Violet Stories
Nissan Violet Hardtop 1600SSS-E (1973)

Publication: Car Graphic
Format: Road Test
Date: April 1973
Author: “C/G Test Group” (uncredited)
Summary: Bluebird 510 in new clothes. Equipped with electronic fuel injection. Engine improved but still rough and noisy when revved up. Excellent 5-speed gearbox. A bit high geared overall. Handling is on the dull side. Nice, luxurious cabin. Brakes prone to fade.
Road testing the Violet Hardtop 1600SSS-E
Nissan’s new 1.5-liter-class Violet series was announced in January, and we featured an overview and brief road impression in last month’s issue. This time, we went to the Yatabe test course to conduct a full test of the car’s top speed, acceleration, and other performance characteristics. The test car was the same as before, the highest-end and highest-performance version in the series, the Hardtop 1600SSS-E (840,000 yen for delivery in Tokyo).
Nissan Violet Hardtop 1600SSS vs Mitsubishi Lancer 1600GSL (1973)

Publication: Auto Sport
Format: Group Test
Date: April 1973
Author: Juichi Kanmoto, Auto Sport Editorial Staff (uncredited)
Comparative Test: Violet 1600SSS vs. Lancer 1600GSL
Two new models of comparable class have recently appeared in quick succession: Nissan’s Violet 1600SSS and Mitsubishi’s Lancer 1600GSL. Both place strong emphasis on family-car comfort and character, yet as both manufacturers possess extensive rally experience, it seems only a matter of time before dedicated rally kits are offered for each.