Over the previous couple of weeks, we’ve taken a more in-depth have a look at what Ultrace 2023 needed to supply, which was a lot. Of every little thing on show round Wrocław Stadium in Poland, it was a uncommon 510 Datsun 1300 that stood out to me probably the most.

Fortunately, I used to be in a position to meet up with its proprietor, George Kostopoulos from Kefalonia Island in Greece, who had an ideal story to inform about how the construct got here to be.

It started with George’s fascination with the Datsun 510 coupe. George had launched into a lengthy quest to seek out one, however after years of looking out in Europe with out an oz of luck, he finally uncovered a rough-but-salvageable coupe on the market in South Africa. Not wanting to attend any longer, the acquisition was made and the coupe was shipped house. It wanted components, and throughout the time George was trying for a 510 donor automobile in Greece to acquire the bits and items wanted to convey the coupe again to life, he randomly stumbled throughout a 1968 four-door sedan parked within the metropolis.

The automobile was in outstanding situation. It didn’t seem like any components have been lacking, and amazingly it was nonetheless on its authentic Greek license plates. With info gathered from these plates, George managed to trace down the coupe’s proprietor, who turned out to be an 85-year-old gentleman that had owned the Datsun since new. Even higher, this aged gent was prepared to promote it to him.

Early on in his possession, George got here to understand that the ’68 mannequin had some distinct variations from 510s produced in later years, together with a novel entrance grille, entrance bench seat, opposite-working wipers and smaller indicator lights and taillights. After contemplating the four-door sedan’s rarity and stable bones, George made the great resolution to make use of it for his challenge, reasonably than lower it up as a donor for the coupe.

He rebuilt the L13 OHC engine and outfitted it with SU Hitachi carbs from a 1600 SSS 510. Desirous to go actually low on air suspension, George additionally raised the engine and gearbox meeting by an inch to make sure that none of driveline would contact the bottom when the automobile was aired out.

The engine bay was shaved, clean and wire tucked. The battery was relocated to the trunk, and several other components have been chromed for some added aptitude.

Suspension is comprised of custom-fitted Air Carry Efficiency entrance struts and Slam Specialties RE-5 luggage within the rear.

The entrance and rear fenders have been stretched to accommodate 13×7-inch (-1 offset) Enkei AP Racing wheels, whereas inside and outside the Datsun was repainted in attractive Nissan Pacific Blue. The entrance fender mirrors are a basic JDM contact.

Inside, the inside has been remodeled with brown accents, milky white carpets and wooden trim within the trunk. The unique Sanyo radio stays in heart of the dashboard as a nostalgic reminder of easier instances, together with a uncommon set of old-fashioned Japanese audio system. Guide switches and twin Air Carry gauges for the air experience sit in a {custom} panel below the sprint.

Over the course of two years, George labored on the bodywork, paint and meeting, dedicating a median of three hours per day to the challenge. Whereas he dealt with most elements of the automobile’s restoration himself, George did name on professionals to help with the seat retrim and chrome work.

The results of George’s arduous work is a uncommon Datsun 510 that I feel is stanced to perfection, therefore why it was my standout. Being at Ultrace 2023 additionally offered George a chance to attach with others and additional gas his ardour. Anticipate to see his 510 coupe on present within the close to future.

Vladimir Ljadov
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