Solid Little Truck: 1986 Nissan 720

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Nissan has long been in the pickup truck business, dating back to 1955. That’s when the predecessor to the 720 series of trucks was introduced and those later models continued in production through 1997 (to be replaced by the Frontier). Until the early 1980s, Nissan products sold in the U.S. were marketed under the Datsun brand. So, this 1986 Nissan 720 ST (Sport Truck) is one of the early model years sold here after the switch. This looks like a nice, solid, reliable little pickup that has a lot of life left in it. It’s available in Miami, Florida and here on Barn Finds Classifieds for just $5,500.

The 720 replaced the 620 begin in 1980. It would receive some styling changes in 1983, such as a larger grille, bumper, and corner lights. There was also a revised dashboard with round instead of square gauges. About the same time, Nissan opened a manufacturing plant in Smyrna, Tennessee and 720s built for U.S. consumption and Latin America would come out of that factory. That would include the seller’s ST, which is a King Can because it has jumper seats in the back. They were offered in regular and extended bed configurations along with 2WD and 4WD. We believe the seller’s truck is the latter in both cases.

ST versions of the 720, like this one, were largely upgrades in trim and convenience offerings. This included exclusive gradient-patterned bucket seats and a center console with storage. The sport truck package was also the only one with standard power windows and door locks as well as a tilting sunroof (although we don’t see where the seller’s truck has one). The ST could be fitted with the optional Z24i single-port, fuel-injected inline-4 engine, which this truck has.

The seller acquired this ’86 edition from the original owner and recently took a trip from Florida to Louisiana and back with no issues. It has just 63,000 miles and comes with an automatic transmission rather than a 4-speed manual. Other than a little fading of the ST graphics, the body and paint look to be in decent condition and the bed doesn’t look as though it’s hauled all that much stuff. I’ve been thinking of getting a newer, smaller truck but resale prices have climbed in the past year. Which makes $5,500 for a decent survivor sound quite appealing.

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Comments

  1. Rbig18

    I do not think it is a 4*4 too bad because than an auto it is a real nice truck.

    Like 2
  2. Bluetec320 Bluetec320

    Good job to the seller for providing a decent description of the truck, including the mileage, engine and transmission info, and the body condition. GLWTS!

    Like 3
  3. Ed Casala

    I had the 4×4 version of this. Great little truck. I remember replacing the spark plugs in it to find out it takes eight plugs. I was thinking four in the engine and four in the glove box? Drove mine with no issues up and down Baja. It never left me stranded.

    Like 1
    • man ' war

      More than four plugs and wires? School me? lol. Another thing, these trucks could be ordered with an optional front bumper guard! I even saw an old Ford Courier brochure that showed it could be optioned like that. A few weeks ago, I saw a Ford Courier for sale with the optional front bumper guard and roll bar mounted in the bed behind the cab that was sold in one day of posting probably because the owner claimed to be the original owner and was selling it for only $1000!

      Like 1
    • BhoweMember

      These engines were described as Nissan’s NAPS-Z engine and had 2 plugs per cylinder to promote more complete combustion

      Like 0
  4. chrlsful

    extra cab’n slush bx is good (if 4 speed = OD).
    Kinda like the earlier Japanese editions w/the single walled box, also 4WD. Don’t needa st rig w/such lill capacity (“like” tho, ‘s Y the auto).

    Like 0
  5. Glenn C. SchwassMember

    That’s sweet. Someone will grab it.

    Like 0

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