Highlights

• A rarely seen Datsun 620 pickup in a fine overall condition
• Sourced from deep storage in a Datsun museum in South Africa
• MoT and VED exempt in the UK and ready to drive away and enjoy

The Appeal

Datsun’s lineage of light commercial vehicles can be traced right back to the Type 13 truck of 1934. In one form or another the Datsun, and latterly Nissan after 1983, truck was produced in various generations right up to 1997. The 620 arrived in 1972 and carried forward the no nonsense and highly practical approach of its predecessors.

This example was personally imported from South Africa by a commercial vehicle enthusiast and connoisseur. The pickup was found in deep storage in a Datsun museum in South Africa which bodes well for its provenance. The pickup presents very well and is in a very original condition. It is ready for the 2023 show season or just to use, cherish and enjoy.

The History and Paperwork

• This pickup was manufactured in South Africa in 1976
• It rolled out of the Rosslyn factory of Rosslyn Motor Assemblers
• The pickup spent its entire life in the dry, arid climate of South Africa until 2021
• This includes a spell in deep storage in a Datsun museum
• In October 2021, the current owner imported the van to the UK
• The Nova document is dated 25/11/21
• The pickup was first registered here in March 2022
• The current V5 is present in the name of the first and only UK keeper
• The pickup is registered as a Historic Vehicle
• This means the vehicle is MoT and VED exempt in the UK
• HMRC paperwork relating to the import is also on hand

The Interior

• The cab in this example is presented in a highly original condition
• It is fitted with a full width bench seat finished in tan vinyl
• The bench is arranged into padded vertical box pleats for added support
• The driver’s end on the bench does exhibit some splits
• The largest one is at the leading edge of the bench squab
• The cab floor is finished in a vinyl fitted mat
• This is split in a number of places but continues to protect the footwells
• The dashboard is formed from vinyl covered deformable foam in black
• The instrument binnacle consists of a large speedometer calibrated in KM per hour
• A second gauge is present monitoring fuel level and warning lights
• The original, twin spoked steering wheel is fitted
• The passenger side of the dashboard features a lidded glove box
• A centre radio aperture is currently fitted with a Datsun blanking plate 
• The heater controls aperture is also blanked currently
• A column mounted gear shift is situated on the left of the wheel
• This operates the four-speed manual gearbox
• The door cards are finished in tan vinyl
• The headlining is well fitted and consists of light-coloured vinyl
• The generous load bay is finished in lightly textured black protective paint
• This is slightly blistered in places but otherwise presents very well
• A tubular cab-guard is fitted to protect the rear window and bodywork

The Exterior

• This example is presented in fresh looking mid-brown paintwork
• The condition of the paintwork is generally good 
• It exhibits a good shine and seems evenly applied
• There is some bubbling under the paintwork in evidence in places
• This extends from the nearside of the bonnet and down the wing
• This has been photographed for your review
• The pickup sits on 14-inch steel wheels
• Three of these are dark painted with one finished in silver
• All wheels are capped with chromed and shaped hubcaps
• A mixed set of radial type tyres are fitted
• The tread depth of these have been photographed for information
• An original Datsun 620 badge is fitted on the offside wing
• The tailgate is embossed with the Datsun name
• The quad-lamped front end is complete and original with Datsun badging
• The headlights and cabin glass all appear pristine and original
• The rear lamp lenses are a little faded but entirely fit for purpose
• The full front bumper and the rear quarter bumpers are finished in chrome

The Mechanics

• Our example features the J15 1,483cc inline four-cylinder petrol engine
• Originally based on the BMC B-series engine 
• The J15 engine originally produced 76 bhp
• Power is fed to the rear wheels via the four-speed manual gearbox
• This is operated by a column mounted gear selector
• A new battery has just been fitted
• An antifreeze service has recently been undertaken
• The owner notes that there is no key present for the door locks
• This charming pickup is reported to run and drive very well
• No known mechanical issues were reported

Summary