BAT: BaT Auction: 1971 Datsun 521 Pickup

[Mike]

This 1971 Datsun 521 pickup is an 87k-mile driver that was purchased by the seller from California in 2010. Produced from 1968-1972, the 521 was the first compact half-ton pickup sold in the American market. Powered by its factory 1.6L inline-four and paired to a 4-speed manual transmission, the truck remains mechanically and structurally sound and comes with service records acquired throughout the seller’s ownership documenting the replacement of the brakes, water pump and hoses, clutch, and various seals. It is sold with a clean District of Columbia title in the seller’s name and is located in Washington, D.C.

The finish is believed to be mostly original and retains a decent shine apart from a faded area along the roof. The body has an assortment of dings, scratches, and other blemishes commensurate with use, while some rust can be seen along the rear rockers and bed floor. The stock 14″ steel wheels were powder coated white by the previous owner and are wrapped in newer whitewall tires.

The previous owner replaced a heavier towing bumper with thinner factory-style bumperettes that could benefit from a re-chroming.

The bed exhibits some light surface rust and touch up paint in a non-matching shade of blue applied by a previous owner.

The interior shows worn seating seating surfaces and several cracks on the dash. The plastic steering wheel exhibits some crumbling along its spokes that can be seen in detail in the photo gallery below. The simple dash panel remains stock with the original steering wheel, under-dash shelf, and radio in place, though it is presently non-functioning along with cigarette lighter and dome light. All other controls, functions, and instruments remain operational according to the seller, including the 5-digit odometer showing 87k miles.

The headliner retains proper fit and shows no signs of rips or tears. The windshield remains free of any noticeable cracks and remains in good condition apart from some haziness in direct sunlight.

The driver and passenger floor pans show rust that appears to have been treated at some point, and there are no apparent signs of rust-through according to the seller.

The 1600cc L16 inline-four was last serviced in October 2016. Said by the seller to run and drive well, a recent compression check performed at the last service showed 145 psi on cylinders 2-4 with the no.1 cylinder registering at 125 psi. Records from the seller’s ownership are included in the sale and reflect the following service items:

• New water pump, thermostat, and heater hoses (2010)
• New seals including rear main, timing cover, valve cover, valve stem, and oil pan (2010)
• New clutch with resurfaced flywheel (2010)
• New muffler and tailpipe (2010)
• New brake shoes all around, drums, wheel cylinders, return springs, and hoses (2011)
• New battery (2015)
• New oil pressure switch (2016)
• New spark plugs (2016)
• New front main seal (2016)

The original owner’s manual, jack, and some service books are included in the sale.

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