What’s this little gem of a car? A Datsun you say? Who made those? I’m pretty sure you’re aware that this was the predecessor corporate namesake to current-day Nissan. So what would attract you to a 1978 Datsun B210 GX such as the one shown here on ebay? Interesting proportions, compact size, and uniqueness. If those are your thing, then find a way to win the bid currently sitting at three figures ($590), and do it by Tuesday morning. Then hop on a plane to Independence, MO, a scant 30 miles south of Memphis, and get your prize. Note first that the ad also says the car is in Coldwater, MS, so you’ll want to get that straightened out.
What’s the value of such a car? Well, the same page this three-figure price appears on lists two similar cars. One is selling at nearly $17K, and the other is bid up to $1500 on a buy-it-now number just a tick under $10K. So condition might help you make an assessment. In that vein, the car up for auction here is said to be original, with a visible 37,000 miles “believed to be original” on the as-born-with engine. It “runs like new,” and if you’re actually buying it as a commuter car, it’s good on gas, has new tires, and features air conditioning, though there’s no “AC blows ice cold” type of statement to indicate the state of that unit. One drawback if you’re looking to zip around is that the car has an automatic transmission. Not as many people drive stick as in the past, of course, but a sporty little number like this Datsun deserves a shift-it-yourself gear lever, if for no other reason than to maximize what little HP there is (hint: in the 65 range).
One issue you’ll have if you live in a smog state is the need to certify emissions. We’ve discussed this before here on Barn Finds, and faithful readers have said it’s not impossible, but there’s reason all the late-1970s cars have disappeared from California’s roads and cruise-ins: nobody wants to stare down the bureaucracy that says the final “yes” to whether you can legally drive your new classic. Just be prepared to do some carb re-jetting or whatever else to bring the car into tailpipe compliance.
But any such issues aside, this unit is tidy, even sporty if you look at the steering wheel and driving position. There are some issues apparent, like a cracked dash, somewhat loose-fitting door skins, and fading on the top surfaces. Buy and drive or restore this car, and you have the last of a series of cars that ran from 1973-78. Is that a history that compels you? Certainly you’ll be unique in the parking lot shows you attend, and your ride, without question, will signify you as a collector who is willing to take a chance on an era of automobiles that otherwise will soon have faded into history.
Well, at least I can use the “5 digit speedo” on this one, and being from North Splatte, Neb. this car could have a lot of miles. Neb. is a big state. I’m sure it does run like new, rust was the only thing that stopped them. The B210, while not technically the 510 replacement, was just the thing people wanted. It was sporty, got super gas mileage, I’m not sure Nissan would have had near the success in the US without the B210. Like Toyota, people that bought a B210 probably stayed with them for life. They’ve come a long way. A neighbor has a newer Nissan Whatsis, was making a noise, he opened the hood, I didn’t recognize anything except the alternator. These were great cars. $600 bucks? What am I missing here? Even I could use this.
The auction has 3 1/2 days left and there is a reserve that hasn’t been met. The high bid is currently at $1,000. Where it stands now is meaningless, often times the more serious buyers don’t jump in until the last few hours, they don’t feel it’s necessary to show interest this early in the auction..
Steve R
The B210 replaced the 1200 in the Datsun lineup.
I remember these well. They all quickly dissolved backed into the earth in areas with salted winter roads. It’s hard to imagine how slow this thing must be with automatic transmission and air conditioning!
My dad had one almost exactly like this, 1978, auto, A/C (that did work) and I swear, if you used the air conditioning, you measured 0-45 in days, not hours or minutes. No, seriously, it was a great around town car but you did NOT want to take it on the highway and you really did not want to try to pass anybody, not even a cyclist.
0-60 eventually. 1/4 mile time measured with a calendar. My dad had an F10, which is the front wheel drive version of this. I remember it being rusty when he got rid of it in 84.
I bought one of these new in 78 as a commuter car. Automatic and factory air. Cruise control wasn’t available, but dealer said he could install it, so I bought it with cruise. Found out why cruise wasn’t available from factory…you could use the cruise on I55 in the flat Mississippi delta or the A/C, but not both at once. Didn’t stay in the stable very long!
It will turn into a pile of reddish dust the first time it is washed with water. A cousin of mine had one in turquois Ish. It was awful in every way. Also an auto, 0-60 in see ya next week. The Japanese versions weren’t nearly as ugly. Shocked to see one actually exist in the 2000s+.
More like 137k miles or more……Rare throwaway car form back in the day when thousands of these cars roamed the streets.
My very first car was a 1976 Datsun B210 hatchback like this one. From there I went on to own a second B210 hatchback and two 1979 210 station wagons then a1986½ Datsun/Nissan D21 “Hardbody.” So, I know Datsuns/Nissans from that era and this one looks like it could genuinely have only 37,000 miles on it.
Cool little car.
The eBay ad says Independence MS, not MO. I imagine Independence MO is far more an attractive place to visit than the one in MS, especially if you are a history buff.
Thanks. Being in the KCMO metro (where Independence MO is) I can tell you that it is significantly farther than 30 miles from Memphis.
I was always impressed by the real-world fuel economy these achieved in normal use. I know the HP and weight were low but the aerodynamics must have been better than the look of the things suggested.
My very first car was a 1976 Datsun B210 fastback like this one. I went on to own a second one and then two different 1979 Datsun 210 wagons. (The last one I saved from the junkyard TWICE before finally taking it to the junkyard years later when it was used up). I also had a 1986½ Datsun/Nissan D21 “Hardbody” pickup and none of them got more than about 20 mpg. I know people talked out getting 30+ but even driving on the highway/expressway back when the speed limit was still 55, I could never get over about 21 mpg.
Gas mileage was the absolute hot button then, and since there was no real regulation, I don’t think, car makers could advertise whatever they wanted. Many times their figures were somewhat accurate, but stuff like shutting off the motor down hills and such, not practical for everyday driving. As David said, 30+ seemed to be the target mileage in ads, VW diesel claimed to be the Champ at almost 50mpg, but most got a very slow 40. Realistically, mid 20s-30mpg, my Saturn got high 20s, but to get over 30, you’d be a traffic hazard.
If you want real world results, you have to go back to the Mobil Mileage runs of the 50s-60s. That was real world testing, and I believe the Valiant and Rambler American were the tops, again mid -high 20s, with V8s, almost unheard of then.
I know from personal experience that a Weber carb conversion will really wake one of these up! I did one on my mother’s 210 back in the day. Something the next owner should seriously consider. GLWTS.
Never owned one, but heard from many musician friends that the B210 was ideal for transporting musical equipment. The rear seat backs folded down to create a surprisingly large, perfectly flat surface.
Wish this was a manual, I’d be all over it.
Wish this was a manual, I’d be all over it.
I had a 76 510. I drove that thing until I graduated from pharmacy school in 1993. It just ran and ran. Always dependable. I loved that little car 💕
These engines are rev happy. Not so much with an automatic transmission. A neighbor kid way back when bought one of these and I instructed him in the art of modification for autocross. He later went on to a different class and removed the bumpers,lowered it a couple of inches, installed some sway bars and wider wheels and tires. The car went like stink and never broke. It looked a lot better lowered also.
My ex and I bought one of these brand new. That thing was SLOOOOOOW.
You could punch it at a green light, and have enough time to get out and check the oil and jump back in before it started to move.
Good gas mileage though.
Bought a B210 as a winter beater in the ’80’s in Madison, WI. Stopped at a light on the way home from work one day, light changed, I turned the wheel to make a right turn. Steering box decided to part company with the frame. Interesting drive home. Actually made it because when I turned the wheel about a quarter turn left or right the steering box would rotate and jam against the frame. Made it home and the B210 left on the hook of a tow truck to its new junkyard home the next morning,
Ended at $6,150.
Reserve Not Met.
The seller should have grabbed that offer. These are not popular enough to warrant anything more than that, especially an automatic. I would much rather drive the ’85 Sentra manual my sister had back in the day.