The words “vintage Datsun sedan” generally conjure up images of that iconic box of greatness otherwise known as the 510. And for good reason: The 510 is one of the models, along with the 240Z and Roadster lineups, that made the Japanese brand so beloved by American gearheads.
Not only was the 510 a fun street car, but it was …
When the Nissan Stylists / Designers first saw the Pininfarina design for the 410/411… only 1 had the nerve to criticize it. That was Mr. Matsuo. So when the initial sales of the model proved to be disappointing to Nissan, Mr. Matsuo was given the task of improving it. Mr. Matsuo said he could not change the styling at that point as the car was already in production, so the cost of new stamping dies prohibited changes to the styling.
So he decided to change the “image" of the car from that of a family sedan, to that of a “Sports Sedan”. The 411 SSS was the result of Mr. Matsuo’s work. It was so successful in improving sales over-all, that when Nissan reorganized its Vehicle Development Section - Mr. Matsuo was put in charge of the Sports Car Styling Studio, which would then turn out the Datsun 240Z.
Once again, being from the northeast, it just amazes how a little inexpensive (at its time) Japanese sedan survives this long, let alone the fact of being a fully restored driver. You have to be a very good researcher probably just to find parts but also with some ingenuity and forethought, parts can be made. I know the west coast is very different from here but it is still an accomplishment to keep this thing driving!!! Bravo!!
In reply to joeymec :
Sort of related, but a friend of ours in SoCal is restoring a Datsun 1200, another “little expensive” car lost to the years. He’s finding parts, though, and eager to see it back on the road.
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