1971 Datsun 521 Pickup Build: Matt Turve's Simple, Honest Mini Truck

1971 Datsun 521 Pickup Build

Performance stats first, because I know some of you are wondering: stock L16 engine, stock 4-speed transmission. It's not built for speed, 0 to 60 is about as fast as an old Volkswagen Beetle, but that's never been the point of my 1971 Datsun 521 pickup build. This truck is all about the experience of driving something simple, honest, and full of character.

I was born and raised in Southern California, where car culture is everywhere. My passion for cars started at a young age working alongside my Uncle Mike in the garage. My first car was a 1971 Volkswagen Squareback, which taught me a lot about working on classic vehicles. Not long after, I saw a Datsun 510 for the first time and instantly fell in love with Datsuns. Today I drive a 1971 Datsun 521, which combines my love for vintage Datsuns and classic mini trucks. I'm always looking forward to the next project, but this truck will always have a special place in my garage.

My Uncle Mike Started It All

My Uncle Mike is the reason I'm into cars today. He had a passion for cars his entire life and always had something interesting in the garage, from Corvettes, Chevelles, and Camaros to later falling in love with Japanese performance cars. One of my favorite memories was helping him work on his Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4, which had quite a few modifications and even made it into a magazine years ago. We also spent countless hours building a Porsche 914 into a wide-body track-style car.

I was around ten years old when all of this started, and by the time I was sixteen or seventeen, working on cars had become part of who I was. After my uncle passed away, I wanted to carry on that passion. Every time I'm in the garage working on one of my own projects, it reminds me of those days. One day I'd love to track down his old 3000GT VR-4 and even find the magazine it was featured in.

Why the Datsun 521 Made Sense

I've always loved Datsuns, and I've always been a huge fan of mini trucks. Growing up, I wanted one but never had the chance. When I found this 1971 Datsun 521, everything just came together. It has the four-headlight front end that I've always loved, it's simple to work on, and parts of it almost feel like building with Legos. If you're chasing a similar project, our Datsun buyer's guide is a good place to start before you go hunting.

The truck has been lowered on air suspension while keeping its classic personality. It isn't trying to be something it isn't, it's simply a clean, classic mini truck that's meant to be driven and enjoyed. If you're weighing up air suspension against coilovers for a project of your own, we've broken down the pros, cons, and costs of both.

What It's Like to Drive

The best part about owning this truck is how simple and honest it is. There's no touchscreen, no driving modes, and no distractions, just you, the truck, and the road. Every time I drive it, someone has a story. People stop to tell me their dad had one, they learned to drive in one, or they haven't seen one in decades. Those conversations are one of my favorite parts of owning it. Since you rarely see Datsun 521s on the road anymore, especially one that's driven regularly, it always gets attention. It's not the fastest vehicle out there, but it always puts a smile on my face, and hopefully on everyone else's too.

Build List

Engine and Drivetrain

• Original L16 engine
• Factory four-speed transmission

Interior

• NRG seats
• NRG steering wheel
• Speedhut gauges
• Bluetooth audio
• Two 6-inch speakers
• 10-inch subwoofer

Suspension

• Custom air suspension setup using Air Lift Performance components
• Air tank
• Old-school electric solenoid management

Wheels

• 15x8 Inky wheels
• -22 offset
• Retains factory six-lug pattern

Exterior and Bed

• Custom raised wood floor in the bed, built to carry my Honda Ruckus to shows while keeping everything clean and functional

Who Did the Work

Most of the work on the truck was done by me. The biggest exception was the air suspension installation, where Theo helped with all the fabrication and welding. We spent five long days together with plenty of late nights, busted knuckles, and problem-solving to get everything right, and it turned into one of my favorite memories from the build. Icebox Customs also helped with the air management side of the project and taught me a lot throughout the process. One thing I really appreciated was that neither Theo nor Icebox just did the work for me, they let me be involved every step of the way so I could learn. Everything else, including the bodywork, paint, interior, custom bed, suspension assembly, and final details, was completed by me.

Future Plans

The truck will always be a work in progress. My biggest goal is making it a better driver while keeping its classic personality. I'd like to freshen up the engine, eventually swap in a five-speed transmission, improve the rear-end gearing so it's happier cruising on the highway, and continue refining the suspension. I'd also like to add a roll cage for safety while keeping the truck comfortable enough to drive every chance I get. At the end of the day, I built this truck to be driven, not parked, so the goal is simply to keep improving it while enjoying every mile.

Shout Outs

Big thanks to Brian and T from HNRS, Oscar from Society, everyone at Speedhut, Theo for all the fabrication help, Icebox Customs, Tim from Race Club Fabrications, Moto from MJ Speeds, and everyone at Old Car Junkies in both Japan and the U.S. If I forgot anyone, I'm sorry, thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey.

Dream Car

Nissan Skyline Kenmeri (C110). If you're into mini truck builds like mine, check out this 2JZ-swapped Toyota pickup build for another take on the platform.

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