Baja 520

[crabbyone]

In 1967, I believe, Peter Brock and a friend drove the length of the Baja California peninsula, just because. They did it in a 1967 Datsun 520 pickup. The next year, Bruce Meyers drove his Meyers Manx buggy on the same route, and did it faster. Basically these two runs were the precursor to the Baja 1000 offroad race that carries over to the present.

 

I am curious as to what, if any, modifications were made to the truck, and if there are any photos of that 520 available. Peter Brock went on to race Datsuns (BRE), so maybe the truck had some "extra" work done to it. Actually, photos of any of the early Baja Datsun race trucks would also be interesting....there was a pretty good turnout of 521's and 620's in the early years of the race, if I remember correctly.

 

Crabby

[datzenmike]

Having owned and driven a 521 for about 7-8 years I could easily believe that a bone stock truck could finish the 1000. They are TOUGH!

 

He would probably had mud and snow tires and crank up the front a bit for clearance.

[pope_face]

I'm super keen on doing the Baja one day... I'd love to do the Paris-Dakar, but I'll settle for the Baja first. Doing it in a 521 would be great... I'm pretty sure with a bit of work you could make a good run.

[Jester]

http://bre2.net/index.php?section=28

[crabbyone]

What a novel place to find the information!!! Sure didn't look like a whole bunch of mods were done to the 520....skid plate, bumper. roll bar. Probably either Chevy pickup or Toyota Land Cruiser wheels. I just read an article in Grassroots Motorsports (?) about the Baja prepped 240Z....it has been restored, and was/is one neat ride.

 

Yes, Baja would be fun....especially if it could be done "old school", low tech.

[datsunfish]

That would certainly be fun. The stock 521 is in my opinion the toughest compact truck ever and could certainly do it with very minor mods.

[Jester]

Once upon a time someone posted a picture of a BITCH'N 620 prerunner. I have not been able to find it though. Anyone know of the truck I'm talkink about?

[yello620]

Once upon a time someone posted a picture of a BITCH'N 620 prerunner. I have not been able to find it though. Anyone know of the truck I'm talkink about?

 

I know of the truck i bet you are thinking of, its white. I think that the last time i saw pictures of it, it was in the for sale section. Thinking that somebody had it on craigslist.

 

Very cool truck though

Edited November 2, 2008 by yello620

[Pacific coast Datsun]

Heres an ad i found regarding Baja racing...

[Jester]

I know of the truck i bet you are thinking of, its white. I think that the last time i saw pictures of it, it was in the for sale section. Thinking that somebody had it on craigslist.

 

Very cool truck though

 

It was white. I didn't think it was for sale. I know it was cool as hell though. Full on race fenders and bed WITH HOOKS IN TACT!!!!!!

Hell, I just want a set of those fenders.

[Jester]

PCD, could you get us a closeup of the pu in the top left corner???

[]2eDeYe]

I think you guys are thinking of the same truck. Wish I had those pics saved.

 

 

Jester that was a bitchin link :cool:

[Jester]

I found that one on MY searching for some prerunner datsuns. Had no idea myself that BRE ran the 1000 in cars. Pretty cool!

[Figbuck]

That was a cool link Jester. I was searching for something else and found this...

 

http://www.jagpromotions.com/bill/autoscene/sunny/sunny.htm

[dat521gatherer]

first pic is a 520. rest are 521's.

 

[bonvo]

i wonder whats powering the 4x4 521s