This clean 1971 Datsun 510 has been a race car for almost all its life, and has SCCA logbooks and rollbar decals still intact. The seller claims possible Trans-Am participation back in the day, but it doesn’t sound as if it is documented, and some BaT commenters might chime in on the subject. Regardless of history, the car is a clean and thouroughly developed race car that is offered with no reserve and lots of the right equipment. Find it here on eBay in Laguna Hills, California.

The 510 was the first Datsun (besides, perhaps the Roadster) that could compete well with European marques in American showrooms, and on the racetrack. Introduced in 1968, the car was offered as a two or four-door sedan, and as a handsome wagon. The two-door, like the one shown here, was the most popular with enthusiasts.

This car certainly looks the part, from the big flares, to the American Racing Libre wheels, to the big Webers and header underhood. The classic BRE Spook air dam is not installed, but is freshly painted to match the recent white finish of the car. Mounts for a passenger seat seem to be in place, making trackdays with an instructor as easy as bolting in a second race shell.

We like the gray epoxy engine bay and undercarriage, and the dogleg 5-speed and 240Z brakes would make it a great open track car but might be restricted by many vintage groups. Given the cost and condition of this car, we’d say it would make a better trainer or first timer’s track car than anything for the fancy events.

The 510 is the ideal track car for a generation raised on Japanese imports. 15 years ago or so, Datsuns were shunned by many vintage racers. Nowadays, most vintage groups will happily welcome the fast and reliable shoebox. Might this be another car headed for the La Carrera Panamericana? We hope so!