The Datsun 510 was a legendary vehicle of its time for many reasons. It got the nickname as poor man’s BMW. The Datsun 510 became popular for its Overhead-Cam engines. The performance, handling, and features were great which made it iconic over the years. It was manufactured by Nissan in collaboration with Datsun. The vehicle was available as sedan, coupe, and station wagon. Here is everything about the 1967 Datsun 510.
Engines
The Datsun 510 was a rage which came out all guns blazing. This featured an inline-4 cylinder engine with overhead valve. Because of the advanced engines, this Datsun model was called the innovative compact car. The overall top speed was 100mph for the model with excellent handling. Datsun 510 didn’t deliver huge torque, but the speed and handling were great which helped the model last for 6 years.
Technology
The Datsun 510 cars had interesting mechanical features. It was a lightweight car with front-engine RWD. Most of the cars came with the 4-speed manual transmissions, but some models featured a 3-speed automatic transmission. The vehicle had drum and disc brakes. Some Datsun 510 cars feature the dual-circuit hydraulic braking system. It was a durable car with independent suspension for all wheels. The recirculating ball steering was another new addition. Suspension featured MacPherson struts, coil springs, semi-trailing arms, and telescopic shock absorbers. These ensured there was no noise outside.
Nicknamed BMW
The Datsun 510 was an affordable compact vehicle with advanced technology. Because of this, it was called the poor man’s BMW. Not everyone could own a BMW, but this model had specifications like the BMW cars. The Overhead cam engine, new technologies, and robust engines were the reasons for the great ride. This offered a sporty handling which was not available in other Datsun vehicles at that time.
Interior Features
Interior features were practical and designed for comfort. The Datsun 510 featured bench seats with vinyl upholstery. It had a dashboard featuring speedometer, fuel gauge, temperature gauge, and warning lights. Manual heater, manual door locks, heater, and ventilation system were the other features. Datsun 510 featured large windows and large side windows paving the way for visibility.
Racing Icon
The dominance of Datsun 510 in racing can’t be expressed in words. It was part of rally and endurance races. It featured in the SCCA Trans-Am events and scripted history by winning the championship twice. The vehicle’s smooth engines, handling, and lightweight panels made the way for an entry in racing.
Sales
The price of the Datsun 510 was not higher. It varied based on the models and engines. There is no information about the total production units, but the entire Datsun Bluebird generation sold around 1.5 million units. The average price of the vehicle was between $1,500 USD to $3,000 USD. Primary markets where Datsun 510 sold were Japan, North America, South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Mexico, and the UK.
