The Nissan 510 — sold in North America as the Datsun 510 — arrived in 1968 as a compact, rear-wheel-drive sedan and coupe. Its independent suspension, strong engines and light weight gave it a sophistication that belied its price, earning it the enduring nickname 'the poor man's BMW' and making it a favourite of tuners and racers ever since.
Generations and evolution
First generation (1968–1973)
The original 510, with a 1.6-litre four, rear-wheel drive and fully independent suspension — rare in a cheap compact at the time.
Later use of the name
The '510' badge was revived for various regional models over the years, but the 1968–73 car is the one that earned the legend.
Design language and the silhouette
A simple, upright 1960s sedan shape with clean lines and a practical three-box profile — unremarkable to look at, but the rear-drive layout underneath is what made it special. Because we cut every Tinvibe piece from 2 mm steel to the car's true outline, the traits that make the Nissan 510 recognizable — its roofline, stance and key details — are exactly what the metal keeps, in matte black powder coat across five sizes from 50 cm to 140 cm.
Production, sales and availability
Nissan has not published a single combined 510 total across all markets, so we avoid quoting one. The first-generation car is now a valued classic in the Datsun scene.
The 510 in the Tinvibe collection
We cut the Nissan 510 as a laser-cut steel silhouette in five sizes from 50 cm to 140 cm, finished in matte black powder coat. The designs below are drawn from our catalogue for this nameplate.
