Nissan · 1966-1972
Datsun 520 & 521
The Datsun 520 (1965-68) and its facelifted 521 (1968-72) were the second-generation Datsun pickups, available with 1.3, 1.5 and finally 1.6-liter L-series engines. They shared sheet metal with the Bluebird sedan and carried a simple solid-axle, leaf-spring chassis. In the US they were sold as 1966-1972 models.
- Years
- 1966-1972
- Drivetrain
- RWD
- Engines
- J13 · J15 · L16
- Sold in
- Japan · US · Export
Spec sheet
- Generation
- 2nd Gen
- Production
- 1966–1972
Built in Japan from May 1965 (520) to 1972 (521).
- Assembly
- Nissan Shatai, Hiratsuka, Kanagawa, JapanSamut Prakan, ThailandAuckland, New Zealand
- Sold in
- JapanUSExport
- Codes
- 520 (1965-68)521 (1968-72)G520/G521 (long wheelbase)U520/U521 (double cab)V520/V521 (van)
- Body styles
- Single cabLong-wheelbase single cabDouble cab (U520)Van
- Bed lengths
- 72.8 in long x 56.3 in wide inside (1,850 x 1,430 mm; 521 single cab)88.2 in (2,240 mm; long-wheelbase GNL521)
- Drivetrains
- RWD
- Transmissions
- 4-speed manual
- Wheelbase
- 99.6 / 109.1 in
- Length
- 168.9 / 170.3 / 185.6 in
- Width
- 62 / 62.8 in
- Height
- 60.8 in
- Curb weight
- 965 kg (2,127 lb) (US PL521TU); 960 kg (2,116 lb) export L521 (521 service manual)
- Payload
- 454 kg (1,000 lb) (US PL521TU); 1,000 kg (2,205 lb) export single-cab L521 (521 service manual)
Engines
- Displacement
- 1.3 L
- Config
- I4
- HP
- 67 hp
- Years
- 1965-1968
- Notes
- Wikipedia text quotes 67 hp
- Displacement
- 1.5 L
- Config
- I4
- HP
- 77 hp
- Years
- 1968-1972
- Notes
- 521
- Displacement
- 1.6 L
- Config
- I4
- HP
- 94 hp
- Notes
- 521 (late)
Highlights
- 01
- "420" was skipped because it is a homophone of a Japanese word for rudeness
- 02
- 1965-66 520 used single headlights; 1967-68 gained quad headlights
- 03
- 521 (June 1968) brought a "flat-deck" bonnet and new grille; fender badges read "Datsun 1300/1500/1600"
- 04
- Solid rear axle on leaf springs throughout
Photos
Nissan Datsun 520 & 521 1966-1972, image 1 of 2
Nissan Datsun 520 & 521 1966-1972, image 2 of 2
Related
Overview
The 520 arrived in May 1965 with the new 1.3-liter J13 engine, rated at 67 hp. Nissan skipped the 420 designation because the number sounds like a Japanese word for "rude". Early trucks used single headlamps; for 1967 the front end was redesigned with quad lights, a layout kept until the 521 replaced it.
In 1968 the 521 introduced the flat-deck look: flatter hood and fenders and a new grille, with the J15 1.5-liter engine and, later, the 94-hp, 1.6-liter L16. A separate chassis with a straight rear axle was retained. Single cab, long-wheelbase, double-cab and van versions were offered worldwide; fender badges read "Datsun 1300", "1500" or "1600" depending on engine.
In the American market the 520/521 grew Datsun's foothold at the small end of the truck market while heavier work in Japan shifted to the Cabstar. The next truck, the 620 of 1972, was a larger, more American-feeling pickup that would define the brand's US reputation.