520

Datsun Pickup 520/ 521 1965 - 1972

Datsun 520 Pickup Truck (1965–1968)

The Datsun 520 is a compact, reliable pickup truck from the second half of the 1960s, playing a key role in the rise of Japanese vehicles on the global market, especially in the United States.

Key Features

  • Production years: 1965–1968
  • Production location: Hiratsuka, Kanagawa (Japan)
  • Body styles: Single cab, long wheelbase single cab (G520), double cab (U520), delivery van (V520)
  • Drive layout: Rear-wheel drive
  • Length: approx. 3,147–4,000 mm (depending on wheelbase)
  • Wheelbase: 2,005 mm (standard) or 2,530 mm (long wheelbase)
  • Curb weight: approx. 620–800 kg

Engines

  • J13 (1.3 litre inline-4, OHV): 67 hp @ 5,000 rpm (standard engine)

Transmission

  • 4-speed manual (no automatic available)

Performance (approximate)

  • Top speed: approx. 120 km/h
  • Acceleration: Not sporty, but reliable and fuel-efficient for its time

Interior & Equipment

  • Simple and functional interior with vinyl upholstery
  • Basic equipment: two headlights (1965–1966), four headlights from 1967
  • No luxury options like air conditioning or power steering – pure workhorse

Market & Positioning

  • Primarily sold in Japan, United States, Australia and other export markets
  • In the US, one of the first compact Japanese pickups, popular with small businesses and private owners
  • Known for low fuel costs, robustness and simple maintenance
  • Criticism: limited load capacity and basic finish

Successor

  • Replaced in 1968 by the Datsun 521 (facelift with minor improvements)

Overall Impression The Datsun 520 was a no-nonsense workhorse: small, lightweight, economical and dependable. It helped Nissan gain a foothold in the US and other markets, breaking the reputation of “cheap but flimsy” Japanese cars. Many examples are now restored as classic pickups.

Datsun 521 Pickup Truck (1968–1972)

The Datsun 521 is the direct successor to the 520, a lightly facelifted version with improvements in design, engine options and equipment.

Key Features

  • Production years: 1968–1972
  • Production location: Hiratsuka, Kanagawa (Japan)
  • Body styles: Single cab, long wheelbase single cab, double cab, delivery van
  • Drive layout: Rear-wheel drive
  • Length: approx. 3,200–4,200 mm (depending on wheelbase)
  • Wheelbase: 2,005 mm (standard) or 2,530 mm (long wheelbase)
  • Curb weight: approx. 650–850 kg

Engines

  • J13 (1.3 litre inline-4, OHV): 67 hp (early models)
  • J15 (1.5 litre inline-4, OHV): 77 hp @ 5,200 rpm (standard from 1969)
  • L16 (1.6 litre inline-4, OHC): approx. 95 hp (available in later years and certain export markets)

Transmission

  • 4-speed manual (no automatic available)

Performance (approximate)

  • Top speed: approx. 125 km/h
  • Acceleration: Slightly better than the 520 thanks to the J15 and L16 engines

Interior & Equipment

  • Improved interior with better finish and options (e.g. better seats, dashboard)
  • Four headlights standard (quad headlights)
  • Still very basic, but slightly more comfortable than the 520

Market & Positioning

  • Primarily sold in the United States, Australia, Japan and export markets
  • In the US, very popular as an affordable and reliable small pickup
  • Known for durability, low maintenance costs and good fuel efficiency

Successor

  • Replaced in 1972 by the Datsun 620 (with larger engines and more modern design)

Overall Impression The Datsun 521 was an evolution of the 520: more reliable, slightly more powerful and better finished. With the addition of the L16 engine in later years, it offered improved performance. It built on the success of the 520 and helped Nissan establish a strong position in the compact pickup market, especially in the US. Many classic examples are now restored or used as workhorses.

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