Datsun pickup specs changed with every generation, from the 1958 Datsun 220 with a 988 cc engine and 34 PS to the 2.4-liter four-cylinder trucks of the 1980s. The main series are the 220, 320, 520/521, 620 and 720, which Nissan’s D21 Hardbody replaced in the mid-1980s. Figures differ by year and market, so match any spec to the exact truck.
Datsun Pickup Specs by Generation
| Series | Period | Engine example |
|---|---|---|
| 220 | Late 1950s | 988 cc Type C inline-four, 34 PS |
| 320 | 1960s | 1,189 cc inline-four |
| 520/521 | Mid-1960s to early 1970s | 1,299 cc J-series four (521 line used a 1,483 cc unit in Japan) |
| 620 | 1970s | J-series globally; L-series fours in North America |
| 720 | Late 1970s to mid-1980s | Gasoline and diesel fours by market, up to 2.4L in later U.S. trucks |
Years and engine choices shifted by country, so use the chassis and engine codes from the truck’s plate when ordering parts.
Datsun 220: The Verified Baseline
Nissan’s Heritage Collection lists the Datsun 220 with these figures:
- Engine: 988 cc Type C inline-four, 25 kW (34 PS) at 4,400 rpm, 65 Nm of torque.
- Transmission: three-speed manual.
- Size: 3,742 x 1,466 x 1,625 mm, 2,200 mm wheelbase, 620 kg curb weight.
- Load and speed: 850 kg maximum load, 90 km/h top speed.
Transmissions and Drivetrains
- Early trucks used three- or four-speed manuals; five-speed manuals and automatics arrived on later trucks.
- Rear-wheel drive was the standard layout; the 720 made 4WD part of the compact pickup range.
- Not every engine was offered with every transmission, so check the build plate.
Performance Expectations
These were work trucks. Published top speeds, 0-60 mph times and mpg figures vary widely by engine, gearing and condition, so we do not quote a single number for the whole line.
Suspension and Brakes
- Most used a solid rear axle on leaf springs; fronts moved from beam and torsion-bar designs to independent suspension.
- Earlier trucks used drum brakes at all four wheels; later trucks moved to front discs and rear drums.
From Datsun to Nissan Hardbody
- King Cab: introduced on the 620 in 1977, according to Nissan.
- 720: added 4WD; the first Nissan/Datsun truck built in Smyrna, Tennessee, began production in 1983.
- Branding: early U.S. 1984 trucks carried both Datsun and Nissan names.
- D21 Hardbody: arrived in the mid-1980s and ran through 1997 in the U.S., after which the Frontier took over.
Buying a Datsun Pickup Today
- Check for structural rust in the frame, bed and cab corners.
- Confirm the engine and transmission match the model year.
- Look at the cooling system, brakes and fuel lines, which are often tired after decades.
- In Canada, a vehicle must pass a provincial safety inspection before it can be registered, and rules vary by province.
Interested in small trucks? See our Toyota compact pickup news and specs and small Toyota truck specs for modern comparisons.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much power did the Datsun 220 pickup have?
Nissan lists the 1958 Datsun 220 with a 988 cc Type C engine making 34 PS (25 kW) at 4,400 rpm.
When did the Datsun pickup get a King Cab?
Nissan identifies the 1977 Datsun 620 King Cab as the first extended-cab pickup.
What replaced the Datsun 720 pickup?
The Nissan D21 Hardbody replaced the 720 in the mid-1980s and was sold in the U.S. through 1997.
Did Datsun pickups have 4WD?
Yes. The 720 generation offered four-wheel drive alongside the usual rear-wheel drive.
Are Datsun pickups reliable?
They are mechanically simple and easy to repair, but age, rust and past maintenance decide how reliable an individual truck is.
Sources
