Bburago Signature BRE Datsun 510 1:43

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The Datsun 510 was a production model of the Datsun Bluebird sold from 1968 to 1973 and marketed as the Datsun 1600 outside the US and Canada.

The design of the rear-wheel drive 510 was inspired by contemporary European sedans, particularly the 1966 BMW 1600-2, which had an overhead cam engine and independent all-wheel suspension with MacPherson struts at the front and semi-axle arms at the rear. The car's styling is credited to Teruo Uchin, Datsun's in-house designer.

Nissan USA President Yutaka Katayama pushed for this generation of the Bluebird to be offered with a larger, overhead cam engine and more power than previous models. The design came from the Prince Motor Company, which merged with Nissan in 1966.

The Bluebird 510 series was introduced to the domestic Japanese market on August 15, 1967. In North America, the Datsun 510 was launched in October 1967 as a four-door sedan, followed by a two-door sedan (June 1968), a five-door station wagon, and a two-door coupe (November 1968).

The series became famous for Nissan's success in rallying outside of Japan and paved the way for greater international sales of Nissan cars.

The range was available with a four-speed manual transmission or an optional three-speed automatic transmission. In some markets, the 510 was offered with twin Hitachi side carburettors, which were a downsized version of the British SU design used in Jaguar and MG cars. These engines also used increased compression and camshaft profiles to achieve more power. SSS models (not offered in North America) offered improved instrumentation and interior trim, as well as appropriate exterior badging.