Japfest is always packed with jaw-dropping Japanese metal, but every now and then, a car rolls in that stops people in their tracks. Enter Ben Kimball’s modified Datsun 510 Bluebird, a retro masterpiece that blends old-school JDM soul with modern craftsmanship. See it on the Fast Car Culture Collection stand this April 13th at Silverstone!
Saved from being shipped off to the States, this ultra-rare build is now a UK treasure. With a one-of-a-kind colour, Skyline-spec stopping power, and a raw, no-nonsense driving experience, it’s one of the highlights of the show. And the best part? You can see it up close on the Fast Car stand.
A Love Affair with JDM
Ben isn’t just some casual car fan who stumbled upon a Datsun and thought it looked cool, he’s proper hardcore. His collection includes an R33 Skyline, his son runs K10 Micras, and even his wife daily drives a Toyota Chaser. This man bleeds octane, and when he saw this Datsun 510 up for sale through Carbon Signal’s owner, he had to have it.
The plan was simple; keep it in the UK and make it even better. The 510 already had the right bones, but as any modified car fan knows, there’s always room for more.
Under the Skin of the Modified Datsun 510
At its heart sits an L20B 2.0-litre engine, a unit that some 510s came with from the factory. It’s an old-school motor with a proper mechanical feel, think carbs, not ECUs. And speaking of carbs, this one runs a Weber, ditching the original Nikki carb for improved performance and sound.
The exhaust? A straight-through stainless-steel setup that turns every drive into an event. It’s not the kind of car you sneak home in late at night unless you want to wake the entire neighbourhood. No power steering, no ABS, no fancy electronics, just raw, unfiltered driving.
It also boasts R32 Skyline front brakes, which, according to Ben, only just squeeze inside the Atara Racing wheels. Stopping power? Upgraded. Fitment? On point.
A One-of-One Colour
One of the biggest talking points of this modified Datsun 510 Bluebird is the paint. It’s a completely custom shade, a secret formula created in Abu Dhabi, where the car was previously owned. This is the only Datsun 510 in the world wearing this particular hue, and Ben isn’t revealing the name of the colour anytime soon. If you want to see how it looks in the flesh, Japfest is your chance.
Modified Datsun 510 interior
Step inside, and it’s clear this isn’t your average classic Datsun. The entire interior has been re-trimmed by Carbon Signal, from the headliner to the carpets. It’s still got that vintage look, but now it feels fresher than ever. A genuine Datsun steering wheel adds to the period-correct vibes, while the centre console proudly bears the Carbon Signal logo.
One quirk that always catches people off guard is the left-hand-drive setup. The car originally came from Japan but spent time in the UAE, where right-hand-drive cars aren’t road-legal. The conversion was mandatory, and while it’s a little unusual for UK roads, it makes the Bluebird even more special.
The Downsides? Who Cares?
Of course, being a classic JDM machine, it’s not exactly built for convenience. It has no heating, no power brakes, and gets through fuel faster than a Skyline on boost. Ben jokes that he isn’t sure if there are enough petrol stations between Goodwood and Silverstone to get it there under its own power. The solution? A trailer might be the safest bet.
But honestly, who cares? That’s all part of the charm. This isn’t a car built for everyday use, it’s an experience, a time machine, a rolling tribute to one of the most iconic JDM platforms ever made.
What’s next for the Modified Datsun 510?
Ben isn’t done yet. The next steps could involve a 510 racing livery, a more aggressive body kit, and even a lower stance because, let’s be honest, there’s always room to go lower. But for now, it’s about celebrating what’s already here: a rare, beautifully modified Datsun 510 Bluebird that’s ready to steal the show at Japfest. Just be prepared, you’ll probably leave wanting a Datsun 510 of your own.
Photos: Joe Dawes.
