This 1971 Datsun 510 two-door sedan was reportedly imported from Puerto Rico and campaigned in SCCA regional events before being acquired by the seller, its second owner, in 2012. Initially built to SCCA Solo Racing Prepared Class specifications in the 1990s, the car has seen extensive work under current ownership between 2013 and 2022. This included overhauls of the electrical, fuel, brakes, cooling, and ignition systems, as well as the installation of a Troy Ermish Racing header and exhaust.
The car is finished in blue with vinyl graphics and magnetic class markings over a stripped race interior. It is powered by a 1.8L L18 inline-four engine equipped with dual Mikuni carburetors and Rebello Racing-prepared components. Additional performance equipment includes a Datsun Competition five-speed transmission, an R190 limited-slip differential, a custom roll cage, a Sparco racing seat, an AIM digital dash, lightweight body panels, modified suspension, and a Wilwood four-wheel disc brake system.
**Exterior and Bodywork**
The body features a fiberglass hood and trunk secured with Dzus fasteners, along with fiberglass flares epoxy-bonded to the fenders and quarter panels. The front, side, and rear windows have been replaced with plexiglass to reduce weight. The original driver’s side floorboard and rocker panels were patched and repaired by previous ownership, though minor rust is still present in the lower inner fender wells.
Two sets of 13×7″ American Racing Libre wheels are included in the sale. The set currently mounted on the car is fitted with Toyo Proxes tires, while the spare set is shod with Hoosier bias-ply slicks.
**Brakes and Suspension**
The brake system has been completely overhauled using Cunifer hard lines, AN fittings, and a Nabco master cylinder. A DP Racing Wilwood four-wheel disc brake conversion is installed, featuring four-piston front calipers with 10.25″ rotors and two-piston rear calipers utilizing 200SX rotors. A Tilton bias adjuster is mounted on the transmission tunnel for fine-tuning brake balance.
Suspension modifications comply with SCCA Prepared Class rules and include:
*Front:*
– Modified crossmember with relocated control arm pickup points
– DP Racing tubular steering rods and bump-steer steering arms
– DP Racing knuckle risers and 1-1/8″ sway bar
– DP Racing steering box brace
– Ground Control coilovers with Tokico racing shock inserts
– Tilton-style camber plates
*Rear:*
– Slotted rear crossmember modified for adjustment
– Koni 30 series racing shocks with relocated top pickup points
– DP Racing 1″ sway bar featuring a “cowbell mount”
– DP Racing steel bushings
**Interior**
The interior was stripped and repainted in 2020 to complement its race-focused setup. It features a single Sparco Sprint racing seat mounted on Techno Toy Tuning brackets, paired with a 5-point harness for driver safety. A custom roll cage based on an Autopower kit integrates with the relocated rear shock mounts for increased chassis rigidity.
Additional interior equipment includes a MOMO steering wheel, Techno Toy Tuning door panels with pull handles, and a custom aluminum switch panel. The factory instrumentation has been removed and replaced with a custom aluminum dash panel housing an AIM Motorsports MXM digital datalogger. The odometer has been removed, and total mileage is unknown.
**Engine and Drivetrain**
The 1.8L L18 inline-four engine has been bored .040″ over and is tuned to run on 105LL Avgas with a compression ratio reportedly above 13:1. The ignition rev limiter is set at 8,500 rpm. Key components and systems include:
*Bottom End:*
– Cosworth high-compression pistons
– Lightened and polished connecting rods
– Rebello knife-edged L18 crankshaft
– Lightened flywheel
– Datsun Competition-style extended oil pan
– Modified high-pressure oil pump
*Top End:*
– Rebello Racing-prepared A87 “peanut” cylinder head shaved .070″
– 44mm intake and 36mm exhaust valves
– Rebello 202 AE/AI camshaft
– Rebello/Datsun Competition-spec valvetrain components
– DP Racing/Nissan Competition camshaft oil spray bar
*Induction:*
– Dual Mikuni 44 PHH carburetors with 37mm Malvern venturis
– Rebello-modified Mikuni short-ram intake manifold
– Mikuni velocity stacks
*Exhaust:*
– Troy Ermish Racing ceramic-coated header and 2.5″ mandrel-bent exhaust system with Magnaflow muffler, installed in 2022
*Fuel System:*
– 5-gallon aluminum fuel cell
– Holley fuel pump
– Holley serviceable filters
– Aeromotive fuel pressure regulator
The driveline consists of a Datsun Competition two-piece driveshaft, custom Porsche 930-style CV axles, and a Datsun Competition R190 limited-slip differential with a Tilton Racing 5.14:1 ring and pinion.
**Additional Information**
The seller notes that the original owner’s documentation indicated an approximate vehicle weight of 1,850 lbs. Service records and a car cover are included in the sale, along with an extensive list of spare parts.
This 1971 Datsun 510 represents a highly detailed and well-prepared race car, ready for continued competition in SCCA Prepared Class events or similar motorsport activities. It combines a strong racing pedigree with thoughtful, thorough modifications and maintenance under dedicated ownership.
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1971-datsun-510-2-door-sedan-10/
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