Today’s pickup truck market is a pretty crowded space, with competitive entries from Ford, Chevy/GMC, Ram, Toyota, Honda, and Nissan.
But before the Japanese got into the full-size game, they were making compact light trucks that appealed to folks who wanted the utility of a pickup bed, but couldn’t spare the space (or expense) of a half-ton.
Given their economical, utilitarian origins (combined with their propensity to rust), these light-duty import trucks were often ridden hard and put away wet.
Nowadays seeing one of these early import haulers is akin to spotting a narwhal in your grocery store.
So we were pretty darn giddy when this classic Nissan/Datsun pickup ambled into the Summit Racing retail store parking lot for this week’s Lot Shots.
This particular specimen is a Datsun 620, which went under the name “Little Hustler” in the United States.
Into Datsuns? You’ll probably dig this.
We can tell that it’s a later 1970s version, specifically a 1977-79.
That’s because it’s got the rare “king cab” and five-speed options, which got introduced in 1977, before the 620 generation ended after 1979.
If you can provide more insight on the proper year, please let us know in the comments below.
Though it’s got some rust-through, this Datsun’s owner has clearcoated the whole rig, which will preserve the original patina while keeping the tinworm from finishing its feast.
Outside of a significantly lowered suspension, the dog-dish hubcaps, plaid seats, and faded baby-blue paint make this truck a rolling time capsule.
It’s my tuck and it’s a 79 š
Sweet little truck.
You could have also narrowed it down to 78-79 by the late model grill and grill badge, and even further down to 79 because of the Datsun by Nissan fender badges (last year only). Another thing to look for is the clam shell-style front disk brakes, they were late model only as well (78-79), but less likely to have been swapped from another truck like grills or fender badges.
I have a 1981 Datsun Nissan 2.2 diesel with 5sd trans which is also badged the same. Along with a 1968 Datsun 2000 with a 2000 Nissan motor ,5 spd dual carb.which a fixed w a 5.0HO with a T-5 trans and jag tear end. I kept the original motor and tran. On the diesel truck the engine and trans will be transferred to my 83 Ford ranger and fiyed with a 5.0 Ford engine.
Looks like my little old Datsun PU. But mine had tubular bumpers. No idea what year it was. The interior looked identical and it was a King Cab.
This was such a fun truck for me and my dad and best friend to build i have some more pic of it before it was done and during we built it in about 24 hours and if very first rode trip in after it was done was to a car show about 60miles away one way it placed top 75 out of 833 cars i am sure going to miss the little hustler but i could not be anymore pleased that the new owner with take good care of so it will be aroud for many more years
I just recently purchased a 83 nissan\days in pickup single can 5 speed and it’s a 6 cylinder it just blower my mind when I looked under the hood and it’s been we’ll cares for if anyone wants a great little hustler I take $1,800 for it I wouldn’t worry one bit to drive it across country
Awesome truck!!! I’m currently working on a 71′ 521 with a 6.0Ls swap
I had a 1977 with deluxe badges on it which came with the 5 speeds.The one I have now is a 1979 with a 5 speed,a/c,and front disc brakes.Im in a full restoration mode with this truck but parts are few and in between! Any leads on a good part supplier would be really awesome! I was able to get a 4 inch rear drop kit for mine,thanks Summit!!!
I have always wanted one of these as my first car, and it is likely that one will be my first car. I ride BMX, so a small pickup would be extremely useful, and I love the styling of these pickups. The only thing I don’t like (personally) is the gloss of the clear coat. I would have used a matte clear coat, instead. An amazing truck, incredibly reliable. I have a friend that has a 1974 620 that has (when I checked) 750,000 miles on the original motor.
I absolutely love these old Datsun 620ās. When I was a teenager back in the 90ās I had a white 1977 620. It was lowered 2.5 inches with 16 inch deep dish 5 stars and fender flares. My dad and I swapped in a KA24DEand 5 speed manual. Truck was pretty quick for its day. I still miss that old truck
Hi,
I owned one a long time ago. Iām looking to buy one in decent shape and a reasonable price.
Anyone out there can help me out ?
Live in Winston Salem North Carolina
Thank You & God Bless