Why Datsun’s 1600/510 Is the Epitome Of “Cool”
Thapson
So, why is Datsun’s 1600/510 the epitome of “Cool?” What makes it so attractive to enthusiasts to this day? Is it because it so darn good looking? Because it’s fun to drive? Maybe because its simplicity makes it “easy to work on?” Or that it carries with it a legacy of good design and performance, lending it a timeless appeal enthusiasts’ cherish worldwide? Actually it’s all these things. This time, we check out the Datsun 1600 or 510 (depending where you lived) and learn why it’s so special – an epitome of “cool.”
Origins of the Datsun 1600
While exciting things are going with American cars in the 50s, it’s Europe that Japanese manufacturers are eyeing. They see a parallel in their post-War history to that of the European one. The Europeans are coming out with new designs and looks. And it’s these designs that inspire Datsun. They want to attract consumers on the continent, as well as the United States. It’s the “New Class” BMW sedans of the mid-60s they find most appealing.
And it’s Teruo Uchino, a young Datsun designer, who comes up with the look of the new Bluebird 510 as it known then.
Aesthetics and Mechanicals of the Bluebird 510
European inspiration is clearly evident in the new car. But the final finish is unmistakably Japanese. The Bluebird 510 sets the trend all Japanese manufacturers follow in their designs. Straight lines, large windows with good visibility, double headlights, and fascia make the Datsun 1600 one of the most modern looking cars from Japan. And it goes on to challenge European auto dominance everywhere.
Mechanical innovations include MacPherson struts in front and semi trailing arms in rear on all sedans. In 1966, Datsun acquires Prince Auto. The decision to use the Prince 1600 cc engine in the 510 is one of the best decisions they make. It is this engine, along with the 510’s handling, that brings all round successes to Datsun.
Technical Specs
For those interested (click to enlarge):
Available in Various Formats
The evolution of the Datsun 510/1600 influences the evolution of Datsun cars in general. Future family Datsuns are designed similarly until the mid-70s.
The car is available in both 2 and 4 doors, and station wagon formats. A family car in Europe and Japan, it’s relatively small for the United States. But this is the era when Americans are warming to Japanese cars, and it soon catches on. It gains huge successes in Australia, Southern, and East Africa as well.
On the racing circuit, the 1600/510 becomes a major force in endurance races in the 70s. It takes over the spot from major European rivals. Thus, cementing the 1600 as a reliable, easy to maintain, and “fun to handle” car.
So much that even France’s “Hell Drivers” used them for their stunts in Southern Africa. The era of the Japanese car has truly arrived.
Datsun 1600 and 510: What’s the Difference?
In Africa, Australia, and Canada, the Datsun is called the 1600. In the United States it is the 510. And in South America and other places it is known as the Bluebird. Again, not to be mixed with the 1600 roadster Datsun had already released earlier.
A 1600 SSS (“Super Sport”) offered later. In any case, whatever the name, it earns a cult following that endures. Having another Datsun in our family, I was a big fan of Datsun at that time. The 1600/510 is among the cars that spawned the popularity of the Japanese car around the world, and North America.
YouTube.com / YV Media
While Datsuns follows this design in other models too, by 1973 designs evolved and the era of the original 1600/510 comes to an end.
The IDX Concept
A few years back Nissan was considering coming out with a new model, the IDX, as a homage to the 1600/510. But unfortunately, they shelved it, due to cost-benefit challenges, and concentrate on the newer 350Z and similar models. Hopefully they’ll revive the ‘homage’ design again in the future? I think the 1600/510 definitely deserves it.
The Datsun 1600/510: One of our favorites from among the cars of our lives! Feel free to send me your comments below.
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