Kidney, Anyone? 1960 Datsun 1200 Van VPL221

datsun 1200 van vpl221 01
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.

datsun 1200 van vpl221 02
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.

datsun 1200 van vpl221 10It’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.

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31 Responses to Kidney, Anyone? 1960 Datsun 1200 Van VPL221

  1. Lincoln Stax says:

    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.

  2. E-AT_me says:

    nissan usa anyone?

  3. Nigel says:

    That 1200 would be a great company vehicle for someone.
    A rare beast, probably only seen in old Japanese news reels.

  4. Brad D. (TSiSS350) says:

    Is the JNC staff out of Kidneys yet? I volunteer mine if it will own this car plus resto!

  5. bert says:

    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!

  6. Alan says:

    Whoa awesome!

    Rare old J tin is the best, the rarer the better.

  7. John says:

    Bet it sell for between $500 to $1000…. Maybe more?

    Nice find!

  8. Jake says:

    I’m a hot rod guy, but something like that should DEFINITELY be restored back to original!

  9. bert says:

    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!!

  10. slickwrick says:

    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!

  11. superdave says:

    Thats epic, only $515.00…. I wish I had the time to drive to cali and pick that up!

  12. rh says:

    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

  13. Curtis says:

    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.

    • Ben says:

      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.

  14. James says:

    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)/

  15. Curtis says:

    James,
    Do you have any contact information for Ross Mullen? I need pix of that tailgate!!
    Curtis.

  16. Curtis says:

    Bump, I would like to bump this messge. Ross Mullen hey. Need pix. Thanks.

  17. Ross Mullen says:

    Curtis;

    I have sent you some pictures of my VPL221. No spare parts. Mine has an L16 that was in it when I bought it. having trouble opening the rear lower tail gate. Will send you some pictures once its loose and opening.
    Ross
    59 211 4 door sedan
    60 VPl221 2 door wagon
    61 Pl223 truck

  18. Robrt Demontigny says:

    i believe i have the only datsun 1200 van vpl221 2 door wagon it is with out any rust 99% all complete blue in color . 2 rear bumper sections are rusty other chrome is in original condition. all interior is upholstered just like original by factory. it resides in auburn ca. it is one of 2 featured in 1960s la car show. they where sold after the show . mine was sold by Lou Garret in Redding california. the licence late holder still has his name on it. it has original engine and 3 on the tree transmission. currently it is wrapped and i cant post pix . it will need a headliner i did not get to replacing it. the car is 99% complete. it drives excellent solid like a little tank. and gets the lookers 530-885-1620 Robert Demontigny if i sell it it will go for $40000. there are no others i know of other then possibly in the Nissan museum in japan.

  19. Robrt Demontigny says:

    i got they only datsun 1200 van vpl 221. in mint condition

  20. robert Demontigny says:

    i believe i have the only datsun 1200 van vpl221 2 door wagon it is with out any rust 99% all complete blue in color . 2 rear bumper sections are rusty other chrome is in original condition. all interior is upholstered just like original by factory. it resides in auburn ca. it is one of 2 featured in 1960s la car show. they where sold after the show . mine was sold by Lou Garret in Redding california. the licence late holder still has his name on it. it has original engine and 3 on the tree transmission. currently it is wrapped and i cant post pix . it will need a headliner i did not get to replacing it. the car is 99% complete. it drives excellent solid like a little tank. and gets the lookers Robert Demontigny if i sell it it will go for $40000. there are no others i know of other then possibly in the Nissan museum in japan.

  21. Ricky T says:

    I also have one..here in the SF bay area. Baby blue, a little rough but pretty complete

    • robert says:

      went to look for a 1960 datsun 2 door van/wagon . did not see anything. can you send me a link. i am interested i have a 60 2 door only 2 came in in 1960 they where in the la car show in 1960 i have one of them . also some one posted with you he had one in San Francisco. like to see a photo of it. until then i presume mine is te only one. complete and almost like new minus a head liner thanks robert

  22. Wendell E says:

    I am currently pondering what to do with a 1960 UPL221. It is rusted in front of the door hinges and the tailgate, but is pretty much complete. Interior is there but rough. Engine will still fire. Don’t want to do anything crazy, but want to preserve what’s left. Anyone know how many of these were imported?

  23. Looks like there are at least 3 VPL221 Datsun 2 door wagons in the US. One in WA has an L-18 and four speed in it. One in SF is mint, one is in Roseville.

  24. Robert Demontigny says:

    i am responding to the l18 by curtis hunter l – 18 a newer wagon not a 1960. 2 1960s are all of the imports in 1960. mine i found n auburn ca i have totally restored the wagon . everything was present in the parts department i only needed engine rebuilt parts body had 0 rust. i have factory style recovered seats the burlap under the seat had a japanese tags on them i saved them . it still needs a headliner and some things need plating it runs like a sewing machine. i am planing to sell it soon found out the nissan heritage museum does not have a 1960 2 door wagon.

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