general info and pics (Read 1,614 times)

[mash]

I've owned my 710 saloon since 2007 and I've loved every minute of it. At the time they hadn't really been on my radar very long, being fairly new to Datsuns in general back then and I found out just how rare they are in the UK! As luck would have it a few cars started to pop up and most ended up with the same guy. The red 140J which I got from him was a low mileage one owner car and the best of three. If I'm brutally honest, i'm not happy with the finish of the "restoration" it was given but I set my heart on a 710 and went for it. I've been steadily improving the car and done about 6000 miles in it all over the country, during which time it has never missed a beat.

As with many Japanese cars of this period it's more about the aethestics than the engineering and really it's 1950s technology under the skin with a live axle, cart springs and steering box but for only a 1400cc it has a fair bit of poke, torquey rather than rapid you might say and the gearing is just about perfect I think. Handling is safe and predictable although the steering has a bit of slop and the ride is good as are the brakes. It'll poddle along all day at motorway speeds and I have no hesitation in jumping in and going anywhere in it. Last longish trip saw 42mpg too.

If I have one big criticism however, it's the front seats - they are ATROCIOUS! There's a bar across the base which has very little padding above it and it's right where your backside is. I have to have a cushion all the time. In fact this was noted in some road tests when new.

So, all round a decent mid-sized Datsun, reliable and a good performer. I LOVE the shape of the fastback 710 saloon and I feel lucky to have one of these rare beasts. That said, I have my eye on something else for this year so watch this space!!

[Deleted]

My favourite Datsun picture of all time!

[sundatsun]

Hello, I am from Sri Lanka and new to the club. I'm thinking of buying a 140J fast back 4 door sedan. I like the shape and although I have other classic cars this would be the first Datsun for me. Hopefully this weekend I will go and see the first of two advertised. What do I need to look for apart from the obvious rust?

How easy is it to find parts? I think mechanical parts should not pose a problem in Sri Lanka as there are quite a number of old Datsun even if the 140/160J is very rare. I'm guessing that they must have shared lots of parts like they do today.

However I am concerned about trim parts and exterior stuff like tail lamps, badges, mirrors etc? Is anything re-manufactured or would I have to get them from a breaker?

Thanks in advance.

[datsian]

Welcome to the forum - As you correctly pointed out mechanical parts are interchangable with other models in most cases. As for body panels, I am not aware of anything being re-manufactured so I would suggest trips to the breaker. In the UK you have to look out for RUST, is rust a problem in Sri Lanka? If so look out for it. What other classic cars do you have, share some photos please

[sundatsun]

Hi datsian yes rust is a big problem here as well. We are a small island and the air is moist and salty. Was the early 710s imported to the UK? Perhaps Australia would be a better source for panels?

Here are two of my cars.

[datsian]

I love both your cars always had a soft spot for Alfas especially the two models in the photos! Yes 710s were imported to the UK and as far as I know the 710 did not go to Australia, New Zealand is a better bet as they have some 710s. Post some photos of your 710 too when you can. Thanks for sharing

[kevin160jsss]

hi , just found my way to this forum .
i have a 1975 160jsss in belgium

[Al Ramone]

that looks lovely, thanks for sharing

[Deleted]

Wow that SSS is one nice looking car! Welcome to the forum.

[datsian]

Jul 20, 2013 15:08:52 GMT 1 kevin160jsss said:

hi , just found my way to this forum .
i have a 1975 160jsss in belgium

Welcome to the forum - that is one nice 710SSS and thanks for sharing the photos