Kidney, Anyone? 1960 Datsun 1200 Van VPL221
Just when you thought you’d seen every Datsun sold in North America, a 1960 Datsun 1200 Van shows up on ebay in La Grange, California. We at JNC have been around a lot of Datsuns, but none of us had seen one of these before.
It appears to be the real deal, too. The VIN plate identifies the chassis code as VPL221 (V for the long back “van” and L for left hand drive). 1960 was the year Nissan USA was established, so this both one of the earliest and one of the rarest Datsuns sold in the US.
It’s been sitting since the 60s and is missing a drivetrain. The front end is, um, worn. However, there are probably enough remaining Bluebird 1000s out there to scavenge parts from, and fortunately the section that makes this van a van is still in tact.
At the current no-reserve bid of $56, it’s not exactly going to cost you a kidney but the restoration probably will. Hopefully this rare beast will find a good home.
December 7th, 2009 at 3:11 am
Way, way , WAY beyond my abilities, but I hope it goes the right person. I’d love to see this restored and put back on the road. It may well be the last one of it’s kind left.
December 7th, 2009 at 4:27 am
nissan usa anyone?
December 7th, 2009 at 4:28 am
That 1200 would be a great company vehicle for someone.
A rare beast, probably only seen in old Japanese news reels.
December 7th, 2009 at 5:43 am
Is the JNC staff out of Kidneys yet? I volunteer mine if it will own this car plus resto!
December 7th, 2009 at 7:43 am
Finally! A classic car I can afford! I don’t think the wife will be to crazy about the interior, but I’ll win her over with the gass mileage!
December 7th, 2009 at 8:24 am
Whoa awesome!
Rare old J tin is the best, the rarer the better.
December 7th, 2009 at 2:22 pm
Bet it sell for between $500 to $1000…. Maybe more?
Nice find!
December 7th, 2009 at 5:40 pm
I’m a hot rod guy, but something like that should DEFINITELY be restored back to original!
December 7th, 2009 at 6:13 pm
Jake-You should buy it and throw VQ35 or even a V8 out of an Titan or Infiniti at it. That should be plenty of hot rod for anybody!!
December 7th, 2009 at 7:09 pm
id get it
junkyard smallblock some kustom tails and headlamps and ill roll it without painting it.
but no room to put it nor the time
i too hope it gets a nice home!
December 8th, 2009 at 8:22 am
Thats epic, only $515.00…. I wish I had the time to drive to cali and pick that up!
December 9th, 2009 at 8:01 am
this was on ebay australia just last week, they were a postal delivery vehicle back in the day here, my dad remembers them well
http://cars2.ebay.com.au/DATSUN-1200-PANEL-VAN_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQitemZ150391470279
December 9th, 2009 at 3:14 pm
I got it at $515. Grew up around La Grange and own a 1960 223 as a donor. The rear hatch may be an issue….. could an “NL” be used?
I will be selling my 320 to fund the restoration. No hot rod for this one, but it will be getting an ‘A’ series 1.4 and five speed instead of the “E” 1.2.
December 9th, 2009 at 3:33 pm
Thanks for saving it, Curtis! Post some pics in the forum when you get a chance. I’m sure many readers would love to see the project as it progresses.
December 10th, 2009 at 11:16 pm
Here’s a link to my All Japanese Spring Show pics this past April. There is a few pics of a 1200 wagon/van that Ross Mullen trailered down. ENJOY!
http://www.rfpcb.com/pictures/2009_all_japanese_show_(vancouver)/