1972 Datsun 100A – Project Profile

Back in the 1960s, we were happy driving around in whatever Austin or Morris threw at us. There weren’t many other options available. Or at least, that was the case up until the late ’60s and early ’70s, when all of a sudden we were presented with a range of cars from the Land of the Rising Sun – Japan. And these cars were simply incredible. They were quiet, they were economical, they were practical and they appeared to have been built properly. Not by someone called Geoff. In the dark. Okay, so they were a bit quirky in the looks department, but we soon got over that in favour of all the other positives these Japanese cars offered. Mainly because, above all else, these Japanese cars were cheap. But without being a bit rubbish. A case in point would be the cars offered by Datsun.

Datsun, the brand under which Nissan presented itself in Europe, was the driving force behind Japan’s infiltration of the UK car market, and the 100A, which was launched in 1970, and would be one of the cars to spearhead this movement. And it was a movement that worked. Yes, it took us a minute to get used to the quirky looks, but once we saw the price, and once we drove this little car, we were smitten. No longer did we have to endure the rattly, unfinished offerings of Britain, or the deeply impractical other foreign contender, the Volkswagen Beetle. Instead, we could buy a Datsun and have a cheap, reliable, frugal, fun to drive car for the same, or less money. Needless to say, we bought them in droves.

What is it? 

The car we’re looking at here is exceptionally rare, as it’s a 1972 Datsun 100A four-door. Not many Japanese cars of this era survive today, thanks to terrible rust-proofing. Of those that do, it’s the two-door models that have found favour. Four-door cars simply never had the same following as the models with fewer doors, and as such, they fell by the wayside over the years. Rot, and other factors, contributed to many an old Datsun finding a final resting place in the scrapper’s yard. The fact that this four-door version has survived is remarkable, but then the vendor states it was rust-proofed when new, and it seems whoever did that did a very thorough job indeed.

The 100A would go on to be the Cherry, once its popularity was cemented. Looking at this, admittedly tired little car, you can see why they became so popular. It still smacks of being a quality build that, had rust not been an issue, would have stood the test of time almost infinitely. This little car was the breakthrough, it was the car that set the trend for our passion for Japanese cars here on UK soil. On that basis, it’s a very important car and one that is well worth saving. And at just two grand, it would be rude not to.

Why is it a project? 

The poor little Datsun seems to be a bit tired, but that’s all. There is a big dent on the offside rear quarter, which is going to need specialist attention given that you’re not going to find a replacement panel. The front seats are spit and worn, though that seems to be a consequence of age rather than abuse. The engine runs, but it needs a service, the brakes need attention as they’re a little on the spongy side, and generally speaking the whole car needs a good going over and general tinkering with.

Is it worth it? Absolutely. This little Datsun could well be the only one left in the UK, given its rare four-door status. It’s never going to be a high value car, it’s never going to be a fan favourite, but so what? As long as you buy it and love it, that’s all that matters, and love it you will. It’s a fun, cheeky little car that, if given some love now, will happily give years of further service. Those Japanese engineers knew how to screw a car together.

Five things to look for:

1) Rust

This little Datsun seems to have been well protected against rust. However, you should never underestimate just how much Japanese cars of this era like to rot. So check everything and check everywhere – inner arches, sills, firewall, boot floor, doors and door bottoms, all of it.

2) Trim

You’re never going to find trim for a car like this, ever. As such, everything needs to be present. If it’s broken, that’s fine, at least you have something you can present to a specialist in the hopes they can remake it. For any trim that’s absent, be prepared for a long wait to find a replacement.

3) Damage

The little 100A isn’t a high worth car. It was a runabout, a second car for pottering around in. It was a car to be used, not cherished. As such, there is every chance it’s had a bump or knock at some point in its life. Hopefully it hasn’t, but it never hurts to check for any signs of damage in the past, along with any botched repairs.

4) Mechanicals 

Happily, mechanical parts like service items and the like are relatively easy to get hold of. However, suspension, brake and engine parts might be somewhat more tricky. As such, you need to satisfy yourself that the car is in decent mechanical condition. Going off the detailed advert from the vendor, we’re quietly confident it is. But still, it never hurts to check.

5) Rustproofing 

The baby Datsun was, thankfully, ordered with a full complement of rust proofing, and it seems to be a proper job going off the apparent condition of the car today. However, rust proofing is not a ‘do it once’ job. Over time, it will get brittle, it will let water in, it will chip and fall off and then rot can get in. So do yourself a favour, and consider getting this little car re-rust proofed. It’s something that has clearly worked for it in the past.

What should you do with it? 

We kind of love it how it is. The only things we’d change are the dreadful steering wheel, and we’re not exactly keen on the alloys. Something more period would look much better. Other than that, we’d take it back to standard, though we would perhaps give it an altitude adjustment, as it seems very tall. Clean it up, polish it, repaint any bits that need it and get the interior re-trimmed, and that would do it. You would have to limit your spending on this, as it’s never going to be a high value car. However, for another couple of grand, you would have a great car that would be worth what you put into it. At just under two grand, there’s very little stopping you.

Ready to fall in love with a Datsun? Here’s where you’ll find all manner of Datsun for sale.