I have a strange fascination with 1972-79 Datsun 620 trucks. Actually, I actually kind of like all Nissan/Datsun trucks made after 1972 for one reason or another, but if I’ve gotta pick just one, the 620 is the winner. And explaining why is even more of a chore than explaining my love for unloved Mopar products. I’ve explained before that a large part of the want for one of these little trucks is due to a modified example owned by a family member when I was growing up…it was slammed into the weeds, painted a strange reddish-purple color, and had been the recipient of an L24 four-cylinder swap, courtesy of a 240Z that had met it’s fate somewhere along the way. Light truck, good power and pure 1990s mini-truck looks…and to this day I’m still sold on the idea.

But there’s another side to trucks that I have, where I want pure, simple utility. Make the interior as decent as needs be…not plush, just very livable…make the outside look solid and dependable, and use the truck as it should be used. And that’s where this 1973 620 sits in my mind’s eye: get rid of the strange trailer mirrors for some factory units (or maybe raid another Z-car for a sporty set), fix the minor body imperfections, have the bed spray-lined, and do anything to that rear bumper that doesn’t involve keeping it. The L20 four underhood is a decent mill, but I’d still like to see the L24 under there, and anything has to be better than hubcaps stolen from a Ford Granada. Maybe a set of simple chromed wagon-spoke wheels would do. Ok, I’m off in dreamland…here’s the rundown: the truck is $3,000. Pay what the seller is asking, that leaves two grand in your pocket with the $5,000 Rough Start budget. At least do the mirrors (cheap enough) and ditch the rear bumper (free). After that, either enjoy a dead-nuts reliable bullet-side Datsun, or start saving pennies up to get the project rolling!

Craigslist Link: 1973 Datsun 620

(Courtesy: Bring A Trailer)