Datsun was a Nissan-owned brand launched in the early company beginnings, way back in 1931. It produced vehicles at a scale for the Japanese market, grabbing international attention even before shipment was possible. The odds for the USA market changed between 1958 and 1986 when Datsun finally exported some of its cars, much to the delight of drivers eager to try out vehicles from foreign manufacturers.
Needless to say, the Datsun lineup had a significant impact on the international automobile market. Japanese vehicles shipped overseas were somewhat inspired by the American ones, but they still offered a truly unique style. Hence, the popularity of Datsun rose as soon as the lineup hit the market.
The first model that reached the USA market was the Datsun 510, a series of the Bluebirds sold from 1968 to 1973 (known as Datsun 1600 outside the USA). The Datsun 510 looked alike yet was quite different from the European sedans of the '50s, offering a design that blended good looks, solid performance, and reasonable price.
The popularity of the Datsun 510 was so enormous back in the day that now it stands as one of the legendary Japanese cars. But why did exactly people love this vehicle? Learn all about it in our review of the Datsun 510 best feature.
Unique Design Of The 1960s Datsun 510
To be completely honest, we couldn't just pick one little thing from the Datsun 510 and call it our favorite feature when there's a lot to like in this Japanese vehicle. According to our humble opinion, this car is a legend in its totality, not only for one thing or another.
The Datsun 510 styling relied heavily on European vehicles such as BMW. It came in 1967 as a four-door or two-door sedan, a five-door wagon, and a two-door coupe. Just like its counterparts, it had an independent rear suspension, front disc brakes, and even more importantly, a 1.6-liter inline-four engine with an output of 96-hp. The Datsun 510 was also paired to a four-speed manual or three-speed automatic transmission.
As its specs were clashing with those of the VW Beetle, the Datsun 510 was a huge hit. Coming somewhere at $2,000, it was perfect for common drivers who wanted some more power on a budget. Plus, the Datsun 510 had a sharp-edge bodywork to look more aggressive.
In summary, the Datsun 510 was an excellent choice for everyone who desired but couldn't afford the BMW at a time. Still, it wasn't only a consolation prize, considering drivers didn't sacrifice comfortable and joyful rides.
What Else Is There To This Legendary Vehicle Made For The Common Driver?
When first launched in 1967 at the Tokyo Motor Show, the Datsun 510 was paired to a 1.3-liter engine and a three-speed manual transmission. Fortunately, the North American market got the more powerful engine (discussed above) straight on. Another advantage of the USA Datsun 510 was in the interchangeable parts. Drivers could swap the engine, transmission, and suspension with little modification.
As we mentioned, the Datsun 510 didn't sacrifice too much for the price. It was a mechanically rugged vehicle you could still handle easily in the corners and have enormous fun while on the road. In fact, for such an affordable vehicle, the Datsun 510 could speed up quite well, reaching 100 mph super quickly.
When it comes to the interior, the Datsun 510 wasn't exotic or elegant, we give you that. However, where this Japanese car excelled is the additional seat and trunk space, especially compared to the compact Beetle. The Datsun 510 also provided a comfortable ride, which gave it a lead on the market and ensured high sale rates for the common-driver niche.
How Much Can You Expect To Pay For The Datsun 510?
Considering the Datsun 510 was such a popular vehicle back in the '60s, it comes as no surprise the Japanese car sells today like a real legend. So, you sadly can't get it for the original price of around $2,000. Adding a couple of figures will be more like it, as with any other classic car that endures the test of time and remains popular year after year.
The Datsun 510 is widely available on auctions, but that doesn't lower its selling price. We spotted some perfectly preserved models coming anywhere above $10,000 (and we mean virtually anywhere). Some of them even went for a whopping $50,000, so you better prepare yourself for that kind of outcome.
Still, if you're on a limited budget and look to acquire the Datsun 510 for your home project, you may be able to find a deteriorated model for pennies. Those who are mechanically inclined will most certainly enjoy building the famous Japanese car from scratch.