PURCHASING A 1972 DATSUN 510
We’ve always wanted a Datsun 510. After many years we finally found one, a 1972 Datsun 510 2 door coupe, but it’s in 100s of pieces.
We fell in love with the Hakosuka or 1970’s First Gen Skyline GT-R. However, trying to find one already in the States or importing would be extremely expensive.
Then one day we came across a YouTube video of a Datsun 510 owned by Rick O’Donnell.
The 510 coupe looks similar to body style of the Skyline GT-R and we fell in love all over again.
The Datsun 510 was produced in the states from 1967-1973. Digging further into the Datsun 510, we found that it was an iconic motorsports car which gained tons of popularity in early SCCA years.
Independent suspension and only 1700 pounds gave it an advantage verses other cars in its class like the BMW 2002. Finding one was probably going to be just as impossible as finding a Skyline.
As luck would have it, while looking for Datsun Z parts, we accidentally stumbled across Datsun 510 for sale.
Datsun 510’s in good working order go for over $25,000 on bringatrailer.com, so we called the owner immediately. The next day we drove 2 hours to see the 510 and bought it on the spot for $8,000, but there’s one big problem.
The Datsun 510 was in 100’s of pieces. The original owner had passed away as he was rebuilding the 510 and the gentlemen selling it was his best friend. Being that we were Datsun enthusiasts, he was happy to find us and even gave us a few extra parts. The body was completely stripped, fenders and all. But the Datsun body and chassis was nearly rust free and came with a fully built ready to go Datsun L18 engine.
Nearly Rust Free Datsun 510
After going through all the pieces, we decided it would be cost effective to stick with the pre-built L18 engine.
Datsun 510 Original Engine Bay ID Plate
But we’re going to need a few more items, so here’s the breakdown of the parts the Datsun 510 came with:
Z24 Engine Block with 1800 cylinder head assembled with intake and carb ready to install
An extra engine block and two cylinder heads
An extra carburetor
Four different transmissions
Two rear differentials
Two driveshafts
An extra door with glass
Two extra front wheel fenders
Three sets of wheels including American Racing Libre rims and tires
And tons of miscellaneous smaller parts
The initial goal is to tear out the old wiring harness and brake lines from the engine bay. Then we’ll move onto some light sanding and lay down a fresh coat of paint in the engine bay. After that we’ll repair some of the smaller rust on the passenger floor and will put everything back together. Stay tuned for more to come…
