510

The Datsun 510 (1968-1973, known as Datsun Bluebird in Japan) is a compact sedan that became a legendary icon in both vintage racing and street car culture. The original 510 features a 1.6-liter inline-four engine (L16) producing approximately 96 horsepower in stock form. Power is delivered through a 4-speed manual transmission or 3-speed automatic to the rear wheels. The 510's significance lies not in raw power but in its exceptional chassis balance, independent rear suspension (a rarity in its class at the time), and lightweight construction weighing approximately 2,100 pounds.

The Datsun 510 gained legendary status in vintage racing, particularly in SCCA racing during the 1970s where it competed successfully against larger, more powerful American cars thanks to superior handling and reliability. The simple, robust mechanical design makes it highly suitable for modification, with common swaps including SR20DET turbo engines from later Nissan models or various inline-six engines, easily doubling or tripling stock power output. The 510's nimble handling, balanced weight distribution, and simple rear-wheel-drive layout provide an engaging driving experience that modern cars struggle to replicate. The boxy, clean styling has aged exceptionally well, and pristine examples have become highly collectible. The Datsun 510 represents an important chapter in Japanese automotive history, proving that Japanese manufacturers could build cars that combined reliability, affordability, and genuine driving enjoyment, paving the way for future Japanese sports sedans and establishing Datsun (later Nissan) as a serious performance brand in Western markets.