Encountering this rare pre-Nissan edition of the Gloria will doubtless be one of the biggest near misses of the year for me. As in: I nearly missed it: it was black, on the move and at night – a pretty impossible combination. Given how few of these are still about, we’re going to have to make do with a handful of somewhat sub-optimal shots. But it’s worth it – these Glorias are perhaps the coolest-looking big Japanese cars of the ‘60s.
The second generation of Gloria, made by Prince Motors, was launched in September 1962. It originally featured a rather modest 1.9 litre 4-cyl., but by mid-1963 the Super 6 model was launched, featuring a 2-litre OHC straight-6 producing 105hp. This was the first Japanese OHC engine and it became the S4 Gloria’s mainstay until production ended in April 1967. By that time, Prince had merged with Nissan and the new Gloria, though designed and built by Prince, was badged as a Nissan. The same thing happened to the Skyline, as some may recall.
A higher-trim Grand Gloria (not pictured above, this is a Super 6), featuring a 2.5 litre 6-cyl., eventually took over as Prince’s top-of-the-line, just to keep up with the Gloria’s many rivals (Toyota Crown Eight, Nissan Cedric Special, Mitsubishi Debonair, Isuzu Bellel). Along with the Debonair, I’d say the Prince would have been my pick of that particular crowd.
And having found one of these precious Prince Glorias in an Ikebukuro parking lot, yours truly had to quickly take a few snapshots of the departing car. Of course, no interior shot was ever going to be possible in these conditions, so here’s a period photo of one. I did manage one photo of the beast before it set off – a rear end shot, easily the best of the bunch.
The S4 Gloria was a sophisticated machine, for the time. It had a De Dion rear suspension, was available with factory A/C and power windows, and originally came standard with an overdrive. However, by June 1964, the 6-cyl. Glorias could be had with a 2-speed automatic transmission called Space Flow, courtesy of the Okamura Corporation.
Our feature car appears to have this transmission, which only lasted until late 1965, when it was replaced by a doubtless more effective, but all-too-common Borg-Warner 3-speed. However, the license plate tells us that this car has an engine over 2000cc, so it’s not impossible that a newer (and bigger) motor now replaces the original Prince six. I imagine the Space Flow transmission might also have been given the boot, if that is the case…
Another one to add to the list of Corvair-influenced designs, though in profile (and with some dodgy camera work), I’m getting hints of Fintail Benz as well. I really hope I’ll be able to find another one of these someday (or, even better, the wagon version) and do it justice, but I’m not holding my breath.
Grand Gloria with 2500 c.c. straight 6 cylinder
The side trim clearly is not Grand Gloria and the emblem read “Super 6”.
The 2500cc engine could be in there, I suppose (that might explain the license plate discrepancy), but this car came off the production line with a 2-litre.
That first photo is frameable. Glorious, indeed.
That means a lot coming from the Master of Motion! Thank you, Dennis-san.
It is good indeed. Could be a Japanese (or Japan-set) noir movie.
“Tokyo Vanishing”, in big yellow letters angled into that top left space, cast and crew bottom right.
Absolutely agree. Often the very best photos are the ones that nearly weren’t taken, or were taken on the spur of the moment. The lighting, background and slight movement all combine wonderfully.
I see a mishmash of 1960 American compact car styling cues. I keep seeing, Falcon, Comet, Rambler (mainly the dash) and of course some Corvair.
My understanding is that the SOHC six was pretty heavily influenced by the Mercedes OHC six. It rather looks a lot like it, but it does have its intake and exhaust on the opposite side of the head to reduce interference with the steering column.
Agreed, Paul. I see Corvair and Comet, but my first impression was, “What a well-preserved ’63 Falcon Fordor!”
Very Falconish from the side, but the front is a blend of ’61 Rambler Ambassador and upside-down ’61 Chevy.
And I was today years old when I first heard of the “SpaceFlow” automatic. Sounds like we are fixing to have a battle of comic book superheroes. SpaceFlow vs. Dynaflow vs. Ultramatic vs. Flash-O-Matic!
The 61s couldn’t have influenced a car that debuted in late 1962, I reckon. A lot less than the ’60 cars — Corvair, Falcon, etc.– would have, anyway.
But the ’61 that really is a dead ringer for the Gloria, at least face-wise, is the Canadian Mercury. Maybe Prince were into Monarchs?
The 61s couldn’t have influenced a car that debuted in late 1962, I reckon.
Of course they could have. The ’61s debuted in the fall of 1960; that’s over 24 months until this Gloria had its debut. How long do you think it takes? A number of cars have been designed and engineered from nothing in 18 months, including the 1960 Valiant. That included the engine too. There’s others documented in that ballpark. The myth that it takes 3+ years to create a new car is just that.
And in this case, styling the front end/grille is nothing compared to engineering the whole rest of the car and body. Styling refreshes that involve a new grille can be done in 6-9 months, or even less.
Very interesting as I believe the Nissan/Datsun L series engines were influenced by the Mercedes SOHC as well. Prince ending up part of Nissan lends credence to the story.
Nice looking car, I see a lot of Rambler in it as well.
…but by mid-1963 the Super 6 model was launched, featuring a 2-litre OHC straight-6 producing 105hp.
Pretty darned good, over a hundred horsepower out of a 122 cubic inch engine in a mid-60s family car.
Beautiful cars. I used to walk past one of these Glorias on the way to school back in the sixties. Princes were briefly popular in Australia until the Nissan takeover. The ones I saw didn’t have the mid-body spear or the aluminium-look trim panel on the tail.
That’s amazing – imagine, walking to school!
I didn’t know about these till this post, let alone there were any here.
Apparently they even sold 18 of the 2.5l cars.
https://www.tradeuniquecars.com.au/feature-cars/1201/prince-gloria-review
Thanks for that, typically excellent article by Joe Kenright.
Amusing that all Glorias did in fact have four speed boxes, just that you had to pay for over drive to access the fourth gear!
I love it!
The instrument panel looks like it was swiped straight outta my dad’s ’59 Ford.
Oh my, what a great find! The Super 6 sedan was assembled in New Zealand from CKD kits in the 1960s; we got the wagons too but I think they were imported built-up. They must have been relatively popular at the time as there are still a few around. Most of ours were lower-spec 6-cylinders with DIY window winders, but I have seen a NZ-new high spec version with power windows. Many of our Kiwi-assembled Super 6s were red, but they look fab in black, and there was also a very nice blue. I have the chrome and gold Prince grille badge from one of these in my shed somewhere; the closest I’ll ever get to owning the car!
One of my primary school mates dad had one for many years it had all the bells and whistles so may have been a super six, first Japanese car I can remember seeing.
What a remarkable catch. 56 years old, and in a city of 37 million.
It has what could only be termed “highly active” styling, as it is some way past “busy”. There is very little of many other cars that has not been tried-on here, then left on, though it must be conceded that the end result is engaging rather than eye-hurting.
I’ve known about these cars for some time but today I learned that they were available with automatic, so thanks!
Cool looking classic .
Thanx for the link, I like the blue color best, looks sharp in black but the desert you know…
-Nate
Nice catch! Looks like it has crank-operated vent windows, something not often seen on cars of the time, except those built by GM.