Most small cars from the early 1970s saw active service as commuters or daily drivers until their owners felt they’d reached the end of their serviceable life. Survivors within that category are relatively rare, especially if the car is a one-owner vehicle. That is the story behind this 1971 Datsun 1200 2-Door Sedan. It isn’t perfect, but it is strikingly well-preserved for a vehicle of its type and age. It has served its owner faithfully for fifty-two years, but the time has come for it to find a new home. Therefore, the seller has listed it here on Craigslist in San Fernando, California. It could be yours for $9,700, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Gunter K for spotting this little gem.
This Datsun brought back wonderful memories the moment I saw it. I used to own an almost identical example over thirty years ago that I purchased to commute to and from work. It was passed to my wife when I received a company car, and she used it as an economical and maneuverable alternative in her role as a postal delivery contractor in our rural location. This Datsun is a tidy survivor that has spent its days in a dry climate. Therefore, its total lack of rust is unsurprising. The exterior is clean, and although the seller doesn’t mention any hidden issues, the lack of visible corrosion in areas like the engine bay gives cause for quiet confidence. The panels have minor bumps and bruises, leaving the new owner with choices to make. Performing a light cosmetic restoration would be straightforward, and attention to detail could return the exterior to a factory-fresh state. However, some enthusiasts will contend that cars of this caliber are only original once and that preservation is more appropriate. The seller raises the idea of handing it to a paintless dent removal company to tackle the minor imperfections. That could be the ideal compromise between the two approaches. There are no genuine right or wrong answers, only personal preferences. This Datsun’s glass looks good, with the same true of the trim. It is refreshing to find it retains its original 12″ wheels and hubcaps. This is particularly noteworthy, as the hubcaps are damage-prone. These look spotless, with no signs of curb strike or other issues.
I was initially impressed by this Datsun’s exterior, but its interior left me stunned. This car has spent its life in California, a state with a climate renowned for taking a high toll on plastic trim and vinyl upholstery. This 1200 has survived everything thrown at it, and while I wouldn’t stick my neck out to describe it as being showroom fresh, you will struggle to find a better unrestored example. The vinyl is free from wear and significant damage, the dash and pad are spotless, and the immaculate carpet is protected by large mats that are a wise addition. The Datsun 1200 represented affordable motoring when new, so it didn’t come loaded with luxury appointments like air conditioning and power windows. Buyers received an effective heater as standard equipment, with an AM radio providing in-car entertainment.
The secret to the Datsun 1200’s appeal hid under the hood. These cars derive power from a 1,172cc A-Series four-cylinder motor producing 68hp and 71 ft/lbs of torque. The power feeds to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission, and while the figures don’t promise startling performance, there are some important positive points to consider. The first is that with a curb weight of 1,609 lbs, the Datsun is a surprisingly energetic performer. It will comfortably dart through small gaps in heavy traffic, and the delightful shifter attached to the four-speed encourages drivers to put some effort into the motoring experience. I can confirm these cars will effortlessly cruise on the open road at 60mph while sipping fuel at better than 35mpg. This Datsun is in excellent mechanical health. The engine received a rebuild at 32,800 miles, and with the odometer showing 43,000 miles, that little four is barely broken in. The seller doesn’t mention verifying evidence for the odometer reading, but the ownership history suggests it might exist. It has undergone considerable work during the past two months to ensure it is healthy. The seller ensured the work was performed using genuine parts to maintain the original feel and quality. It recently completed a 1,000-mile road trip with no issues and is a turnkey proposition the new owner could drive anywhere.
The 1971 Datsun 1200 isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but they are engaging little cars that provide an enjoyable driving experience. The fact that they sip, rather than guzzle, their fuel makes them a viable commuter option. They are dead easy to drive, which might be a consideration for potential buyers seeking a first car for one of their children. I owned an almost identical example for years, and my only regret is that I sold it. It wasn’t a high-performance vehicle, but it was enormous fun on twisting road. That opportunity awaits a new owner, but could you be that person?
I would say that they don’t get any simpler than this.
I would say that they don’t get any simpler than this.
Sweet. Had a Dodge Colt that is pretty much Dodges version of this car. Also a 74 Toyota Celica. Funny that both of them were the same color as this is. Driving a car like this is definitely fun. And the fuel mileage can’t be beat. I know a lot of cars today will get better mileage but this is much more fun. Would have to update the music with an underdash stereo and upgraded speakers but that’s it. Doubt you’re going to find another one this nice any time soon.
The Dodge Colt in those years was based on the Mitsubishi Colt Galant.
No Dodge captive import was based on Datsun or Nissan platforms.
The Colt was not based on a Mitsubishi, it was a Mitsubishi.
Wow, this thing brings back memories I had one when i was 18/19 i purchased it for $300 bucks it had a lifter knock it the top end that made it sound like a diesel when at idle but it was one of the most dependable cats I owned I was a young stupid kid and didn’t put antifreeze in it one cold winter and that killed it
Gotta love auto correct when you hit the post button before proof reading
I believe these were sold in Canada as the Datsun 1000 and Australia as the Datsun SUNY. My parents had a Datsun 1000 in Canada. I believe a 69 model.
In Aus.
First they were Datto 1200
Then 120Y
Then Sunny
Interesting. I don’t remember these at all. I do remember the zcars of course and the 510
Looks fantastic, but gotta wonder why the motor needed a rebuild at only 32,000 miles…
In the continuing saga( from Volvo post),,my 1st REAL gf had this car, only a fastback, no hatch. You may remember from a ’64 Impala post, she traded that in on the Datsun. It was quite an about face and a mere shred of the Chevy, but gas was climbing, and better get in quick, most thought. Sorely needed a 5 speed, and all the usual shortcomings, but boy howdy, it got 30 mpg, unheard of in ANY Chevy at the time. That was the cheese, as it was a really poor car, unlike the Chevy,,God help you if you got T-boned in one, but somehow that went out the window, and gas mileage was in. If rust didn’t kill them in the 2nd year, they were reliable for many, Datsun became a lifelong make, despite its questionable name change. Datsun, Nissan, it was all Chinese to us, regardless what they were called, without question, the 2nd most reliable cars made, but always lived in the shadow of Toyota, it seems.
From what I understand, as far as what you call a questionable name change Howard, when Datsun entered the Western market, they were already a Nissan. Failure didn’t bode well with the Japanese, so they entered our market under a different name figuring that if it failed, nobody would know who Nissan was, where Toyota just jumped in with both feet.
Bob S, there are a few reasons for the name change, according to google, but I don’t believe yours is one of them.
370zpp, I wish I could remember what automotive magazine I read this from, it was several years back, but I was just going off of that.
Ah yes, the 1200. First standard I ever drove in the parking lot of the McDonalds I worked at (It was Tony’s car, first and last time he ever let me drive it!).
I think this car is the business. And they were easily modified in period – that little pushrod motor (with the right rockers on it) would rev safely well past 8,000 RPM. When I started motor racing in GT2, there was one of these in GT3 that was a former national champion car – Webers, huge compression and cam, and James Ruehl (driver) used a redline of 9,000 and never had a mechanical issue that I recall.
If it were closer……
best,
bt
So remarkably similar to my 1972 Plymouth Cricket it’s frightening. I love sub compacts from the early 70s as there so few left and they always get attention.
“It spent its entire life in California”, yet it has Oregon plates. It’s currently located in southern Oregon, perhaps the owner visited friends or family, but couldn’t handle the thought of driving it all the way back home. I’d give $3,000 for, but not $9,700.
“It spent its entire life in California”, yet it has Oregon plates. It’s currently located in southern Oregon, perhaps the owner visited friends or family, but couldn’t handle the thought of driving it all the way back home. I’d give $3,000 for, but not $9,700.
“It spent its entire life in California”, yet it has Oregon plates. It’s currently located in southern Oregon, perhaps the owner visited friends or family, but couldn’t handle the thought of driving it all the way back home. I’d give $3,000 for, but not $9,700.
Someone nudge RexFox – he’s fallen asleep on the keyboard
Wha? Wha? Oh, thanks for waking me up Bill.
My college carpool/study buddy drove one of these. We went everywhere in that car, highways, backroads, woodland trails, beaches…wherever. The little car never missed a beat. I bought a 710 a couple of years later. Such simple fun cars. Air conditioning was the only option you needed.
Nice, very nice but a lot of coin.
Top dollar for what looks to be a top example. It only has to be worth it for one person.
I bought a 1200 coupe (fastback) from the Mock’s Ford
“AS IS” lot in Grants Pass,Oregon for $500.It was in near perfect condition,except for a very minor rust spot on one of the front
fenders.
I drove it for a while & sold it for $1200 to the first guy who
came & looked at it.I put a round “JPS” (John Player Special) decal
on it.I wonder if it’s still around?
I noticed that this one still has the factory ignition switch,which
was prone to failure on these & the B210s.
I had at least 3 of these for delivery cars for my auto parts business and they are bulletproof. One of them went almost 300k before we retired it.
So, why did this one need a rebuilt so soon?
One of my delivery 1200 was made into a pickup using an Opel SW tailgate as the back. It got totalled twice and I sold it and ran a long time after that.
I used to see a lot of Datsuns in SCCA racing. The 1600/2000 sportscar, then the 1200 and the 510. Seems like Datsun didn’t make any boring cars back then. What happened?
nope, nonadoze (1st 10 or so posts) for my kid. Yes: cheep, older, but new-to-the-road demands a lill more protection – ABS, heavy metal or IDed tech (crumple zones, steering shaft, bags) of later technology (Y2K +). Kids are new to it and will smash’em, other things on/off the rd, hopefully not other ppl, but it happens (in developing the skill). So no classics, no new stuff. The kid(s) deserve goldie locks cars so pick em right for the 1st 5 yrs or so. Even if THEY buy em, ya gotta pick. After they catch on, make them buy em, I say (stop providing rides to the vast majority too)…
Absolutely!
I remember these car’s well I worked in the parts department at the Datsun dealership 1972/ 1976 always liked the 1200 coupe this little sedan is not to shabby though 😔