Kidney, Anyone? 1978 Datsun 200SX

With some already speculating the hakosuka GT-R as a million dollar car, this 1978 Datsun 200SX for $4100 is a helluva a steal. For one, it’s one of the rarest Dattos out there. And while that’s because it was widely considered the ugliest car on the market when it was new, all of that blame can be laid squarely on the US 5mph safety bumpers.

In Japan, it sported sleek chrome that blended seamlessly with its body lines and was called the “New Silvia.” That’s new, as in “not the ’65 CSP311,” which means it was the first Nissan to bear the all-new “S” chassis code. Yes, drifters, meet the great-great-grandpa of your precious sliding machines. This USDM S10 Silvia is currently posted on craigslist in Tuscon, Arizona. The owner claims mechanical operability and new upholstery (which, thankfully, still looks period correct). We aren’t normally fond of slushboxes but this car is rare enough — and the 70s color/striping groovy enough — that we think it’s a buy. Any takers? [via BaT

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25 Responses to Kidney, Anyone? 1978 Datsun 200SX

  1. Tyler says:

    Awesome! I love these- the design models are really sharp looking:

    http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4049/4541908046_d0ef089121_o.jpg

    http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4021/4541908394_840d195779_o.jpg

    http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2791/4541306505_79d3840920_o.jpg

    Thank Dog for Car Styling back issues! I guess the S10 will be yet another quirky old car I can only have in brochure form.

  2. Eljay says:

    Even with the US bumpers that´s still a seriously cool-looking car!

  3. yisoo says:

    toyota camry… is that you? lol

  4. dan says:

    wow, the colour scheme and bumpers make it almost unrecognisable when you think of the jap version.

  5. Drive510 says:

    I really hope I get more than $4100 for a kidney. That’s a steal for this car. What’s the going rate on blood and plasma now-a-days??? LOL

  6. goki says:

    I think if they went with conventional wheel arches, it could’ve been a hit.

  7. Brooks says:

    That’s gorgeous — and it looks like it’s not the sort of low-milage car I’d be afraid to drive, either, unlike most of the “kidney, anyone?” cars.

  8. slickwrick says:

    wow! id roll that just the way it is!
    loving the curves!

  9. aaron says:

    There is a red one for sale right by my work. I thought it was super ugly at first but after seeing it for for months it’s been growning on me, it’s really a unique looking car. I should go ask the price just in case.

  10. Lincoln Stax says:

    I so want this car, but I appear to be about $4000 short of the asking price.

  11. Tyler says:

    Wait a second. How did they stamp that rear quarter and roof? It appears it’s one huge stamping, but that can’t be. There should be a seam somewhere in there. Can someone tell me what is happening there?

    • Jim-Bob says:

      My guess is that it is either leaded or filled with a polyester filler at the factory and sanded smooth. If I were designing the car the seam would be at the narrowest point, where the top of the side window is closest to the back window. This would minimize labor during manufacturing. The rest of the seam could then be left rough as the window would cover it and it would make up part of the trunk jamb. As for the rest of the roof, it likely is welded on in the drip channel and under the top of the windshield. The front seam is then covered by the reveal molding on the A pillar.

  12. Sarcasmo says:

    The 5mph bumpers aren’t the ONLY thing to blame for that ugly styling… but I’d take one in a second. 😀

  13. KC30 says:

    Here’s an example of just how good these can look: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ka_ry/5418166596/
    This one has the nicer looking grill design as well.

    • Daniel says:

      this pic of the white car is the japaneese model(Sylvia) 200sx. it was modified with the large bumbers for the american market crash standards. As rare as these cars are youll probably never see one of these in the USA….Bummer.

  14. pam says:

    Im looking for a steering gear box for a 1978 200sx just passed california smog and runs great but driving is hairy…want to get it on the road.again…

  15. alfredo samaniego says:

    hello i from of the Hermosillo Sonora Mexico i have one car 200sx 1977 for sale in the vendobara.com i go usa

  16. JOSE VELAZQUEZ says:

    HI, I LIKE IT AND I WANT TO BUY IT… DO YU HAVE IT STILL ??

    MAY I HAVE YOUR PHONE NUMBER …. OR YOU EMAIL ?? SOME ONE KNOWS HOW TO REACH THE OWNER ???

    I AM FROM NOGALES, MEXICO.. I AM VERY INTERESTING IN THIS CAR..

    PLS CONTACTME josealve74@hotmail.com or alberto.velazquez@ceax.com.mx

  17. JOSE VELAZQUEZ says:

    HI…. SOME ONE COULD TO HELP ME TO REACH THE OWNER ?? PLS….

    I WANT TO CONTACT THEM ….. I WANT THIS CAR…..

  18. Jason says:

    Sweet looking 200SX. I find it better looking the 80s version that came later, except for the notchback coupe.

  19. Gay Car Nut Tacoma says:

    Lovely looking car.

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