The compact Datsun 510 was something of a poor person’s BMW 2002. As such, it had a similar competition history. The 1972 example for sale on eBay shows how a boxy family sedan can be transformed into a credible vintage racer. It’s in Colorado Springs, Colo., with a $35,000 Buy It Now.
The 510 shows every sign of being meticulously converted. Its new wiring and hoses are perfectly squared away. The orange paint looks smooth, and the whole car is sharp.
A freshly rebuilt engine is onboard—along with these upgrades:
- Wilwood disc brakes
- Racing mags with Toyo R888R tires
- Racing seats with harnesses and a harness bar
- An adjustable coilover suspension
- And a five-speed manual transmission with less than 1,000 miles on it
The 510 was stripped for action, with front and rear bumper deletes. The owner also removed some interior trim. A full array of SunPro instruments were added, including a voltmeter, oil pressure, and water temperature.
The owner also upgraded the stock tach and speedometer to modern units. Again, it’s a very tidy installation.
A Tunable Commuter Car
The BMW 1600—the 2002’s precursor—inspired the 510. The 510 has many similar features, including a 1.6-liter inline single-overhead-cam four-cylinder engine developing 96 horsepower. (The 1600 had only 84.)
In addition, there are front disc brakes, a MacPherson strut suspension up front, and an independent rear. The two sporty compact cars even look somewhat alike.
For the American market, the 510 debuted in 1967 with a four-door sedan wagon and a two-door sedan. Datsun later introduced a coupe.
For the most part, 510s were affordable commuter cars. But the prospect for tuning them was always there. Some markets offered the 510 with twin Hitachi carburetors.
Tuners could easily upgrade early 510s with the later 1.8 and two-liter engines. Although manual versions had all-synchro four-speeds, the five-speeds from other models would fit. In other markets with rougher roads, buyers also got a leaf-spring rear axle, which would also swap in.
In US racing circles, the 510 is known for winning its class in the Trans Am under-2.5-liter class in 1971 and 1972. The 510, often in SSS form, also did well in rallying. It won the 18th East African Safari (1970), and emerged victorious in the Australian Rally Championship (1982 and 1983). And it’s a stalwart of vintage racing, fitting into many SCCA classes. Nissan Motorsports still supplies parts for the 510.
And so this enhanced 510, in ready-to-race condition, should have no trouble finding tracks that will let it strut its wares. It’s a small and tough car, with support from eBay’s giant selection of Datsun parts. There are taillights, clutches, dash panels, manifolds, fenders…you get the idea. eBay has whatever you need to maintain and enhance this stylish Japanese vintage racer.
