Heath’s Datsun 1600 Wagon: Finest Example Ever
This is almost certainly the finest Datsun 1600 wagon in the world, not just now but ever. Owner/creator Heath Mynhart did not just buy a 1600 wagon because one came up for sale, he made a deliberate choice. He acquired this machine in 2014 or 2015 in seriously poor condition. ‘I love wagons,’ he says. ‘It started out when I was a kid with Holden wagons and I’ve always loved them.’
(Image: Troy Barker)
In this era of SUVs and giantkiller utes, the once traditional station wagon is fast fading into the past, but it’s really only been about 25 years since there was a wagon variant of most sedans. Anyone who grew up in the 1960s will remember the ubiquitous Holden, Falcon and Valiant wagons, while those a little older will recall Zephyrs and Hillmans, Peugeots, Austins, Vanguards and even Fiats.
Ford Australia’s product planning perhaps gives the clearest picture. The Falcon wagon – built on the same longer wheelbase as the Fairlane (Ford Fairlane: The great Australian road limousine - Shannons Club) and LTD – was a popular choice, especially with commercial travellers and the like. But when the Territory came on stream in 2004, it was only going to be a matter of time before this new SUV effectively rendered the trusty Falcon wagon redundant.
(Image: Troy Barker)
The Datsun 1600 wagon was available new in Australia from 1968 to 1971 when local assembly commenced in Clayton. It was never a big seller and in the historical record has always been hugely overshadowed by the legendary sedan with its tremendous record in motorsport. The sedan, of course, boasted BMW-style independent rear suspension (while the load-carrying wagon used semi-elliptic springs), which made it very advanced for a low-priced car of the late 1960s.
Heath believes that there are no more than 50 to 100 Datsun 1600 wagons left in Australia, making this machine rare anyway as well as being unique in the vision it embodies.
Heath’s 1600 can only be compared with the original donor vehicle in this sense: it is as if he thought, what is the best possible interpretation of that stylish little machine. And he proceeded to create his absolutely gorgeous street machine. Not only does it look superb, but it offers serious performance and great driveability.
‘I definitely couldn't have achieved this on my own,’ he says. Several businesses ‘went above and beyond for me.’ Paul at Custom and Classic Cars, Scott and Paul at Maddat, both of which are in Mount Barker in the Adelaide Hills made a great contribution. Peter at PMC Race Engines, Les of Les Collins Racing and Adam at AJ Trim in Seaford also rate a special mention.
‘I also had so much help from all the Datsun enthusiasts out there too who have a wealth of knowledge.’
This nut and bolt restoration saw the car being taken back to bare metal. Judiciously, I believe, Heath chose an original Datsun light blue and entrusted Paul at Custom and Classic to apply it; not only is this a correct colour but it is a typical pastel hue of the period. A Class Metal Finishers in Adelaide redid all the chrome and restored the stainless steel to better than original condition. All panel gaps were reduced to 5mm, which was pretty much unheard of back in the day.
(Image: Troy Barker)
Peter McDonnell at PMC Race Engines started with an L20B 2.4-litre stroker. A special custom-welded offset grind crankshaft runs 6-inch Carrillo rods and SPS forged pistons. The block was fully detailed internally and externally. There is a very special camshaft and the valves are bigger. Naturally, the head was ported and polished to perfection. Peter chose a pair of 47mm OER carburettors and designed a custom linkage. A Maddat Custom 2.5-inch stainless steel system with ceramic-coated SW Motor Sport headers completes the engine story. The output is 217 brake horsepower.
The 5-speed Datsun stumpy gearbox has 240Z (Datsun/Nissan Z cars: How Japan redefined the American sports car - Shannons Club) internals and a short shifter. The H190 limited-slip differential was re-splined and rebuilt. A new 3-inch tailshaft was fitted.
(Image: Troy Barker)
Maddat comprehensively upgraded the suspension and brakes (now discs all round). The Maddat front-end kit is adjustable – for example, the sway bar and roll centre –and incorporates Ultimate coil-over struts. The rear leaf springs have been lowered and there are Koni dampers. ‘There was a lot of messing around,’ says Heath, ‘to get the new rotors to fit behind the standard hubcaps.’ But he was determined to keep the reimagined wagon looking as close to original as possible. In the end the 13-inch rims were widened to six inches. Four-piston Wilwood brakes with custom aluminium hubs are fitted up front. Modified R31 Skyline rear discs have been fitted. Toyo R888 205/60/R13 semi-slicks complete the Datto’s love affair with the road.
(Image: Troy Barker)
Adam Burke at AJ Trim retrimmed the interior to an incredibly high standard. Adam used the original seats but they are now much more comfortable, reports Heath. New carpets, headlining, door panels, etc, and a restored dash (complete with tachometer) are all in keeping with the original 1960s/early 1970s feel. Heath had to get some 3D custom printed parts because originals in good condition are now impossible to find.
(Image: Troy Barker)
One standout upgrade – for the best of all worlds – is the electric power steering system with adjustment on the column all the way from the lightness of a new car to no assistance at all.
The original radiator now incorporates three cores and runs twin thermatic fans. Maddat Custom supplied an overflow bottle and catch can.
Naturally, the entire wagon has been rewired. All brake and fuel lines are new. The windscreen and all windows were re-manufactured especially, providing a great indication of the exhaustive nature of this restoration.
Numerous new old stock parts include the grille, headlight surrounds, door handles, tail lights, indicators, gearknob, door pulls, interior lights and the glovebox badge.
(Image: Troy Barker)
Every vehicle featured in this Member Spotlight series is a standout, but Heath’s choice of a rare Datsun 1600 wagon is left field and wonderful. He is thrilled with the result of all this devoted labour and says that everything on the Datsun works exactly as it should.
