Save, sell or scrap: 1976 Datsun 120Y Coupe

". ." (xllx)
04/08/2016 at 16:22 • Filed to: SSS

In this series we’ll look at derelict cars and decide whether they’re worth saving. You get to imagine that you are an owner of a project car and can decide its fate.

The car in question is a 1976 Datsun 120Y Coupe. Here’s how it could look:

And here’s how it looks at the moment:

So, what say you Oppo? Do you save it by restoring it, sell it to an unknown fate, or do you put it out of its misery by sending it to the scrappers?

DISCUSSION (21)

tmanhwm > . .
04/08/2016 at 16:28

The most common answer you’re going to get is scrap it. The biggest problem with restoring it is parts availability. These cars weren’t made to last, so most people ran them into the ground. They aren’t considered valuable or desirable by many, so even a perfect resto isn’t worth much.

But I LOVE mine. And I get more comments and looks driving it around than any other car I’ve owned.

LongbowMkII > . .
04/08/2016 at 16:29

Resto mod all the way. Non turbo SR20DE with ITB’s and some period appropriate wide wheels and flares... mmm.

For a flip? All depends on the rust but classic Japanese cars are getting more attention which can only help values.

slipperysallylikespenguins > . .
04/08/2016 at 16:29

can I vote racecar?

. . > slipperysallylikespenguins
04/08/2016 at 16:30

If you like, I guess?

promoted by the color red > . .
04/08/2016 at 16:34

Scrap it if there’s structural rust, otherwise keep driving it. Maybe throw some maintenance at it.

It’s the car I’d want to bum around SoCal in.

Jonee > . .
04/08/2016 at 16:36

Save, especially in that color. That was the B210 in the States and, while being one of the slowest cars I’ve ever driven, they're indestructible. This one doesn't seem all that bad. The dash being crack-free is astonishing.

slipperysallylikespenguins > . .
04/08/2016 at 16:37

Kinja'd!!!

Flyboy is FAA certified insane > . .
04/08/2016 at 16:39

If you mean “save” as in putting a KA24 in it and having it endlessly run laps in Chumpcar in a Sisyphus-like hell, then yes. I’d save it.

415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) > . .
04/08/2016 at 16:40

Yeah race car, you don’t have to worry about the interior. But as a Datsun owner I know a few spots that look ok may in fact have cancer hidden by perfectly great looking skin. For a Datsun these photos tell me nothing! In any case do not scrap it, at least sell it to a Datsun person.

glemon > . .
04/08/2016 at 16:49

Although I don’t have quite enough motivation to do it myself, I vote save, these were common as cockroaches in the 70s, all but gone now. I have a little soft spot in my heart for such cars. 99% of Ferraris survive forever because they are valuable and listed after. 99.9% of these things, despite being reasonably reliable, suffered a sad fato of rapid abuse and neglect as they became used commuters. So seeing a nice on now puts a smile on my face. Not a big enough one to do the work myself though....

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > . .
04/08/2016 at 16:52

The F10/120 was a FWD car and kind of a piece of shit. Scrap it. If it was a 210 platform with RWD then maybe race car.

Goggles Pizzano > . .
04/08/2016 at 16:52

Sell.

. . > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
04/08/2016 at 17:01

This IS a B210 RWD platform car.

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > . .
04/08/2016 at 17:31

Kinja'd!!!

Keep it as a parts/improvements car, get a 120A instead. Yes, I know I’m dreaming. Edit: yes, I know it’s a different platform. I was thinking how awesome the early 120A body would be with 120Y running gear.