Introduced in 1968 as a new model positioned above the Datsun Bluebird 510, the Laurel offered the luxury of the Nissan Gloria A30 in a shorter wheelbase, and always was the luxury version of the Skyline range for all generations, sharing engines, suspensions and handling dynamics of the popular performance coupe and sedan while having a longer wheelbase.

The first Laurel was developed by the Nissan Tsurumi R&D Division and assembled at the Musashimurayama Plant of the former Prince Motor Company in 2-door and 4-door variants beginning in 1968.

The Laurel was conceived as a junior version of the all-new Gloria before Nissan acquired Prince, and one year later a 2000 cc engine became available in the four-door sedan as well.

The Laurel did not sell as well as expected, largely because the design was too similar to that of the smaller, modestly priced Bluebird (510) which was developed as a competitor before Nissan bought Prince.

The Laurel 2000GX, Nissans first hardtop, was introduced June 1970 and was equipped with the Prince developed SOHC 1,990 cc G20-series four-cylinders with either a single or SU twin-carburetor.

A feature that was unique to the 2000GX was the stylish at the time sequential rear turn signals, where three light blubs would flash from the center to the outer edge on both the coupe and sedan.

The saloon continued to use MacPherson struts for the front wheels but now used a rear beam axle and semi-elliptic leaf spring.

Since the engine was over two litres, it was not restrained by the size limits imposed by Japanese regulations, and therefore it was fitted with bigger bumpers than regular Laurels.

The Nissan Laurel C130-EV - referred to as the Datsun 200L-EV in export markets - developed to be used by the VIPs at the 1975 International Oceanographic Exposition in Okinawa.

Again, comfort was prioritized over handling and agility, while still using the identical MacPherson struts for the front wheels and Semi-trailing arm for the rear suspension from the Skyline.

One year later (January 1978) Nissan released a tenth anniversary edition, which adopted a special deep red body color known as "Laurel's Crimson", as well as trim-specific emblems, aluminum wheels and front grille.

The highest trim level, "Medalist", received air conditioning in addition to its OHC four-cylinder two-litre diesel engine.

The 1800 cc cars switched to the newer Z18 crossflow engine and all Laurels now met the Showa 53 (1979) gasoline vehicle emission regulations.

The six-cylinder gasoline-powered car with automatic transmission and Super Touring equipment received an overdrive gear at the same time.

In October, taxi and driver instruction vehicles with an OHC LPG four-cylinder engine (Z18P, Standard or GL equipment) were added.

SGL Grand Touring car (with a hubcap for Medalist colored bumper and large) and 50 Special Release III.

January 1984 saw the abolition of the 1.8-litre GL models, while the Turbo Medalist Givenchy III limited edition also went on sale.

[12] As large Japanese cars are not very popular with private buyers in Europe, the diesel saw the lion's share of sales, mainly for taxi usage.

Some of the Laurel's new features included a 4-door sedan body, variations in the hardtop, and a more overall angular appearance, and also introduced the world's first electric retractable door mirrors.

[13] The C32 was the last model to be sold in Europe, where the Laurel was replaced by the front-wheel-drive Nissan Maxima (PU11) which was not available as a diesel and had a sportier, more luxurious air.

The styling of the Nissan Laurel began to resemble the larger Gloria but on a slightly smaller platform, with reduced tax liability based on the vehicles dimensions.

The Toyota competitor was the Cresta while the new Honda Inspire, Mitsubishi Emeraude and the new Mazda luxury sedan ɛ̃fini MS-8 were also alternatives in the increasing crowded segment.

To meet stricter side-impact legislation, it was no longer available in a pillarless hardtop sedan configuration; the single-body style offered was a regular saloon with B-posts.

The Laurel also offered ASCD (auto speed control) with steering wheel switches on the top-of-the-line Medalist VG Selection.

If it was rear-drive "Medalist", it was MacPherson struts for the front wheels but now offered multi-links for the rear suspension from the Skyline.

At the same time, the regular Club S received a few downgrades, such as a Premium Tricot interior rather than the earlier Ultrasuede, which was now only a cost option on the Type X.

More special editions also appeared in the form of the "Celencia," which received dedicated seat fabric, a unique grille, and tinted window glass.

Holding to traditional product refreshes, the C35 Laurel remained consistent with its established role as the slightly longer Skyline.

Competition grew from within, with the Cedric and Gloria Gran Turismo, the Cima Grand Touring, and the growing international popularity of the Skyline.

The all-new telematics in-car navigation system called Compass Link was installed as an extra-cost option in all trim packages beginning with this generation.