Have you ever ever headed out to purchase the automotive you at all times wished, solely to return residence with one thing else? Lasse Korpela from Seinäjoki, Finland has.
Lasse was about to buy his subsequent mission automotive, a Datsun 160J (710), when he spied a 1969 Datsun 1600 (510) with 66,000 authentic kilometres on the clock. Regardless of having been parked up for a very long time, the 510 sedan was in fine condition. It was in authentic situation and nonetheless even had plastic wrap on the door panels. A fast repair would get it up and operating, however Lasse had different concepts. A deal was made and he acquired began.
I’m at all times up for a very good shakotan fashion construct, however they’re not often seen right here in Scandinavia. So after I do come throughout one I wish to know extra, and Lasse was completely satisfied to indicate me round his construct whereas it was on show on the latest Customized Motor Present (AKA Elmia) in Sweden.
One might argue that the time period shakotan means loopy fender flares, insane unfavorable camber and an uncovered oil cooler hanging off the entrance of the automotive. Whereas these type of modifications are per the enduring Japanese modifying fashion popularised within the Eighties, shakotan vehicles are available many flavours. Lasso has taken an ultra-clean method along with his 510.
However not solely is the Datsun’s exterior clear, the end is beautiful. Each panel was perfected earlier than being repainted in Mercedes-Benz Rubinrot Pink. The entrance and rear bumpers, chrome trims, door handles and symbols are all model new components. The identical goes for the fender mirrors, which Lasse bought from Nissan in Japan.
What couldn’t be purchased new, Lasse had custom-made for the 510 – the door hinges and lamp bezels being two of these things. It actually does appear to be the automotive rolled off the manufacturing line simply a few days in the past.
Lasse is a person of tradition and by no means had any ideas of altering the Datsun’s exterior strains, nor was he inquisitive about making any large modifications to the chassis. He did, nevertheless, need the automotive to journey low. HSD Monopro coilovers designed for the Nissan RPS13 200SX have been customised to suit the 510, with Volkswagen Golf higher spring plates added within the rear.
Beneath the Datsun, each element was both sandblasted and powder-coated or zinc-plated. Amongst different upgrades, Techno Toy Tuning adjustable billet tie-rods function in entrance and polyurethane bushes now change the originals all through.
For wheels, Lasse has gone with a JDM old-fashioned favorite – SSR Longchamp XR4s. You may argue that positively 13s or possibly 14-inch wheels can be extra in step with the automotive’s age, however the 15s which can be mounted up on every nook look excellent.
When Lasse bought the wheels they have been 2-piece and measured 15×6.5-inch; now they’re 3-piece with {custom} outer lips, lathed centres and custom-made ‘XR4S’ centre caps. The completed specs are a purposeful 15×8-inch for the entrance and 15×8.5-inch out again.
The upside of larger wheels is greater brakes, and the Datsun now stops quite a bit higher than it initially did with Wilwood Dynalite 4-pot callipers and 273mm Wilwood floating discs on the entrance, and a P11 Nissan Primera GT disc setup on the rear.
Inside the Datsun, Lasse has stored issues clear and easy, beginning with a {custom} stainless-steel roll cage that took him 25 hours to shine as much as its mirror shine. The unique seats have been retrimmed in a manufacturing unit fashion and fitted with TAKATA Racing harness belts, and the centre console, which was badly broken, was repaired and painted it to match the remainder of the inside. The steering wheel is full carbon fiber, whereas the gearbox shifter encompass is a hand-crafted piece, knitted in a Marimekko fashion by Lasse’s spouse.
Whereas just a few fashionable facilities have discovered their approach into the construct, underneath the hood the 510’s authentic 1.6L engine stays, albeit in larger spec and searching merely beautiful within the detailed bay.
You’d half count on to see an SR20DET mounted up entrance, however Lasse by no means had efficiency intentions for the Datsun. Nonetheless, with the assistance of some upgrades – a ported A87 cylinder head with a {custom} Koneistus Perälä cam, and an aluminium consumption manifold operating twin FAJS 45mm carburettors and Matalamäki Racing velocity stacks – it will get alongside properly with round 150hp.
The unique 4-speed guide gearbox stays too, however now runs out to a an R160 differential and VLD shafts from a Subaru Impreza WRX STI.
I have to make particular point out of the strut bar, which Lasse designed himself and mounted as much as RPS13 finish plates.
Lasse’s 510 is implausible in each approach, and an excellent instance of not needing to go loopy when wanting to construct one thing that stands out – which the Datsun most positively did at Elmia this yr.
Not one to sit down idle for lengthy although, Lasse already has one other mission on the go, this time primarily based on an R32 Nissan Skyline. Assume real Bee*R physique equipment and a stroked SR20DET. That appears like one other Speedhunters highlight within the making…
Alen Haseta
Instagram: hazetaa
