Sam’s Dream: The C130 Cedric Arrives in Canada

Every now and then, a car enters your life that doesn’t just check the boxes. It rewrites the checklist entirely. For our friend Sam, that car was a 1977 C130 Nissan Cedric hardtop. After months of patient waiting, customs paperwork, and anticipation, his dream machine finally touched Canadian soil.

Sam’s passion for unique, era-defining Japanese cars runs deep. He played a major role in Dylan’s Supra build, always wrenching, advising, and lending a hand where it counted. So when it came time for him to find his next project, it had to be something special. His criteria were clear: it had to be unique, iconic, a four-door, built in the 1970s, and most importantly, it had to have a six-cylinder heart. That short list quickly narrowed down to one car: the Nissan Cedric.

The car Sam landed on was far more than just a solid base. It was already packing serious character. Nestled under the long hood was a built L26 straight-six, upgraded with a cam and trio of Mikuni carburetors, all mated to a manual transmission swap. In other words, a proper analog driving experience from a fantastic era of Japanese motoring.

When the car finally arrived at the port, it wasn’t quite ready to cruise straight onto the streets. We had to tow it to Reid’s place, where the team rallied to meet it. The car rolled off the trailer looking full of promise, a perfect mix of grit and elegance. We spent a few hours giving it a proper welcome: wiping it down, checking fluids, tinkering with the carbs, and dialling in some quick fixes to get it running smoother. Like most classics fresh off the boat, it needed a little love, but it was all there.

What stood out immediately was the sheer presence of the Cedric. The low roofline, sharp bodylines, and pillarless hardtop design give it a silhouette unlike anything else on the road. It's easy to see why the C130 Cedric has become a grail chassis for building a kaido racer.

For Sam, the Cedric wasn't just a cool choice. It was the only choice. In a sea of popular sedans, few offer the same blend of heritage and rarity. While the Skyline gets the glory and the Laurel gets the nod from insiders, the Cedric often flies under the radar until you see one in person.

It’s a car that speaks softly but leaves a lasting impression. In a time where so many builds chase trends, Sam’s Cedric is a reminder that sometimes, choosing the right platform is just as important as building it right.

This is just the beginning. With the car finally here and plans already brewing, we’re stoked to see where the Cedric goes next. You can bet Checkpoint will be along for the ride.