Actually, it’ll take more than a kidney to get your grubby little paws on this sub-18,000-mile 1973 Datsun 510, because it’s not even for sale. Despite many inquiries, it’s stayed in the same family for 40 years and three generations. Think of this post as more of an inspirational tale, one that offers hope to those trying to find an unmolested example of the quintessential Japanese sport sedan before the rat rodders and engine swappers have their way with it. See, Virginia, mint 510s do exist (as long as you don’t mind a slushbox)! Even if the owner insists on hanging on to this heirloom, isn’t it nice to know that it’s out there? For more photos, visit our friends at TTAC.
Think of this post as more of an inspirational tale, one that offers hope to those trying to find an unmolested example of the quintessential Japanese sport sedan before the rat rodders and engine swappers have their way with it.
The more important question is, when do you “molest” a car and when don’t you molest a car? Do you cut up an original example to start on a good base? Automatic’s fair game? One that’s been stripped for parts?
I think it differs per person on what they will think is called “molesting” and what is not.
I has a discussion with some JNC-er about swapping the automatic gearbox of my (back then) 78000km Carina in favor of a periodically correct T50 five speed manual gearbox that would originally have been fitted to my car if it did not leave the factory as an automatic. In his opinion this was already considered “molesting” while in my opinion it was just doing justice to the car. 😉
“it’s stayed in the same family for 40 years and three generations.”
A big regret fell upon me when i sold my 2nd generation Lancer. Now i’m on a quest to find it if ever.
Thanks for sharing this story with us, I enjoyed the read.
For me, cars and stories like this, is what JNC is all about.
this is one of those cars that is just plain “normal” until you know the back story.
Just remember this: EVERYTHING IS FOR SALE!!!
If you have the money!!!
I want a 510 even more now..
This is such a cool story. I love reading stories like this. Maybe I’ll write a book about my 510 one day. Still a work in progress. I don’t consider myself a purist but I <3 stock.