1600 / 510

The Datsun 1600 and its later evolution as the 510 represent a genuine turning point in affordable motoring. Released in 1967, this compact sedan brought Japanese engineering competence to the masses at a time when reliability was far from guaranteed in budget cars. With its willing 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine, rack-and-pinion steering, and surprisingly sorted chassis dynamics, the 1600/510 proved that you didn't need European pedigree or American muscle to build something genuinely enjoyable to drive. It was genuinely quick for its class and, more importantly, genuinely honest.

In Australia, the 1600/510 became a fixture on the club racing scene throughout the late 1960s and 1970s. The car's mechanical simplicity and forgiving nature made it perfect for privateer competitors, and it earned a reputation as a reliable platform for modification. The straightforward engine internals and easily accessible running gear made it a favourite for those learning to wrench as well as those building their first racing cars. You'll still find well-maintained examples turning up at CAMS events and club meetings, testament to their longevity and the affection enthusiasts hold for them.

What makes the 1600/510 special isn't any single revolutionary feature, but rather its completeness as a package. It arrived at the exact moment when Japanese manufacturers were ready to challenge established assumptions about what affordable cars should be, and it did so with no pretence, no shortcuts, and genuine engineering integrity. For collectors and users alike, it represents an important chapter in automotive history, and a car that's simply rewarding to own and drive.