Synopsis
Nissan / Datsun It Is A Matter Of Pride by Gordon Whitby, with contributions from Dr. Seta Whitby, is a memoir that intertwines the author’s personal journey with his professional insights into the automotive industry, particularly his pivotal role in the rise of Nissan’s Datsun brand in the United States. Born in England and Northern Ireland, Whitby emigrated to the United States in 1952, settling in Los Angeles, where he witnessed and contributed to significant changes in the American automotive landscape over six decades. The book chronicles his 17-year tenure at Nissan Motors USA, beginning in July 1967, when the company was a relatively obscure importer of Datsun cars and trucks. Whitby’s narrative captures his ascent from a dedicated employee to key leadership roles, including Director of Dealer Sales and later Director of Dealer Support for the entire United States. His efforts were instrumental in building a robust Datsun dealer network that, during his time, outperformed all other imported brands in the Western United States. Through engaging anecdotes, Whitby details the policies and procedures he helped establish, which laid the groundwork for Nissan’s eventual prominence in the global market.
Beyond his contributions to Nissan, Whitby’s memoir reflects on his broader career in the automotive world, offering a firsthand perspective on the industry’s evolution. He shares his experiences in road racing from 1952 to 1967, during which he prepared race cars for legendary drivers such as Ken Miles, Carroll Shelby, Phil Hill, Stirling Moss, Donald Healey, and Captain George Eyston. His 16 years with the British Motor Corporation (BMC) are also recounted, where he served as the U.S. technical advisor to Chief Engineer Syd Enever of the MG division and participated in high-speed and endurance runs at Utah’s Bonneville Salt Flats in 1957, 1959, and 1965. Whitby’s passion for the industry extends to his observations on its future, particularly the shift toward self-driving and driverless vehicles, which he analyzes with a blend of enthusiasm and critical foresight. He also touches on the challenges facing the U.S. government in navigating international automotive trade, providing predictions grounded in his extensive experience.
The book is not solely a professional chronicle; it is also a personal reflection on Whitby’s life and achievements. After leaving Nissan, he took on significant roles at the University of La Verne, joining its Board of Trustees in 1982 and becoming Vice President of Business and Finance in 1984. At the time, the university was in financial distress, having operated at a loss for six years. Whitby takes pride in applying his managerial expertise to steer the institution toward fiscal stability, a feat he accomplished with the support of his dedicated staff. Additionally, the memoir references his earlier work, Earning the American Dream, which documents the successes and failures of the British Motor Corporation, further showcasing his ability to analyze complex organizations with clarity and insight. Readers are drawn into Whitby’s storytelling, which is described as captivating and difficult to put down, blending practical business advice with vivid personal stories.
Whitby’s narrative is infused with a sense of pride in his contributions to both the automotive industry and his adopted country. His journey from a British immigrant to a key figure in American automotive and academic circles underscores themes of perseverance and adaptability. The book also highlights his ability to navigate diverse professional landscapes, from the high-stakes world of car racing to the strategic development of a major automotive brand and the financial rescue of an academic institution. Through it all, Whitby’s enthusiasm for his work and his optimism about the future of technology shine through, making Nissan / Datsun It Is A Matter Of Pride a compelling read for those interested in automotive history, business strategy, and the personal triumphs of a man who helped shape Nissan’s legacy in America.