The Japanese Compact Car That Conquered Whole World!

The Japanese Compact Car That Conquered Whole World!

In 1967, as big V8 muscle cars ruled American roads, a small Japanese company was about to release a car that would shake up the auto world. This is the story of the Datsun 510, an unlikely hero that proved Japanese cars could compete with the best.
Inspired by European sedans like the BMW 1600, the 510 combined good looks with advanced engineering. Under its boxy but stylish body was a peppy 1.6-liter engine and a sophisticated suspension system usually found in more expensive cars. This gave the 510 handling that was way better than its low price suggested.
When it hit the US in 1968, the 510 was an instant hit. It offered European-style driving fun at Japanese prices, starting at just $1,996. Buyers got features like front disc brakes and reclining seats, plus build quality that embarrassed many American cars.
The 510 came in different body styles to suit various needs. The two-door was sporty, the four-door practical, and there was even a wagon for extra space. All shared the same great mechanical package that made the 510 so appealing.
Car enthusiasts quickly realized the 510's potential. Its engine was easy to modify for more power, and its well-balanced chassis could handle the upgrades. Soon, 510s were winning races against much more expensive cars.
The ultimate proof of the 510's performance came when the Brock Racing Enterprises (BRE) team campaigned them in professional racing. They dominated their class in the SCCA Trans Am series, beating big names like Alfa Romeo and BMW.
Even after production ended in 1973, the 510's influence lived on. It established Datsun (later Nissan) as a serious player in the sports sedan market and inspired future models. Today, over 50 years later, the Datsun 510 remains a sought-after classic, loved for its timeless design and the way it drives.

____
We do not own the footages/images compiled in this video. It belongs to individual creators or organizations that deserve respect. By creatively transforming the footages from other videos, this work qualifies as fair use and complies with U.S. copyright law without causing any harm to the original work's market value.

COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER:
Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research.

_____