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April 1968: Datsun 510 Car & Driver Road Test

June 26, 2015 by Greg

When the Datsun 510 rolled onto US shores, it carried the future of the brand on its shoulders. Sure, Datsun had set up a dealer network exceeding 600 locations, and some inroads had been made with ‘early adopters’ and those ‘oddball’ citizens who were eager for a simpler, smaller vehicle. But in 1968, big cars, big horsepower, and big gasoline expenses were the rule of the day.

Had the 510 not been a high-quality, affordable, excellent-handling car, Datsun might well have never introduced the Z car and Nissan as we know it may never have crossed the ocean. Thankfully, the Dime was a smashing success and made believers out of a skeptical American populace.

[Click on images for full-sized scans.]

Datsun 410 road test – Car and Driver June 1964

May 31, 2015 by Greg

In the summer of 1964, American automakers were beginning to roll out their versions of “compact” cars, but the European offerings dominated that niche of the US market. Enter Datsun, with an entirely new way of looking at the compact sedan. The editors loved the little Datsun 410 for its build quality, handling, braking, and comfort, but almost universally disliked the suspension. Regardless, the little 410 and its offspring, the much-loved 411, remained in production until 1967 – and paved the road for the car that would really put Datsun on the sedan map: The 1968 Datsun 510.

Click pics for larger images – We hope you enjoy this little stroll back into Datsun history!

1968 Car & Driver Road Test: Datsun 2000 Roadster

May 24, 2015 by Greg

In 1968, most major automotive publications were busy fawning over the latest land barges from US manufacturers or making excuses for the build quality of their favorite European sedans or sports cars. However, in mid-1968, Car & Driver dedicated a five-page review to the newly-redesigned 1968 Datsun 2000. Contrary to the author’s opinion, Datsun Roadsters are attractive, albeit possibly more “cute” than handsome. The mandatory changes in response to updated Federal motor vehicle safety standards meant the flat metal dash and low windshield were gone, but the small hood scoop and stacked tail lights remained as unique features. While the majority of Datsun Roadsters built were 1600 models, the 2000 was a legitimate stoplight sleeper. With 135 hp out of the box (and more to be gained with a few tweaks), the 2000 Roadster remains rare and desirable.

[Click photos for full-size scans.]

Datsun SPL310 Road Test from March 1964 Motor Trend

May 16, 2015 by Greg

To the uninitiated, Datsun roadsters were just a knockoff of the British MGB – but that couldn’t be further from the truth. The Datsun Fairlady was introduced before the MGB (by nearly a year).

Further, while the MGB became heavier, slower, and less attractive after 1967, the opposite was true for the Datsun Roadster, which remained relevant and a great sports car buy until it bowed out in 1970 (to make way for the 240Z).

Check out this road test from the March 1964 issue of Motor Trend magazine. [click on the images for high-resolution versions]

Road & Track – July 1971 comparison test 240Z

May 15, 2015 by Greg

Road & Track tested the 1971 Datsun 240Z against four other GT cars: The MGB-GT, the Fiat 124 Sports, the Opel GT, and the Triumph GT6 Mk3.

Any guesses as to which one came out on top?

[Click images for full-size scans – Enjoy!]

Datsun 240Z Buying Guide – Video!

April 22, 2015 by Greg

Our good friends at Hagerty Insurance bring you this comprehensive buyers’ guide for those of you shopping for an early version of the legendary Datsun Z car.

Enjoy!

76 Datsun 280Z Widebody Build – “Banzai Runner”

April 5, 2015 by Greg

[Editor’s note: As a long-time Datsun restorer and collector, I get to meet people all over the world who share my affinity for classic Nissan products. Sometimes, however, some of the most interesting people and builds are right in your own neighborhood. I recently got to spend some time with Stuart Jamison, an Arizona resident who’s building a Z that will definitely stand out from the crowd, and should turn heads for decades. I’ll let Stuart tell the rest of the story, but I wanted to give him a proper introduction… Enjoy the build!
-Greg]

My family has never really been a ‘car’ family. I think I just was the odd one out. The day for my affliction with cars came when I went looking for my first car. I remember test driving mainly sports cars of the time, like a Fiero, a Mazda RX7, and then finally a 1979 280ZX. I had no idea on anything about these cars, other than I liked the looks and style of them. All of them ran fine, except the 280ZX. I paid about $1200 for it my senior year in high school. My affinity to cars also increased when I came across Top 3 Best Window Tinting Services in Hamilton, Ontario that transformed every car into a cool vehicle on the road.

It had a 5-speed, and it didn’t run. It needed a new distributor and some other things to get it to work right. Eventually got it going, and fell in love with this model. It started
seeping oil out of the plugs at one point, but continued to run. MAF problems, but still it continued to run. I was amazed at how well this car ran, even though it had problems. Eventually my neighbor and I worked on it, and that’s when I started learning about fixing cars. Clutch change, head work, rings, etc. Everything was done by myself until something came up and no one knew how to fix it, which meant a shop would have to tend to it. These were the pre-internet days, and I had a Japanese car in a predominately American car neighborhood. This car remained in my possession for about two years. It ended due to another guy T-boning me while I went through an intersection. The guy’s response was “I just didn’t see you”. He had no insurance, and it wasn’t even his car. Car was totaled and off it went, never to be seen again.

I drove past a fly-by-night car dealer on 7th Street and Dunlap here in Phoenix every day on my way to work, and ooh’ed and ahh’ed at a Flame Pearl Red 1988 300ZX that was fully loaded. Leather, digital dash, everything a boy could dream of. So with some help from family on a co-loan, the 88 300ZX replaced it, but it was never the same.

It was full of luxury and the car practically drove itself, an awesome touring car, whereas in the 280ZX you drove the car. Never really had that feeling with any other car since then, but have always been a Nissan guy since that ZX. In 2000 I bought my first new truck, a Nissan of course, which was an experience in itself. It was a 2000 Solar Yellow Nissan Frontier Desert Runner. 6 years later, I traded in the Frontier and I bought my second truck, a 2006 Titan-SE crew cab, which I still own today.

Things started taking a turn in 2012. I was really getting the bug to have a Z again. I thought about trading in the Titan, but was convinced otherwise not to do so by my wife. I had been on a track for the first time with some super cars, at an event that comes to town every now and then. Got to drive Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Audis, and of course the GTR. I would say that was when the time hit where I wanted something fun to drive again. By now, I was older/wiser and making decent money. I could do the things I always wanted to when I was a teenager with a Z. After thinking long and hard about it, and convincing my wife, I set off to find a project car – something I could work on, and bond with my new father-in-law over, since he was a huge car guy.

Part 2: Project “Banzai Runner” begins.

Questions about this build? Comments? Discussion here: Widebody 280Z discussion

Stunning 1978 Datsun 280Z For Sale – Florida

January 26, 2015 by Greg

One of our sharp-eyed members spotted this spectacular example of Z-car beauty for sale in New Smyrna Beach, Florida.

We’ll let the owner tell you about it – Check it out!

The more you know about Z cars the more you can appreciate this very original and unmolested survivor. This is an absolute must-see for a true enthusiast. The original owner purchased this car in Portland, Oregon and owned it from new until January of 2005. The second owner then purchased the car and owned it through November 2007. I purchased the car from the second owner and have owned it since. I feel that you will be hard-pressed to find a Z that’s this original, and in such great condition.

The exterior of this car has the original lacquer paint, has never been in an accident, and hasn’t had any paint or touch-up work done – ever. There are zero rust issues or rust that has been repaired. There is no rust present in the rear deck lid jamb or under the battery tray, which any Z owner knows is common on these cars. The car even has all original glass, including the windshield. All seals have been maintained properly and/or replaced if needed. All badges are original and in mint condition. The undercarriage is clean with no rust whatsoever.

This vehicle has always been meticulously maintained. I have every receipt for anything done to the car since new, even old records from the Datsun dealership in Oregon! The car has the original engine and transmission in it. The transmission has all new bearings, seals, and syncros. The clutch has less than 10K miles on it. Most all bushings have been replaced with O.E. units. The struts have less than 10K miles on them. The brakes work perfect and the car stops and drives straight. The battery is only 6 months old.

The interior is all original with two exceptions – the carpet and radio. The dashboard is still soft and remains crack-free, no dash cap here! Every gauge works correctly – including the clock. All lights, switches, knobs and chimes work perfectly, just as they did when the car was new. The locks and ignition work perfectly with the original Nissan Key.

There have been some minor modifications done to the car, as follows: The headlights are upgraded and wired on their own circuit, with relays to avoid wiring issues. The alternator has been upgraded to a GM 105-amp unit. Rear U-joint shafts have been converted to CV joints. The A/C system is converted to R134A and blows ice cold. There is a 160 degree thermostat installed. The car also has a wrapped Motorsport header and Motorsport exhaust system with resonator installed. The car has Konig wheels and Cooper tires with good tread. The modifications done to this car were mainly performed to improve drivability and/or safety, and are fairly typical for any older Z.

All in all, this is a very well cared-for, well documented, all original 280Z. This car drives nice and straight and needs absolutely nothing to be a nice driver. I have all original parts that will be included with the sale. The only thing I do not have are the factory steel wheels. However, I do have the original hubcaps. The original exhaust system is still intact with only minor surface rust. All other included parts are in great condition as well. I am happy to take additional pictures of anything you would like to see. I can possibly arrange to put the car on a lift and take undercarriage photos if necessary.

Want to see more pictures? Here’s a ton more, click for full-size versions.

I am asking $20,000 OBO for the car. The vehicle is located in New Smyrna Beach, FL and I have a clear Florida title in hand. I am happy to aid in shipping of the car, providing the buyer pays for and sets up transportation. If you have any questions and would like to talk more about the car, I can be reached at:

Bill Dearman
386-682-8865
[email protected]

Let’s find this pretty lady a new home!

UPDATE: This Z sold within three weeks, at almost the asking price! This is great news for the Z market, and for collectible Datsuns in general.

1976 Datsun 280Z sales brochure

November 25, 2014 by Greg

Straight from the DatsunForum memorabilia collection, this 1976 280Z sales brochure was included with the original owner’s paperwork when we purchased the car for restoration, and it’s been scanned here for your reference and enjoyment.

1976 was the first year of the Datsun 280Z, arriving on dealer lots in late 1975 as the successor to the 260Z, and beginning the final version of the 1st generation Z sports car. Covering the 1970 through 1978 model years, the 1st generation Z was replaced by the 1979 280ZX.

The engine displacement was increased to 2.8 liters, resulting in the 280Z nomenclature. A Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection system helped combat the increasingly-stringent emissions regulations which threatened to diminish the Z-car’s horsepower ratings.

Available with either a 4-speed manual or a 3 speed automatic transmission, the first-year 280Z retained the earlier models’ independent suspension arrangement and 14″ alloy wheels, while adding a sportier array of dashboard gauges.

The 280Z was now available in two body styles: a 2-seat coupe or a 2+2 4-seater. The 4-seater was 12.5″ longer than the standard 280Z, though it shared similar performance characteristics.

We hope you enjoy this slice of history, and if you’re not already active on DatsunForum.com, we hope you’ll pop in and join the conversations!

1981 Datsun Dealer Press Packet

November 9, 2014 by Greg

Straight from the DatsunForum.com memorabilia collection, here’s a neat piece for those of you with a 1981-vintage Datsun!

This dealership press packet, in a glossy 9×12 folder, was distributed to Datsun dealers in late 1980 to introduce the 1981 Datsun model lineup, as well as to acquaint dealer personnel (and the local press) with specifications and updates for the coming model year.

The photos are official 8×10 glossy prints that the dealers could use when running ads in the local newspapers or magazines, and the attached articles served as press releases to be provided to automotive journalists.

Also included was information on retail pricing and specifications for the entire 1981 Datsun model lineup, as well as info on the NAPS-Z engine and the “talking” Datsun 810!

I hope you guys enjoy these scans of this rare piece of Datsun memorabilia.

(click on the pictures for larger images):

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