Matchbox 1970 Datsun 510 Rally and 1963 Nissan Junior pickup

M2 Machines is not the only diecast manufacturer to get in on the JDM action, Matchbox has also made strides with the release of the Skyline 2000 GT/X in 2016 that has the option of an interior with either the SOHC motor or the GT-R’s DOHC motor. For 2017 they have released two more, getting on the 510 action with this unique rally car and a look into the first small truck from Japan the Nissan junior.

1970 Datsun 510 rally

While other diecast manufacturers are making the 510 Bluebird to cash in on the popularity, Matchbox went a different route to not interfere with the Hot Wheels version by doing a rally car version and it’s a good starting point as not only has the 510 been successful on the track but it also found success on the rally car circuit with wins in 1970 and even in the 1980’s. Pinpointing down a true rally car is difficult to do, especially for the 510, so Matchbox created their own outfitted with a roof rack that contains front driving lights, spare tire, fuel tank, and a few bags; however, making it a part of the body means that detail can be missed here and even though the first release tampoed the roof there were a few areas where they missed and I ended up adding the details myself. Other rally modifications include bars on the pillars to secure the roof rack to the body, fender-mounted spotlights, flared front fenders, mudflaps for the rear wheels, driving light on the front grille and rear bumper, and straps to secure the hood and trunk. The hood is flat black with racing decals and a nice mud splatter near the front, while the front has a black grille with four round headlights and barely visible signal lights. The sides show the stock four door profile (yes, another four-door) with the option of 6-spoke or hubcap wheels, while the rear has rectangular taillights and more racing decals on the trunk. The base shows the drivetrain and a robust diamond plate pattern, while the SOHC I-4 remains stock and paired to a 4-speed manual with an increase in ground clearance. Despite the taller stance the 510 still handles perfectly with great response in the corners and decent power through the rough stuff. Inside the dashboard does not show much, but interestingly enough there are still seating for five with more supportive buckets up front. A very clever way to get into the 510 popularity without interfering with their blue relative’s racing two-door 510.

Specifications:

Engine: 1.6L SOHC I-4 96 hp.
Transmission: 4-speed manual
0-60 mph: 12.0 sec. est.
Real vehicle price: $3,000 est. 1969

Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars

1963 Nissan Junior pickup

Small trucks have been around for a while with many major players like the Toyota Hilux, but Nissan was the first to offer the small pickup all the way back in the 1950’s and Matchbox looked back to 1963 for inspiration with the Nissan Junior. The Junior, despite the name, is actually not the smallest truck (that would go to the Datsun truck), but actually a mid-size truck slotted between the smaller truck and the larger Diesel lines. Today the Junior has been retired for the smaller Datsun to grow into the Nissan Navara, but Zamyad in Iran still builds the Junior to this date. In light blue the Junior seems a bit contemporary in styling while showing signs of its larger size compared to the smaller Datsun truck. The front has detailed quad headlights with a detailed front grille and signal lights below the headlights, while the sides show a contemporary cab design with a bed that has exposed top rails and a guard to protect the cab from the cargo (the inside of the guard is part of the window trim). Out back there are detailed taillights below the tailgate, Nissan license plate, and even a trailer hitch to allow the Junior to do some towing. The cargo area in the bed is very spacious with plenty of room for gear, while the interior is bare bones with a bench seat, steering wheel, and flat dashboard design. The four-cylinder motor is small and not powerful, but it does get the job done with this truck and the extra ground clearance can make the Junior go lightly off-road without four-wheel drive. Handling, unlike the Hot Wheels Datsun 620, is not that sharp with body roll and slow maneuvers. The Junior is a nice addition to the Matchbox line for the small pickup, but compared to other trucks from Matchbox like the Dodge Dakota or the Toyota 4-runner SUV this one does not spark much enthusiasm.

Specifications: