I have a great affection for older cars produced by Nissan and Datsun. When I consider the staggering array of vehicles I have owned since I first slipped behind the wheel, nine have worn Nissan and/or Datsun badges. That is one reason I was attracted to this 1979 Datsun 810 Coupe. The other is that it is in exceptional condition for its age. Part of that is courtesy of the fact that it spent two decades hidden away in a garage. However, it has emerged, is roadworthy, and is set to head to a new home. The Coupe is listed here on eBay in Grand Prairie, Texas. Bidding currently sits at a modest $3,350, and with the reserve now met, someone is set to drive home in a wonderful classic.
The Datsun 810 hit American showrooms in February 1977, with the car remaining on sale until 1980. Buyers could choose from a Sedan or Station Wagon, although this car’s original owner selected the more sporting Coupe derivative. They ticked the box beside Silver Mist Metallic when choosing a paint shade that remains in exceptional condition for its age. There are no indications or evidence of prior repairs or restoration, suggesting the paint might be original. It has avoided the patchiness and checking that can afflict this color, retaining a shine that effectively reflects its surroundings. The panels are straight, and any cosmetic imperfections are too tiny to show in the supplied photos. Datsuns from this era were prone to rust issues, and many mechanically healthy cars wound up at the scrapyard due to crumbling metal. This Coupe has avoided that fate, and there may be two factors at play to explain this. The first is the Datsun has spent its life in a climate conducive to steel preservation. The other is that the seller indicates it spent two decades in dry storage. The lack of exposure to the elements will have done its cause no harm. The exterior is clean, while the underside shows no signs of trouble. The trim and chrome are spotless, and the vehicle rolls on vintage two-piece alloy wheels. However, the factory steel wheels and hubcaps are included for those preferring a more “stock” appearance.
We’ve seen many 1970s classics from Datsun grace our pages at Barn Finds over the site’s lifetime, and a significant number have suffered from tattered and crumbling interior trim. It would seem almost obligatory that an unrestored vehicle from Texas would continue the trend, but this 810 doesn’t. Its Red plaid cloth and vinyl upholstered surfaces show minimal wear and fading, with no rips, tears, or other issues. The plastic isn’t significantly discolored, nothing has crumbled, and the pad is crack-free. The dash features a sports gauge cluster with clear lenses and crisp markings. I can’t spot any aftermarket additions, and nothing appears missing. The winning bidder benefits from air conditioning, a rear defroster, and an AM/FM stereo with a power antenna and a four-speaker “joystick” fader in the console. The news has been positive, but the shifter sticking out of the console confirms this car’s original owner wasn’t totally focused on outright performance.
Powering this Coupe is the company’s 2.4-liter fuel-injected OHC six that sends 120hp and 125 ft/lbs of torque to the rear wheels. The driver benefits from power assistance for the steering and front disc brakes, but it is the transmission choice that might disappoint some enthusiasts. Buyers could order an 810 Coupe with a five-speed manual that made the car a lively performer. However, this Datsun’s original owner selected the optional three-speed automatic, and while it is virtually bulletproof, it does negatively impact the car’s performance. With the five-speed on board, the ¼-mile journey would take 18 seconds. The self-shifter sees the figure blow out to 19 seconds. Pulling the existing transmission and substituting a manual is possible, but whether that happens will depend on the new owner’s desire for originality. The seller states this Datsun spent twenty years in storage, but it is unclear when it emerged and was returned to active service. It recently received a new exhaust system, radiator core, water pump, fuel pump, air regulator, spark plugs, plug wires, cap, and rotor. It is a turnkey proposition, and it seems the winning bidder could fly in and drive it home.
The 1979 Datsun 810 Coupe isn’t the most desirable classic on the planet, and the transmission choice undermines this car’s potential appeal and value. However, it is clean, tidy, original, and rust-free. It has attracted sixteen bids, but the price remains extremely modest. If an affordable turnkey car from the 1970s has been on your radar, pursuing this Datsun could be worthwhile.
Might be a good candidate to register with the movie/TV car rental groups regionally. Shows or movies that need stock good looking period correct cars use them as needed, and some hero cars with good interiors get used for closeups. You could easily see such a car needed for some 80’s movie that needed a shot of a Hertz rental car or some college bound young adult.
Also it is a lot harder to restore a throwaway compact car than any Mustang or Camaro. I can really respect a clean survivor.
This little guy is nice and desirable. Interior is incredible and a testament that that japanese didn’t go cheap on material qualty. The upholstery looks like it came from aunt Mabel’s sofa ;). Even the aftermarket wheels don’t detrack the look as some would and you get the o.e.m. ones as a bonus. Even with a/c the engine bay is tidy. This will be a great addition to its future owner
I love oddball survivors. The current bid under 4k is a bargain for vintage clean Japanese classic. It would be a great way to get into the classic hobby.
I don’t remember ever seeing an 810 as a kid.
The LED headlights have to go.
I worked at a Nissan dealer in 1982 and took an l 810 coupe on our honeymoon that summer out west. British racing green, tan interior, 5 speed that was the owners demo. Beautiful driving and looking car. I’ve never seen another one equipped like that one was.
This Datsun is very nice and it’s also listed on bring-a-trailer where the bid is $6,690.00 and the reserve has not been met….. might want to check with the owner before you think you are the winning bidder at under $4,000….
That auction ended. This auction is live
Thank tou JCA you are right. It ended with $6,690 as the high bid but the reserve was not met. So I wonder what the reserve is?
The reserve is met here so it will be sold to the highest bidder. The seller should have relisted immediately on BAT with a lower reserve and he would have probably sold it for more. I’d say that around $6500 is the market value or at least it was last Spring.
Yes, did not meet reserve on 5/18/23 at $6,650 on BAT.
Keep bidding if if you want it.
I’ve never seen one in this condition.
Early Japanese survivor cars are rare
and very collectible.
I owned an ’81 810 for over a decade. That was the first year of the next generation. Same 2.4l in-line 6 and RWD. That first year was still called an “810”, and it had the “Maxima” trim level. I have never seen a non Maxima base model so I don’t know if they ever imported them. It was an amazing car. That engine can run forever. At year 27, the rust got so bad that my mechanic told me he can no longer accept it. He feared it would fall apart on the lift. Sad, since it still ran great.
Great example of trying to complete in the stylish coupe market of yesteryear. Cool car to preserve and enjoy. We sure went wrong somewhere along the way.
We had these down under and they were highly coveted back in the day. Pity about the slushbox.
Most old cars still in good shape have slushboxes. They’re usually driven less, and gentler.
yawn
Surprising not only that it has independent rear suspension, but U-joints instead of CV joints – i would prefer a solid axle tho for lot less complexity.
Do those side rear windows roll down?
Look at the protective rear & front overhangs even on such a small car – wont ever see that again.
I had one of these for a couple years back in the early 1980’s. Mine was a stick which combined with that great inline six and the independent rear axle made for a real fun driver. The battery overcharged and cracked open leaking acid down onto and shorting a very important wiring harness. That, in 1985 was enough to total the car.
Trying to understand why this couple really want to dump this car. For one it needs an a/c compressor and a flush and a flush and upgrade to new freon. My guess is that the evaporator is also in need of replacement which is a lengthy and expensive job. Its a nice intriguing car and I would move on it if it weren’t in Texas. Let’s see where the bidding is tomorrow.
My mom had a Wagon. Persimmon Red with black and white hounds-tooth upholstery.
Great car.
Is this basically a Z car wearning a different coat?
Yep had one. 240 z motor with fuel injection. Fun car with good power…
I have a 1999 Nissan Maxima. I found and bought Datsun 810 badges and installed. Showing its heritage. Car people get it, lol.
The car was sold 10/31 on eBay for $5400!
please read my follow up comment.
Just a follow up, I won this car on the Ebay auction listed as a no reserve auction. After winning the auction the seller now refuses to sell me the car because he states he didn’t know it was no reserve and he didn’t like the sale result. I have no confidence that ebay will resolve this in my favor so buyer beware.
EBay is just out for the fee. They will charge him and then let him register, Ka ching, more money for EBay. I would NEVER sell a car with them!
List them right here on Barn Finds!