The 1971 Datsun 510 race car holds a revered position in the annals of American road racing, famously known for disrupting the European dominance of the Trans-Am 2.5-liter Championship. This particular two-door sedan has been a dedicated competitor since 1991, undergoing a high-level technical evolution at the hands of Ermish Racing. Now featuring a Rebello-built heart and a chassis tuned for modern vintage events, it serves as a visceral tribute to the BRE era. Offered on a bill of sale with an SCCA logbook, this Datsun is a turn-key entry into the world of historic motorsport, optimized for the driver who values mechanical purity over road-legal compromises.
BRE-Style Aerodynamics and Competition Orange
The visual character of this 510 is defined by its striking orange finish and aggressive BRE-style wide-body components. The bodywork was stripped to bare metal before receiving its current livery, which includes black racing stripes and numbering. Functional racing modifications are evident throughout, including flared front fenders, rear wheel arch extensions, and a deep front spoiler designed to manage high-speed airflow. To prioritize weight reduction and safety, the headlights were replaced with mesh inserts, and the bumpers and glass windows were removed. Exposed hood and trunk locks, along with dedicated tow hooks, complete the unapologetic competition silhouette.
Stripped Racing Cockpit and Full Safety Integration
The interior is a focused workspace protected by a comprehensive roll cage with integrated door bars. Driver safety is anchored by a Kirkey racing seat paired with a Speedway Motors harness valid through 2027. Command is delivered through a MOMO steering wheel on a quick-release hub, sitting ahead of a clocked AutoMeter tachometer and Stewart-Warner auxiliary gauges. Technical control is literally at the driver’s fingertips via a Wilwood brake bias adjuster and a fire suppression system. Every non-essential component, including the radio and interior trim, has been discarded to create a lightweight environment that prioritizes sensory feedback and track performance.
Rebello L18 Power and Ermish Suspension Tuning
Motivation comes from a 1.8-liter L18 inline-four professionally built by Rebello Racing, featuring a ported and polished head, JE pistons, and Honda connecting rods. This high-revving mill is fed by dual Mikuni side-draft carburetors and produces approximately 180 hp/182 PS and 155 lb-ft/210 Nm in typical race trim. Power is sent through an Ermish-built “Option 2” close-ratio five-speed manual transmission to a Cusco limited-slip differential with 4.38:1 gearing. The handling dynamics are dictated by custom-valved QA1 coilovers and Hoosier Speedster tires on 13-inch Minilite-style wheels, providing the razor-sharp turn-in the 510 platform is famous for.
| Technical Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.8L Rebello Racing L18 I-4 |
| Transmission | Ermish Option 2 5-Speed Manual |
| Differential | Cusco LSD (4.38:1 Gears) |
| Suspension | Custom-Valved QA1 Coilovers |
| Induction | Dual Mikuni Side-Draft Carburetors |
| Safety | Full Roll Cage & Fire Suppression |
Investment Potential in Vintage Datsun Motorsport
The market for the 1971 Datsun 510 race car has matured significantly, with authentic SCCA-logged examples commanding a premium over street-spec restomods. The unique selling point of this lot is the combination of Rebello engine architecture and Ermish Racing chassis development, two of the most respected names in the Datsun community. Compared to competing Alfa Romeo GTVs or BMW 2002s of the same era, the 510 offers a more accessible entry point into vintage racing with a robust parts ecosystem. This build represents a high-value opportunity for a competitor looking to bypass the development phase and move directly into the paddock.
A Legacy of Japanese Racing Dominance
This 1971 Datsun 510 race car is a masterclass in period-correct competition prep. Between its high-spec Rebello engine and the proven Ermish suspension, it stands ready to uphold the 510’s giant-killer reputation on the vintage circuit for years to come.
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Source: bringatrailer.com
