Datsun LG220 1959

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Source https://bringatrailer.com/listing/19...lg-220-pickup/

beaucoup de photos interessantes très détaillées

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This 1959 Datsun LG-220 is among the very first ever sold in the US, the seller adding that he believes it to be one of about ten imported that year. It remained with its original owner for 32 years, passing through a few hands to the current, fourth owner who has had the truck for 6 six years. It remains in very good condition and the seller notes that besides reupholstered seats the truck has never been restorted and still wears its original paint. It is a reliable driver and sale includes a large history file including the original owner’s manual and all registration forms from 1959 to 1991.



Datsun entered the American market in 1958. This truck was originally purchased in Bakersfield, CA in July 1959 by a Mr. Stratton. It was the first Datsun truck sold by Wally Tucker Datsun, one of the first Datsun dealerships in America. Horizontal surfaces show some fading, but overall paint still retains a nice shine. Several dings, dents and other blemishes are visible in photos, but overall the truck has been well cared for over the past 56 years. A 1984 Bakersfield newspaper feature about the truck is viewable below, with a photo of the original owner next to the truck.



Most trim excluding a front bumper overrider is intact, and this includes four OEM hubcaps. The single, driver’s side only external rear view mirror is missing as well, but glass is all good with no cracks or chips. Note that bumper-mounted guide and grille area hole for the now-missing OEM hand crank starter.



When first purchased by the seller, the bed had a one inch-thick steel plate bolted to the bed. He removed it and rust developing underneath was cleaned and treated with two stages of POR-15, the first in gray and another in NLA light blue which just happened to match the truck’s original color well. Though a few small pinholes remain, the seller notes that the bed is completely usable with no structural issues, adding that no further rust has developed in ensuing years.



Headliner, carpets and upholstery are believed to have been redone in the late 70’s to early 80’s. Trim, dashes, gauges, switchgear and steering wheel are all original, and all instruments and electrics work. A stereo head unit was mounted beneath the dash, however it doesn’t appear to have ever been connected and the seller can find no evidence of speakers ever being fitted. At 6’1″ and 300 pounds, the seller says that the cabin is comfortable.



Power comes from the truck’s original 988cc C series engine putting out 37 horsepower, the seller noting that it starts easily under all conditions, idles smoothly and runs well throughout all four gears and a hydraulically actuated clutch. Steering, brakes, clutch, transmission and rear end are described as being in very good condition as well. Some suspension bushings are deteriorating and there are some resulting clunks at speed. Interestingly, the truck utilizes SAE standard measurements rather than metric as would soon become the norm for the Japanese industry. The electrical system is 12V positive ground. The seller has properly cleaned the air filter with kerosene and recharged it with fresh oil.



Surface rust is evident in a few places but the seller says nothing is structural and there are no serious issues on the frame, suspension pick-up points or other critical areas. The seller notes that Japan’s post-war automotive industry used substantially thicker steel than would be standard in subsequent years, which in combination with a fully boxed and heavily reinforced frame means that this little truck is built well. Additional chassis/driveline component photos are viewable in the gallery below.



Sale includes all original documentation including an owner’s manual which the seller says is so comprehensive that it’s half-way towards being a shop manual. Complete registration covering the original owner’s 32 years with the truck is also included, as are several subsequent registrations from later owners.

[datsun240z]

On voit bien le train avant rigide !

[datsun240z]