The other day, I was coming back from the gym and spotted this beauty coming the other direction on the road. Datsun 510’s are rare as it is, but seeing a pristine example in full BRE racing livery…well that’s plenty of reason to grab my trusty iPhone and pop off a shot.
Ive only ever seen this livery in two places: pictures of these from the glory days of Trans-Am racing, and on an AFX slot car, which I have one of stashed somewhere. Those were available in a few paint schemes, mine matches this exactly.
Most slot cars offered the bodies in several paint schemes.
There’s no telling where this little Datsun is headed, but I wouldn’t complain if it was to my front door!
More: CC Datsun 510 – How To Fly (by PN)
I’ll take one please. Nice catch!!
I love the BRE Datsuns… They also came in 240z and Roadster 2000 versions.
I remember Paul Newman raced a few of them, in the 70’s.
I never knew about the BRE roadster. Very cool!
Have you guys seen the Petrlicious episode about the 510?
Wow! Look at all those 510 projects sitting in that yard! I would not mind getting my hands on one of those even if it was missing the powertrain. I love that body style!
Imagine if Datsun (I mean Nissan) was still producing a BMW 2002 for the masses?
Nissan showed a rwd 2 door , the IDX with production intentions. It had a LOT of little nods to the 510. But rumor has it they wimped out and cancelled the project.
The IDX looks nice, but I immediately thought of a ’74 or so Celica coupe when I saw the side profile shot of it! I do see some 510 likeness from the rear shot though.
A two door would be such a structural improvement over the four door model we got Ive seen chronic B pillar shake in a 1600 Dustbin on corrugated roads, they were quite flimsy, a roll cage tightens it all up though and improves the handling.
Great find! 70’s time capsule.
Good reflexes with that camera.
#85 was the number used by Bobby Allison as a guest driver in the 2.5 TransAm in 1972 (I think). I saw a street going replica in Carmel this summer and chatted with the owner. I believe one of the original #85 cars belongs to the comedian Adam Carolla.
Very nice find! Most of the 510s I’ve ever seen have been quite rough–this one is beautiful!