The Datsun 510 Wagon Review – Enduring and Endearing
by the middle of the 70's, it seemed that every other person was driving a Datsun or Toyota
The rapid growth of the Japanese car manufacturing sector took the rest of the world by surprise in the late #1960’s, and by the middle of the next decade, it seemed that every other person was driving a Datsun or #Toyota. Most of the Japanese cars of that era were bland, if extremely reliable, yet a few made more of an impact.
The #Datsun-510-Wagon might not have seemed like a potential collector’s car when it was first introduced, but this boxy, simple yet surprisingly enjoyable model soon gained a following. Today, it is still popular with enthusiasts, and for good reason.
An Unlikely Legend
At first glance, you could be forgiven for passing off the 510 Wagon as just another #70’s Datsun; it has that boxy look that was popular at the time, after all. Look closer, however, and you begin to get an idea of what makes this rather cute and endearing car a favourite with enthusiasts.
For a start, it comes from an era when Datsun made rugged, reliable and simple to maintain cars. The range included a variety of engines, and there are many after-market accessories for these cars. Add a set of alloys, put the bigger #2.0litre engine in, upgrade to five speed transmission, and all of a sudden you have a veritable Q-car that is surprisingly agile.
Part of the beauty of Japanese cars from this era lies in the fact they can be tinkered with by the home mechanic, and such is the reliability of the 510 Wagon you can give it all the tweaks you want and it will just keep going.
Back of the Datsun Wagon
Success in Sport
Part of the appeal of the 510 lies in its many successes in #motorsport, especially in rallying. The 510 – in #saloon form – won many major rallies across the world, and was also popular as a track racing car in the USA. The durable and strong build quality gave it excellent credentials for tackling some of the most difficult rallies, and it gave the car – and #Datsun – a great deal of exposure.
Another reason the car remains an enthusiast's favourite to this day is that Nissan – as Datsun is today – continues to supply replacement parts for the 510 range, including many performance variations, so you can keep your precious little box on wheels on the road and even improve it.
Fun to Drive
There is a common view of these period Japanese cars that says they are eternally boring; nothing could be further from the truth in the case of the 510 Wagon. It gained a reputation, even in its day, as not only a capable load carrier and great family car, but also as a fun one to drive. This is true to this day, especially when you experience the charm of an older, simple car in comparison with modern, bland vehicles that lack any feeling.
The best thing about cars like this is that they hark back to a different time; the Datsun 510 Wagon was introduced in an era when cars still had a sort of ‘50’s’ feel about them – especially those made in the UK and Europe – but the Japanese broke the mould with cars like the 510. Although understated, it could be given an individual look by adding aftermarket accessories, and many people built rally replicas that really looked the part.
It says a lot about this very likeable car that there are many still in use, cared for by enthusiasts who recognise a true classic when they see one. You’ll find most of them in the USA, Australia and New Zealand, and it’s pleasing to know that – almost 50 years since it first hit the roads – the Datsun 510 Wagon still holds a place in the automotive world of today.
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A Brilliant Classic
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Comments (2)
I had a '71 Wagon and '70 and '71 four-doors. And also a '75 620 pickup. Loved them all.
Boy do I miss my '72😢