Photo: 1baddart360/eBay
Relaunched in 2013, Datsun currently produces a range of small cars for emerging markets in Asia and Africa. But the Nissan-owned company was at a point one of Japan's leading sports car manufacturers. It happened in the 1960s when Datsun introduced the iconic 240Z and 510. Both were imported into the U.S. and, amazingly enough, went on to win SCCA championships in the early 1970s.
While the 240Z needs no further introduction, the 510 is the unsung hero of the classic Datsun lineup. It's also a rare bird, especially in the U.S., where you'll need a ton of luck to see one on public roads. Not only because they crossed the Pacific in limited numbers, but also because the ones that are still around are being treated like garage queens. Many are still stashed away and hit the auction block from time to time.
This 1969 version, for instance, spent the last 40 years in storage, as part of a large collection of vintage import cars. It's in surprisingly good condition and it's looking for a new home. These cars rarely pop up for sale, so if you're a Datsun enthusiast, it's the perfect time to pop the champagne and break the piggy bank.
The seller says that the coupe's body is "very straight and rust-free," a rare condition for a 510, which is notorious for having next to no rustproofing (like many Japanese cars of the era). It also rides on competition wheels wrapped in old race-spec tires, so it's not exactly stock as far as the exterior goes.
There are more signs of a racing past inside the cabin, starting with a pair of old bucket seats in the front. The steering wheel is not the original one either, as these cars usually come with three-spoke units.
The cabin needs a good cleaning and it's missing a few components, such as the driver-side door panel and the carpet. The front floor is covered in fiberglass panels, but the seller says there are no signs of rust underneath.
Moving over to the oily bits, the hood hides an L-series, Hitachi inline-four engine. The Datsun 510 was originally sold in the U.S. with a 1.6-liter rated at 96 horsepower, but some cars were upgraded to 1.8- and 2.0-liter units built around the same block.
The seller doesn't say if it's a 1.6-liter or not, but he posted a list of upgrades that includes Mikuni carbs, a Mallory fuel pump, and Mallory electronic ignition. It also comes with new headers, spark plugs, and battery. The engine mates to the period-correct four-speed transmission.
The car runs, drives, and stops, but it's definitely more of a project than a daily driver. Bringing the interior back to the original specification appears to be the most expensive part, but it's doable with a lot of patience and the appropriate budget.
This rare gem is located in Fort Worth, Texas, and it's auctioned off by eBay seller "1baddart360" at no reserve. The bidding is at only $7,800 with three days to go, but it will probably go for more than $10,000 once the hammer falls.
For reference, mint-condition 510s usually sell for more than $25,000, while pristine, race-prepped examples can change hands for as much as $50,000.
This 1969 version, for instance, spent the last 40 years in storage, as part of a large collection of vintage import cars. It's in surprisingly good condition and it's looking for a new home. These cars rarely pop up for sale, so if you're a Datsun enthusiast, it's the perfect time to pop the champagne and break the piggy bank.
The seller says that the coupe's body is "very straight and rust-free," a rare condition for a 510, which is notorious for having next to no rustproofing (like many Japanese cars of the era). It also rides on competition wheels wrapped in old race-spec tires, so it's not exactly stock as far as the exterior goes.
There are more signs of a racing past inside the cabin, starting with a pair of old bucket seats in the front. The steering wheel is not the original one either, as these cars usually come with three-spoke units.
The cabin needs a good cleaning and it's missing a few components, such as the driver-side door panel and the carpet. The front floor is covered in fiberglass panels, but the seller says there are no signs of rust underneath.
Moving over to the oily bits, the hood hides an L-series, Hitachi inline-four engine. The Datsun 510 was originally sold in the U.S. with a 1.6-liter rated at 96 horsepower, but some cars were upgraded to 1.8- and 2.0-liter units built around the same block.
The seller doesn't say if it's a 1.6-liter or not, but he posted a list of upgrades that includes Mikuni carbs, a Mallory fuel pump, and Mallory electronic ignition. It also comes with new headers, spark plugs, and battery. The engine mates to the period-correct four-speed transmission.
The car runs, drives, and stops, but it's definitely more of a project than a daily driver. Bringing the interior back to the original specification appears to be the most expensive part, but it's doable with a lot of patience and the appropriate budget.
This rare gem is located in Fort Worth, Texas, and it's auctioned off by eBay seller "1baddart360" at no reserve. The bidding is at only $7,800 with three days to go, but it will probably go for more than $10,000 once the hammer falls.
For reference, mint-condition 510s usually sell for more than $25,000, while pristine, race-prepped examples can change hands for as much as $50,000.
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