The Datsun 510 is the most analytically undervalued Japanese classic in the hobby. The car was built to compete with the BMW 2002 in export markets and succeeded in that mission in ways that the market hasn't fully acknowledged yet.

The MacPherson strut front and semi-trailing arm rear suspension gives the 510 a handling character that remains impressive today. The 1.6-liter engine is modest but the car's weight — under 2,000 pounds — means the power-to-weight ratio is reasonable.

The 510 community has been building these cars for competition for fifty years and the accumulated knowledge is extraordinary. The parts situation is better than expected. The body rust issues are similar to the Z-car — find a dry-climate example and the mechanicals are easy.