This 1970 Datsun 510 was the recent recipient of a ~2.5 year restoration, during which time every nut and bolt looks to have been addressed. It has been thoroughly upgraded with several period-correct parts. With so many of these showing up as either restomods with modern mills or rusty projects, it is refreshing to see an example such as this, which has been brought back without significant sacrifice to its 70s charm. Find it here on Craigslist in Overland Park, Kansas for $21k.

While the orange paint’s apparent metallic shine isn’t particularly subtle, we love orange one these cars. Panasports are a fine choice, though we would consider opting for less-aggressive 14 inchers. We particularly like the ride height of this car, which is 2.5″ lower than stock. Low, but not unusable.

Things begin to look a little less stock once you look inside, but only if you know what you are looking for. The beautiful wood wheel is a restored piece from a Bluebird SSS, which was the top-trim Japanese variant of this platform. The retrimmed front seats are Mini Cooper units: though a bit large compared to stock, they fit well and are likely a good bit more comfortable. We like that the original radio was retained with an added auxiliary jack and that the gauges remain stock.

The engine bay looks clean enough to eat from. While the engine itself is not original, it belongs to the same L-series family as the factory unit. Stroked to 2.2 liters and breathing through twin 44mm Mikunis, it is sure to be a fun mill with a nasty rasp. Other modifications include a 5-speed transmission from an early ZX, and an r180 differential with limited slip. It is so refreshing not to see a turbo on a build like this.

One of the most notable modifications is the suspension, which is a factory Datsun Comp Suspension package. Included are modified front struts, new front springs, new rear shocks and springs, and a thicker front sway bar. It’s often said that “it’s hard to beat OEM,” and in this case, it is even more difficult to source it: very few of these are left in working order. Also installed is a BRE rear sway bar.

With these Dimes being among the most sought-after vintage Japanese tuning platforms, there is likely a build out there for every taste. While we love KA swaps as much as the next person, this example reminds us what the car can offer with only restrained, subtle modification from stock.