We haven’t yet given the very significant original Datsun 510 its due props here yet, so let’s put that on the 2013 CC To Do list. In the meantime, how about we ponder this 510 wagon, that someone has done up quite thoroughly in Aboriginal symbols and design. Maybe one of you know how to interpret it? If not the art, then perhaps the car; 510s are highly symbolic, after all.
The 510 wagon is a bit unusual, as it doesn’t use the independent rear suspension found in the sedans. That certainly hasn’t dampened enthusiasm for these wagons, as there seem to be almost as many around as the sedans. Maybe some like them even better, despite the live axle; or because of it?
I’m assuming that’s a sun symbol there on the hood. The 510’s source of energy lies there too: the legendary L-Series SOHC engine, which was made in a variety of sizes over its long life span. Dropping in one of the later 2.0 L units to replace the original 1.6 is a common swap, as well as even more potent DOHC Nissan engines. The 510 was the closes thing to being the Japanese Tri-Five Chevy.
Some of you might find the paint job silly or affected, but I like it. But then I’ve lived here for almost twenty years, so what do you expect…I’ve gone native. It’s well done, and decorative. Beats some of the silly air-gun murals that were so common in the seventies and eighties. To each their own.
Sigh ….. another one of those cars that was ubiquitous in California, and now a rarity. And we can’t really blame rust. I see maybe one or two 510 wagons a year, and no more than half a dozen 2-doors or 4-doors. There is a nice two-door around town with a memorable California personalized plate … the “hand” symbol (five fingers) and then the letters TEN.
I’m embarrassed to admit I don’t even recognize this car. I vaguely remember seeing 510 sedans, but never a wagon. They HAD to have sold these in Indiana in the 70s, didn’t they? Did I drink too much whiskey in college and fog that part of my brain?
My sister owned a yellow 510 wagon in South Bend, IN in the early ’70s. The most effortless shifter I have ever used.
I was alive (but very small) and in South Bend in the early ’70s. Maybe I even saw your sister drive by!
Assuming you were even remotely into cars then, that shows just how incredibly diverse the US automotive scene was then … I think more than now. In California, our neighbors had a 510 wagon (it replaced their Honda 600Z when they had their first kid) and they were very popular with surfers, outdoor types (pre-Subaru Outback) and families. Modded 510s, mostly 2-doors but some wagons, were the “tuner” cars of the day when a Honda Civic was both too new and too low-performance … common mods were headers, dual side-draft Webers, Minilite mags (or, for those on a budget, Corvair steel 5.5×13 wheels with Vega GT trim rings) with wide 205/60 tires and baseball bat flares (stick a baseball bat between the tire and wheel well lip, and roll the car slowly, using the proper diameter of the bat to force the fenders out and create moe tire clearance), a Corvair turbo muffler, and of course lowering and decambering. There was even a large, 510 club locally which organized shows and track days. One of my favorite memories of roadracing 510s was seeing the NASCAR star Bobby Allison driving a BRE 510 in the under 2.5 lite TransAm series at Laguna Seca.
I like the paintjob. That’s about it though.
I would argue that the real Tri-Five Chevy of Japanese cars is the Honda Civic, specifically the 1988-2000 models. The 92-95 hatchbacks would probably be the “two-door hardtop” or “Nomad” as they’re the most desirable of the whole line, but just as a 4-door post sedan ’56 can be built the same way, the Civics are mostly functionally similar.
Good calls on the tri five chev. There have been a number of japanese cars since 57 that could have qualified for the term. I have seen both 510 and 210 datsuns, the honda civic and crx, and much as you might hate them (everyone seems to) some mitsubishi’s as well. Further, a number of Fords filled that bill before 55. Thanks Paul. The pictures took me back.
The paint job may be more appropriate on a Holden,it’s different alright !
I have no real opinion one way or the other. It’s certainly different, and maybe … verrrrrrrry interesting. Really, the last shot which is a close-up, shows to me the artist has talent. And, OK, I can admit I always find “art cars” somewhat interesting, but would never dream of owning one or creating one.
Everyone missed the best part of the car- the rear bumper fabricated out of c-channel. Nice; far better than the usual 2×4 treatment. They even put an extra link on each side to follow the body line.
I notice that the car has the $100-extra retro-styled Pacific wonderland license plates.
Though its a shame to see fake aboriginal dot painting so far from its home it probably the best part of that car. Yeah I know you all love the little Dustbin 1600 but honestly they were a tin can of a car. The mechanicals were ok if you kept the cooling system in tip top shape and as long as you stayed on smooth roads the body didnt shake like a jelly. Put down the koolaide and really recall how horrid these things really were thats the real clue to their current rarity
This wagon is my third Datsun 510 and has been a passion involving several contributors. The artwork was done by a quite famous Australian Aboriginal artist, Lewis burns (Tubba-Gah Wiradjuri tribesman) at a didgeridoo festival as a demonstration of Aboriginal art techniques and symbol significance. The wavy line represents the river running through my property. The circle on the hood is a campfire and those U-shapes surrounding it are the members of my family. Under the hood the work was done by Scott Daniels of Evolution Automotive swapping in a KA24 mated to a 5 speed tranny for a little more uumph. Like any 510 it continues to be a work in progress and will forever widen smiles as it hauls ass and hugs curves…