About this Datsun 510

1971 Datsun 510 Bluebird 1400 – LHD

A Very Rare European Example in Beautiful Condition | Matching Numbers | Wonderful Provenance | 

The Datsun 510, part of the legendary Bluebird range, was produced between 1967 and 1973, and quickly became one of Japan’s most influential exports. Inspired by contemporary European saloons such as the BMW 1600-2, it combined crisp design, an advanced overhead-cam engine, and four-wheel independent suspension — features that made it both refined and dynamically capable.

With its success in international rallying, the 510 helped establish Nissan’s reputation for engineering excellence and global motorsport credibility. Today, the model remains highly regarded among collectors in Japan, the USA, and Australia — but is exceptionally rare in the UK.

Provenance & History

This particular car — VIN: NL510016036 / Engine No: L14061443 — is a matching-numbers, left-hand drive, four-door saloon, first registered in Patras, Greece, on 18th August 1971.

It is finished in its original and highly attractive colour scheme of Olive Green (code 993) with a brown vinyl interior, and powered by the 1,400cc four-cylinder engine with a 4-speed manual gearbox.

The car remained in single-family ownership in Patras for an incredible 49 years (1971–2020) and retains its original manuals and Greek customs documentation, confirming its direct import from Japan in 1971.

After being off the road for around seven years, the original family sold the car in January 2020 to a classic car collector in Thessaloniki. Remarkably, the new owner immediately drove it 300 miles across Greece from Patras to Thessaloniki without issue — a testament to its robust condition.

Restoration & European Journey

Following a sympathetic restoration in Greece, the car was offered for sale on Collecting Cars in July 2021, where it sold for €13,250 (£11,395). The auction description noted:

“This Datsun 510 is a practical and charming 1970s classic, which benefits from an extensive restoration carried out within the last two years. While the interior remains highly original, its paintwork has been refreshed, and it now presents very smartly... a desirable and usable classic.”
The buyer — a UK client of ours — collected the car personally from Thessaloniki and drove it all the way back to London, covering 2,750 km (1,708 miles) over five days without a single fault.

Condition

Since arriving in the UK, the Datsun has been carefully maintained and remains in beautiful condition throughout. The Olive Green paintwork presents very well, with only light age-related marks, and the interior remains largely original — complete with new headlining and new carpets in both cabin and boot.

Mechanically, it is excellent and drives superbly, retaining the light, communicative steering and rev-happy character that made the 510 so beloved among enthusiasts.

This is a rare and appealing example, particularly in left-hand drive and with its remarkable single-family provenance.

Registration & Sale Details

Now UK registered with the period plate MNH 239K, the car will be fully serviced and supplied with a new MOT before sale.

The Datsun 510 represents an increasingly collectible era of Japanese motoring — a blend of simplicity, reliability, and charm — and finding a car of this quality and history is a rare opportunity.

REDUCED TO £7,995 for a quick sale - Realistic offers will be considered.

The car is on display at our South West London showroom and available for viewing by appointment.

Please Note:
Classic Chrome Ltd makes every effort to ensure that all information provided is accurate. Details are given in good faith based on the car’s history file and previous ownership records. Prospective buyers should satisfy themselves as to the car’s condition and suitability before purchase. This does not affect your statutory rights.