BAT: 1971 Datsun 510 Station Wagon

[Mike]

This 1971 Datsun 510 Station Wagon has been modified for performance driving and was used for autocross and HPDE events by the previous owner. The 2.2L inline-four is fitted with Z Therapy-prepared SU carburetors and backed by a 5-speed manual transmission sourced from a 280ZX. The brakes have been upgraded with 280ZX discs up front and 200SX discs in the rear. Other modifications include Panasport wheels and Quickor sway bars all around, and the car appears ready to use apart from older paint. This 510 Wagon is offered with a clean Washington title by BaT regular DENWERKS, who has gone through the car to ensure that it is a safe and reliable driver.

The seller notes that the color is Spanish Olive, and it shows well in photos despite being around 15 years old. There are some irregularities in the color as the roof was repainted, and the scuttle panel forward of the windshield is not a perfect match for the hood. The wheels are said to be genuine Panasports, and were fitted with new tires around 300 miles ago.

The car shows good panel alignment and appears to be free of dents. The slight pearl effect in the paintwork gives the color a slight shift in changing light. An original Bob Sharp sticker is present in the rear window.

The front valence has a repaired crack as seen above, and there is a small rust bubble at the bottom of the driver-side front fender. The rest of the car is said to be rust free.

Apart from a 1990s-vintage CD player, the interior appears stock at first glance. The shifter is original and shows a 4-speed pattern, though the gearbox is a 5-speed from a 280ZX. The dash has a single crack in the middle, but appears otherwise in good condition. The steering wheel is from a 280Z. The odometer shows 5k miles and is believed to have rolled once due to a mention of 90k miles in a 2000 magazine article about the car.

The previous owner fitted racing buckets in this Datsun, but Procar adjustable seats are in place now. The black vinyl upholstery is a decent match for the rest of the interior and the seats are nearly new. The rear seat is original and in good condition.

The cargo area is in nice shape, though a pair of matching rectangular tears are present on either side of the rear seat release handle. The headliner appears to be original and is taut for most of its length, with some minor looseness present where it meets the hard plastic panel that covers the hatch hinges.

The 2.2L engine features a Z-series bottom end from a Datsun pickup mated to the L-series head used in the 510. The Z-series motor is similar to the L-series, albeit with a 3/4″ taller deck height allowing for a larger displacement. Several other modifications are present, including a mild cam, high compression pistons, and Z Therapy-prepared dual SU carbs and intake. The previous owner’s brother is a salesman at Z Therapy, and the two had similarly prepared 510s. A front strut tower brace has also been fitted.

The floors are clean and straight, with no evidence of past repairs. The 280ZX transmission fits nicely in the stock tunnel, and the 2″ exhaust appears well made.

The suspension in this car has been heavily upgraded for autocross and HPDE use. The previous owner fitted 280ZX struts and front discs, along with 200SX rear disc brakes. Porterfield Racing Pads are fitted front and rear, as are Quickor front and rear sway bars.

The previous owner used the car for track days, autocross, and other performance driving-oriented events. The magazine feature with this car and the previous owner’s brother’s 510 is included.

The seller has provided a walkaround and drive video of this Datsun as seen above.

The original window sticker has been laminated and shows an original invoice price of $2,570. Several service manuals and tuning guides are also included. Though the paint is showing its age, this Datsun looks very ready to return to the track, road rallies, or even daily driver duties.

View it on bringatrailer.com