1968 Datsun 510

Datsun introduced their new 510 Series late in 1967 as a 1968 model. It was available as the PL510 2-door sedan and WPL510 4-door station wagon. Pricing started at $2,000. The sedan and wagon had modest looks and was powered by an overhead-cam four-cylinder engine that displaced 97.3 cubic-inches and offered just under 100 horsepower. The 510 Series, originally called the Datsun/2, soon earned a reputation as rather surprisingly sporty little vehicle. Adding to its sporty persona was an independent suspension in the front and rear, a four-speed manual gearbox (an automatic was available), and a wheelbase that measured 95.3-inches. Top speed was in the neighborhood of 100 mph and zero-to-sixty took about 12.7 seconds.

The 510 had quad headlamps, rectangular parking lights, and a rectangular grille comprised of horizontal strips. At all four corners were radial whitewall tires. Inside, there were reclining bucket setas, vinyl floor mats, and rear side windows that could open.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2011