Initially marketed in Japan only as an executive limousine, exports began to a few countries including Singapore and Hong Kong, though sales were limited.

Ownership costs of the fully hand-built President were elevated due to its external dimensions and engine displacement placing it in the top road tax bracket.

The President appeared after the Toyota Crown Eight debuted in 1963, and was developed by Nissan as a possible submission for a limousine to be used by the Imperial Household Agency of Japan.

[1] A small number (fewer than 200) of left-hand drive models were also built, available for export but mainly sold to Japan's foreign missions and to Japanese companies abroad.

[3] The availability of a V8 was regarded as an extravagant feature once it's realized that urban two-way streets are usually zoned at 40 km/h (25 mph) or less,[4] as mentioned in the article Speed limits in Japan.

At the same time, the V8 engine received electronic fuel injection, becoming the Y44E and allowing the car to meet new, stricter emissions standards.

[5] The top versions had power everything, satin weave nylon seats, an early form of anti-lock brakes, and automatic climate control.

In November 1982 the President was updated with suspension improvements, a larger fuel tank, a new instrument cluster and dashboard, a new grille, and the replacement of the round headlights with square halogen versions while maintaining the general exterior and interior appearance.

After minor detail improvements and stereo alterations in June (after which bias-ply tires were no longer available) and December 1984, the Sovereign VIP trim (with air sprung rear seat and other additional comforts) was added in January 1985.

Minor changes followed in November 1988, when the types C and D received the same wheel covers as the Sovereign, and in March 1989 when a shift lock was added.

As a result of Project 901, there was a renewed emphasis on positioning the President as a senior corporate luxury limousine with high levels of standard equipment, including Connolly Leather or a combined wool and silk blend upholstery.

[8] In 1993, a short-wheelbase version similar to the Q45 joined the lineup, badged as President JS positioned for personal ownership, and marketed as an alternative to the Cima, Cedric and Gloria.

Nissan's special vehicles subsidiary Autech developed a Royal Limousine model with a split passenger compartment for 1993.

In 1994, along with a minor facelift, Nissan revived the Sovereign trim level (previously available for 250 Presidents) for the long-wheelbase model.

The hood ornament continued from the previous generation, and was a stylized military headdress for ceremonial duties, called a feather bonnet or a busby.

This generation shared the wheelbase length with the Nissan Cima (F50), but the rear seat luxury features were only available on the President.

The President earned a ULEV emissions certification in April 2005, and the Compass Link navigation system was upgraded to CarWings February 2008.

Starting in 2012, the Cima name was revived as a stretched Fuga, resuming the market segment formerly held by the President, thereby continuing to offer an alternative to the modern Toyota Crown Majesta premium level limousine made in Japan.

The President was also indirectly affected by the Nissan Revival Plan due to its exclusivity and niche market positioning for Japanese senior level executives.