In the latest episode of Jay Leno’s Garage, Jay swaps his iconic blue denim for a sleek black T-shirt and leather jacket to showcase a true Japanese gem: a 1970 Datsun 510. This episode dives into the story of Jonathan Lessner, the proud owner who transformed this “barn find” into a khaki-colored, rear-drive pocket rocket.
Lessner’s Datsun 510 wasn’t just restored—it was reimagined. When he first discovered it, the car was little more than a pile of scrap metal. But with a vision and a lot of hard work, Lessner brought the Datsun back to life, infusing it with new energy and a drive to hit the road. The heart of this reborn beast is a KA24 2.4-liter inline-4 engine from a 1989-1994 Nissan 240SX, a significant upgrade from the original engine. With fuel injection and a computer stashed under the passenger seat, Lessner estimates it now pushes around 140 horsepower. This isn’t a showpiece built for SEMA; it’s a car built for pure driving pleasure, with Lessner and his friend customizing it exactly to their liking.
The transformation wasn’t just mechanical. To accommodate the aggressive wheel flares, Lessner’s body man took a hands-on approach, cutting and folding the metal around the wheel openings. This modification made room for the beefy 225/45R15 tires, adding to the car’s performance edge.
Despite its power, the Datsun remains light on its feet, tipping the scales at just 2,230 pounds. In a playful exchange at the beginning of the episode, Leno and Lessner take guesses on the car’s weight, with the final number surprising them both.
Inside, the Datsun is all business. Gone are the rear seats, replaced by a roll bar and a pair of Recaro bucket seats sourced from Thailand. The dashboard is a mix of retro cool, with custom gauges, switches, and a Momo steering wheel. The transmission is equipped with a B&M short shifter, complete with an extender for that perfect shift feel.
This Datsun 510 isn’t just a car; it’s a testament to Lessner’s passion and craftsmanship. Starting with a scrap condition vehicle was a smart move, especially given that 510s have seen their value skyrocket, with clean examples now fetching $20,000 or more at auction. For a deeper dive into this incredible build and to see it in action, check out the full episode.