RIP, Fred Jordan, Datsun Heritage Museum Founder


We interrupt our 2011 JCCS coverage to bring you some sad news. Fred Jordan, founder of the Datsun Heritage Museum, has passed away. UPDATE.


Anyone involved in the SoCal Datsun scene knows that Fred was truly passionate about preserving the history of early Nissans in the US. He was a manager at one of the first Datsun dealership in the US and as such was a life long pal of Yutaka “Mr. K” Katayama‘s. Fred was there for the ride as the brand grew from a tiny dealer in San Diego to a household name known in every corner of the country.


We’ve attended many DHM events, and Fred was always setting up video conference calls with Mr. K in Japan so he could see and talk to all the Nissan fans in the US. Although the museum was forced to close its doors recently due to hard times and Fred’s deteriorating health, it was much loved amongst the Datsun community.


One of Fred’s favorite cars was his flawless Black Gold 10 Anniversary Edition Datsun 280ZX (previous photo, left),  which he was always more than willing to talk about with a Datsun fan. That’s him with his arm around a car show winner at the museum in the photo above. He’s done many great things for the Datsun community but most of all he was a friend and will be missed. Rest in peace, Fred.

He is survived by his wife Betty, their daughter Sharon. For those who want to send condolences please contact Joe Hastie of the Z-Car Club of Inland Valley (joe at zcciv dot com).

UPDATE: A memorial Service for Fred Jordan is scheduled on Saturday, October 1 at 10AM at:

England Family Mortuary
27135 Madison Avenue
Temecula, CA
951-695-8555

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate a donation be made in Fred’s name to one of the following charitable organizations:

A) The American Cancer Society
To donate by mail, simply complete this form and mail the form with your check to this address:
American Cancer Society
P.O. Box 22718
Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718
You can also donate on-line at cancer.org or by phone at 1-800-227-2345.

B) Hope Hospice and Healthcare, Inc
29826 Haun Road, Suite 108
Sun City, CA 92586
951-679-8872

C) A charitable organization of your choice.

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15 Responses to RIP, Fred Jordan, Datsun Heritage Museum Founder

  1. mister k says:

    rip brother

  2. Chris Karl, ZCCA says:

    Fred was a strong presence in the Nissan and Datsun history. He will be greatly missed.

  3. Mario A Camps says:

    Never meet him but what he accomplish or the Z datsun community was great. I hope some one can continue what he started.

  4. J.A.C.K says:

    d*mn, it’s a shame to lose an enthusiast of this caliber.

  5. Koich says:

    Very sad to hear that the heritage museum closed and he passed away. May he rest in peace.

  6. Lincoln Stax says:

    My condolences to his family and friends.

  7. gaijinshogun says:

    Enjoyed my last conversation with him at a prior JCCS before the museum closed. I enjoyed his infectious enthusiasm and joyous personality. Sincere condolences to his family.

  8. s30zgt says:

    I say donations to start up a new Datsun Heritage Museum in his honor. I was very sad to discover the museum had closed down a while ago, always wanted to check it out. Rest in peace Mr Jordan. Your love of the brand will continue on in the hearts of datsun and classic japanese car enthusiasts.

  9. eastwest6 says:

    Only met him once, but that was all it took to see his outgoing, warm nature and passion for this community. I took my family to the museum a few months before it closed and we had a great time. Thank you, Fred.

  10. Rick Gutierrez says:

    I was a member of San Diego Z Club when Fred was a member and heard when he started another club, Inland Valley. Always a pleasure to be around, he knew history of the Datsun Z front and back because he had lived it. Was always looking for ways to promote the Z’s and develop community. His Black and Gold Z was in perfect showroom condition, he took pride in the Z. A warm friendly man, we will miss his presence in the Z community. It would be great if they could get the museum back up and running as a tribute to him and his work.

  11. Datrod says:

    RIP Mr fred Jordon. I’ve been friends with Fred for 13 Plus years. So many great stories that man had. He was a WWII vet, Datsun head and a great person. I’m going to miss him.
    They don’t make tuff old guys like that anymore.

    RIP BROTHER

  12. David Chaney says:

    I had the pleasure and the privilege to meet and speak with Mr. Fred Jordan during the 2006 National Z convention in Texas. I always wanted to make the trip out to see his museum. He will be missed.

  13. Bob Bosse - ZCoT says:

    Fred represented the true spirt of the Z Car. It was an honor to have known him. RIP my friend.

  14. Ray Raible says:

    I had thew pleasure of meet Fred, I was impressed with the man and his deep devotion to the Datsun name. have a 70 240Z and a 70 510. We briefly spoke about his illness, being an RN I was interested in his care and treatment. He had a big influence on me caring for men like him. Thank you Fred,

  15. Robert Demontigny says:

    are you interested . Made 1 year only. Produced for only one year, the VG223 had the dimensions of a compact wagon. It was a rare sight in the U.S. market, with only 269 Datsun trucks imported in total, and most of those being pickups. Surfboards were not included with the purchase price.
    530-885-1620 thank you Robert

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