Nissan 510 Bluebird
Known as the 'poor man's BMW,' the Datsun 510 blended advanced engineering with lightweight, rear-wheel-drive fun, creating a legend on the street and track. It's a highly sought-after and modifiable Japanese classic with a broad market for builders and collectors.
Find one with Spotter →Nissan 510 Bluebird sold for a median of $15,959 over the last 12 months, based on 8 auction sales; the middle 50% sold between $10,688 and $20,500. 50 currently for sale.
The Nissan Bluebird, sold as the Datsun 510 in North America, debuted in 1967 and quickly earned the nickname 'the poor man's BMW.' Its advanced-for-the-time features, like an overhead-cam engine and 4-wheel independent suspension, offered European sports sedan dynamics at an affordable price. The 510's legacy was cemented on the racetrack, where Peter Brock's BRE team dominated the SCCA Trans-Am 2.5 Challenge, proving the car's performance potential to the world.
Collectors are drawn to the 510 for its clean, simple design and its huge potential for modification. It's a cornerstone of the vintage Japanese tuning scene, with engine swaps like Nissan's SR20DET being very common. The car's lightweight, rear-wheel-drive chassis makes it a joy to drive, whether it's a stock sedan, a modified wagon, or a full-on BRE tribute race car.
The market for the 510 is mature and diverse. While running projects can still be found for less than $15,000, average prices hover around $25,000. The top of the market, which can exceed $70,000, is occupied by professionally built restomods, period-correct race cars, and immaculately restored SSS coupes. Its popularity ensures a strong parts supply from both aftermarket and specialist vendors.
Buying Tips
- Rust is the biggest issue. Check for corrosion in the rocker panels, floor pans, spare tire well, strut towers, and under the window seals.
- Engine swaps are very common. Scrutinize the quality of the work, paying attention to wiring, cooling, and engine mounts. A poorly executed swap is a huge liability.
- Inspect the independent rear suspension. Worn bushings on the semi-trailing arms are a frequent problem that compromises handling and can be costly to fix.
- Originality is rare. Unmodified cars, especially 2-door sedans, command a premium. For modified cars, look for quality parts and period-correct aesthetics, as reversing bad modifications gets expensive.
Prices for the Datsun 510 range from around $800 for project cars to over $74,000 for professionally built race cars and pristine restorations.
318 Nissan 510 Bluebird vehicles have been tracked across auctions and listings on Hypercars, with 50 currently live.
Data sourced from Bring a Trailer, Cars & Bids, eBay Motors, PCarMarket, and Collecting Cars. Updated daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Nissan 510 Bluebird cost?
Over the last 12 months, Nissan 510 Bluebird sold for a median of $15,959 across 8 auction sales tracked on Hypercars; the middle 50% sold between $10,688 and $20,500. There are 50 currently for sale.
How many Nissan 510 Bluebird listings are for sale right now?
There are 50 Nissan 510 Bluebird listings currently live across auctions, dealers, and marketplaces tracked by Hypercars.