When I think of the Datsun 510, I cannot help but reminisce about the days when I had posters of Peter Brock’s Trans-Am BRE Datsun 510s and 240Zs on my bedroom wall. It would be a misnomer to call this particular 4-door 510 a project car, since most of the work is already done for you. Based in Boise, Idaho, this Datsun is available here on craigslist for $12,000. Thanks once again to Curvette for the tip!
The L20B engine has a fresh rebuild and a Weber carburetor. This 1,952 cc Nissan L-family motor was produced from 1974 through 1982. OHC valves, a wedge-shaped combustion chamber, an aluminum cylinder head, and a fully balanced five-bearing crankshaft made this motor a little powerhouse. It made 110 gross horsepower and 102 lb.-ft of torque. Plenty to move any Datsun with ease. The seller says his biggest problem is drivability: the car tends to backfire when shifting into second gear and to diesel on shutdown. Admittedly, this is probably a timing issue, and fixing it isn’t a priority for them right now.
The paint is white, and the interior is red, which works well for this car. The seller painted it in his garage and admits it isn’t perfect, but “pretty good.” The body looks straight in the pics, and the interior was updated with new upholstery and carpet, though not original. It needs a new exhaust, and the seller did his best to repair some front-end collision damage. The front suspension is from a ’84 240SX, and the rear has stiffer springs. New tires on 16” Nissan rims are on all four corners. It is said to come with a “myriad” of extra parts that are not detailed.
The Datsun 510 was introduced in 1967 and produced through 1973, with approximately 100,000 4-door models built. According to Collectorcarmarket.com, a #2 condition 4-door is worth $13,200. #2 is very good and extremely presentable, with normal wear. Unfortunately, this is not a #2 car. I would guess it falls between #3 (Good) and #4 (Fair), since it needs moderate mechanical work and may need paint. According to the site, a #3 is $9,650 and a #4 is $5,100. Finding prices for a 4-door isn’t easy, since the more popular 2-door version is better documented. If you can sort out the drivability issues, I think this would be a great little driver. Can you see yourself behind the wheel of this 1972 classic 4-door?
Raced one of these for 2 years. Fun driver and we won lots of races. Rust is the only weak spot with these cars. Decent pictures on the Cragslist ad.
If I don’t have experience with a certain make of car, I’ll keep my big yap shut, but not with this one. Now, this is my view, take it or leave it, I know what I’m talking about.
In the turbulent late 70s, I hung out at a bar and a gal I knew had a car like this. I realize there is a following, the IRS made it a great race car, but as a driver, it was miserable. Case in point: One wintery day, me, another guy, and her decide, we’re going to Florida,,,again. We took her 510. Long list of negatives, poor heat, crappy seats, 4 speed howled on the highway, just a general “tin can”, and a miserable trip. It got so-so mileage, sorely needed a 5 speed, as updated here, but Nissan made such great vehicles, I’d have to think they’d like to forget about the 510. The B210, its replacement, was a much nicer car.
I have to chuckle, runs poorly? Why people don’t just leave the stock setup alone, like the Weber is the only choice, and does little. Sorry, not a fan of the “poor mans 2002”.