You can always find some weird and wacky cars while browsing through Facebook Marketplace and this 1969 Datsun 521 pickup truck listed for sale in Carson, California is one of the most intriguing we’ve lately come across.
As we’ve come to expect from many Marketplace listings, this one is void of many important details. However, what the listing and the photos do show is that this 521 is unlike most others as the original engine has been replaced with the beloved high-revving four-cylinder engine of the Honda S2000.
It is unclear if this engine is the original F20C 2.0-liter variant or the later 2.2-liter F22C but regardless, it is an obvious upgrade over the original engine. The listing adds the engine is coupled to a six-speed manual transmission, likely also sourced from an S2000 but not confirmed.
No mileage details have been listed, although we have contacted the owner to seek some further information about the car. The engine itself looks to have endured a rather tough life with the valve cover showing a chipped finish and the ram air intake completely missing a filter. Some small areas of rust are also visible under the hood.
The paint finish has faded and has clearly seen better days but some people may be charmed by the patina. Interestingly, the owner has made the effort to fit a new set of LED headlights, so that’s nice.
How much will you have to spend to pick up the keys to this unique Datsun 521? Well, the listing has an asking price of $17,000 which seems quite absurd, despite the car having a very desirable powertrain. If someone can buy it for around $10,000 and then spend around $10,000 rebuilding the engine and overhauling the bodywork, they could be the proud owner of the ultimate Datsun pickup.
