1971 Datsun 1600 Deluxe Wagon - Reader Ride

By: Kevin Johnson

Date: 05.08.2017

Datto fan Kevin Johnson talks about his 1971 Datsun 1600 deluxe wagon WP510

I’ve been A Datto guy all my life and even owned a fully restored 180B sedan; vinyl roof and all, but like a lot of people with kids, life just took over.

When this thing came up, I thought ‘That’s my number one bucket list car!’ so I bought it. I’ve always loved the Datsun 1600s and the wagons in particular, however until now I’ve not managed to get one. I purchased it in December 2016 after the previous owner fully restored it.

He then built it up with an L20 2.0 litre, Redline manifold and twin Webers under the bonnet. He also installed a SSS grille and some other nice bits, but he’s an old Datsun head from way back so he probably had most of this stuff lying around!

I’ve got no plans to change it; just love it and look after it. When the new baby (actual baby, not the car!) is a bit older we can load both the kids up and cruise around. To be honest, I might put the original steelies and whitewalls back on it. These 17s run wide 245s and look pretty cool, but the suspension in these cars just isn’t made for wheels this big.

I like to get out in it every week or so, but it’s hard with the little ones. I’m keen to get them both out to the Datsun Day at Birdwood in October. That’s the goal and I’m sure they will love it.

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