1971 Datsun 1600 - Road or Race

Arguably the most famous model variant to wear the Datsun badge, the 1600 (or P510 in international markets) is synonymous with motorsport during the 1970s and 80s, and there is no denying that the car has well and truly reached hero status on a global scale. In Australia, it is almost impossible to take a “Datto 1600” out for a drive without somebody stopping you and wanting to have a chat – they either had one themselves or a family member did – and the car immediately brings back fond memories.

This particular 1600 is a December 1971 plated vehicle and was initially built to compete in Classic Outback Trials. Upon being acquired by the current owner in late 1999, the car was used sparingly for club-level motorsport events on tarmac and gravel with the Nissan Car Club of Australia before being put in storage for the best part of the last decade. The car is started on a regular basis and given the occasional run around the block however aside from that, it has barely been driven. The Datsun is currently on full road registration in Victoria however it will be sold unregistered.

Under the bonnet sits a L-series 2.0 litre engine that has been fitted with a L18 head to bump up compression and improve torque. Twin 45mm Webers take care of fuel delivery and sit on a Datrally Developments manifold. The transmission has been upgraded to a 5-speed manual gearbox from a 240K, with the same vehicle donating its front struts and brakes to the 1600.

The Webers were refreshed in 2017 by the team at Robert Cooper Motors in Bundoora and at the same time, a new clutch master cylinder and slave cylinder were installed, as well as a major service carried out. In August 2018, a set of Dunlop SP Sport FM800 tyres were fitted to the 15” Performance alloys, after which point the car was sent to the expert team at Powerplay Automotive in Cheltenham with the view to transform the car to PRC-level specification. An overseas work assignment put those plans on hold and the Datsun has been securely stored since.

Whilst the car was in storage, a closed-door respray was carried out to freshen-up the exterior of the car. Some of the minor areas with surface rust were treated at the time of the respray however the seller notes that the wheel arches, rear quarter panels, boot and engine bay (corners and rails) will require attention (refer photo gallery).

Although this is no show car, the Datsun still presents very well and has helped create some very fond memories for the owner over the past 25 years. With a little bit of TLC, the Datsun could easily be transformed into a very nice road car or alternatively, built into a tarmac or gravel-spec rally car as was the plan when it was initially acquired.

Specification:

• Chassis: P510A2360
• Engine: L20B005107
• L20B 2.0L SOHC 4-cylinder engine with L18 head
• Twin 45mm Weber carburettors
• Datrally Developments manifold
• 240K 5 speed gearbox
• 240K struts

A spares package is included with the sale, including a number of CVs and three differentials (3.5, 3.7 and 4.6 ratio). The original front bumper will also be provided to the new owner. Inspections are welcome prior to the conclusion of the auction.

This is a very reluctant sale however it is now time to hand the keys over to the next custodian of the car to take it in the direction of their choice. Irrespective of whether the Datsun stays on the road as a cruiser or is transformed into a very capable race or rally car, there aren’t too many vehicles that are capable of creating as big a smile on your dial as a Datto 1600, no question about it!