‘inspired by 1980s consumer technology’. An LED-backlit Nissan badge on the bonnet is a more modern touch.  

Built in Britain

Nissan Bluebird EV

The original Bluebird wasn’t the first Japanese car built in the UK (that title goes to the Honda Ballade-based Triumph Acclaim), but it proved the efficiency of a British workforce and opened the floodgates for more factories and much greater investment. 

Today, Nissan builds the Leaf, Juke and Qashqai in Sunderland. The site produces around 500,000 cars a year, or approximately two every minute, with exports to 132 countries around the world.

ALSO READ:

GREAT MOTORING DISASTERS: SINCLAIR C5

1986 TOYOTA COROLLA GT AE86 REVIEW: RETRO ROAD TEST

MITSUBISHI LANCER EVOLUTION X FQ-440 MR REVIEW: RETRO ROAD TEST

Related Articles

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

spot_imgspot_img

Latest

We found a Vauxhall Viceroy lurking at the London Classic Car Show

Possibly the cheapest car there but also one of our favourites...

Great Motoring Disasters: Alfa Romeo 156

The Alfa Romeo 156 was a head-turner when it came out in 1997, and sales were buoyant. So where did it all go wrong?

Luck of the Irish – Ireland’s hidden automotive history

We celebrate St Patrick's Day by telling the story of cars built in Ireland – from the Delorean DMC-12 to the Ford Sierra

Great Motoring Disasters: Cadillac Allante

The Cadillac Allante's body was made in Italy, then flown to the USA on a Boeing 747 for final assembly. Unsurprisingly, it didn't make money.

Porsche 911 Turbo prototype to star at Hampton Court this summer

The very first Porsche 911 Turbo prototype will be displayed at Hampton Court Palace for this year’s Concours of Elegance.