Craigslist Find: ’65 Datsun 410 Undergoes Off-Road Conversion

Datsun410_2How much do you love off-roading? Enough to go for a crazy conversion project? Then maybe you’ve got something in common with the builder of this Craigslist Find (no. 4261393378) out of Jarrettsville, Maryland.

As shown by this chintzy plaque, the Datsun was a certified "alteration" by Willamette Wheel.

As shown by this chintzy plaque, the Datsun was a certified “alteration” by Willamette Wheel.

Built in 1978 by a company called Willamette Wheel, and according to the ad, this monstrosity resulted from merging the body of a ’65 Datsun 410 sedan with the chassis and drivetrain of a then-fresh ’79 Datsun 620 truck, increasing the wheelbase from 94 to 109 inches and setting the bar for one of the weirdest conversion cars out there.

According to the owner, the car is indeed a 4×4 (so the donor chassis and drivetrain may in fact be a ’79 Datsun 720 truck, a model that was available in four-wheel-drive). It packs a L20B 2.0L four-cylinder with a four-speed F4W71 manual transmission.

Manual-ness extends to the transfer case and locking hubs, as well as the steering and brakes. Sounds like a lot of work, and that’s likely what it’ll be–a lot of work for not a lot of power, since the L20B achieves a whopping 98 HP and 102 pound-feet of torque.

Datsun410_5Creature comforts extend as far as a working heater, and that’s it. There’s probably some seats in there, too.

If you’re starting to bite your lip and turn to walk away, stop! Because the owner is going to give you “many extra parts such as trim, a full set of extra glass, fuel tank, etc.” Well, why didn’t he say so at the beginning? He could’ve spared us all the pain and heartache.

Trades are welcome, and the seller aims quite high: “[I’m] willing to trade for a Powerstroke manual transmission or other 4WD SUV my wife could drive, such as a Jeep Cherokee.” Good luck with that, dude.

Datsun410_1

About the author

David Chick

David Chick comes to us ready for adventure. With passions that span clean and fast Corvettes all the way to down and dirty off-road vehicles (just ask him about his dream Jurassic Park Explorer), David's eclectic tastes lend well to his multiple automotive writing passions.
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