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

Japanese classic pickups, vans and commercial vehicles seem to be enjoying a resurgence currently. Vehicles that were once considered a little mundane and work-a-day are now very much more desirable. As many of these Japanese models never made it to the UK in any volume, the prices and interest levels remain quite healthy.

This example has a fascinating history being a South African built model and clearly having benefitted from a life in that country’s benign climate. Add into the equation that this example was source from the storage areas of a Datsun museum and you have a really interesting provenance. It presents in a lovely, mainly original, condition with only the paintwork seeming a later addition. This is a lovely classic that’s ready to drive away and may be an opportunity too good to miss.

Notice to bidders

This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.

UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.

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