Datsun Dilemma

[Slotto]

I picked this up about 2 years ago at a show. It's from 1973 and still sealed in it's original package.
Do I build it or store it away?

[gman]

That is something you would have to answer for yourself- if you think it might be worth too much to build, and you want to sell it one day, that is understandable. It is your kit, and if it is something you are looking forward to building, by all means build away. For what it is worth, it has been re-issued a few times, and you could always pick up a re-issue and build that while you decide. 

https://www.ebay.ca/itm/Revell-85-2377-Datsun-510-Turner-Series-1-25-Scale-2002-MIB-Model-Kit-Nice-Kit/153954696939?hash=item23d86a3eeb:g:JpUAAOSwFl9e08l7

I have a love for the subject matter, and if it were in my collection I wouldn't feel guilty about building it. I have driven the 1:1 510 and ridden in a number of them over the years- my brother built performance versions of many of them in 1:1, 2 drs, 4drs, a wagon. The original issue (and most of the various versions that were re-issued) are cool little kits, as is the Hasegawa Nissan Bluebird kit. It is not impossible to re-engineer the dash should one want to build it into a LHD version.

https://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10000358

[Slotto]

Thanks Greg. That's a fair answer. When I bought it, I planned on putting it together but the longer I held onto it, the more I thought not to break the seal.
I'll pick up the reissue. As a kid I had the 240Z with the red white and blue decals and I destroyed it. I want to get that back too

 

[Casey]

26 minutes ago, Slotto said:

I'll pick up the reissue.

The most recent re-issue was a limited release (not a huge number of kits produced) and prices are in the $40 or so range now, so it might be best to build your kit and enjoy it. Other than newer radial tires and new decals, the kit has changed very little:

 

Edited July 4, 2020 by Casey

[espo]

18 hours ago, Slotto said:

I picked this up about 2 years ago at a show. It's from 1973 and still sealed in it's original package.
Do I build it or store it away?

As others have mentioned the question of weather to build it or not is up to you. I would suggest buying a reissue and have at it. I'm not into small Imports myself but like you I had friends who had a few 1:1's. These were a truly great little car for their time and this is a kit I would highly recommend to anyone with even a passing interest in the subject. I built mine with a 1973 #1440 BRE Datsun 510 kit. This was the race car only version of the kit and that was the way I wanted to build it anyway. The kit goes together well and with just a little addition of hoses and spark plug wires I think it's an outstanding looking build. 

[Spottedlaurel]

Build it, but only when you're confident you've nailed a look for it that you'll always be satisfied with? If you're in any doubt then get hold a of a reissue.

I have the Hasegawa road and rally car versions to do someday. Never seen the Revell version so I don't know how it compares.

[slusher]

I can understand why you didn’t want to break the seal. Years ago I believed in building them all. Since then I have several that I want to keep seal and perfect..