1967 Datsun SSS WRL411 Wagon

In a way, you can call this Datsun's BMW 2002. Like BMW did to create the '02, Datsun took a big engine (in this case from their 1600 - SPL311 - roadster), dropped it into a passenger car and created the SSS WRL411.

The SSS was available as a 4 door sedan and, like this one, a station wagon. The original sedan body was designed by Pininfarina and has a distinct boxy, European look to it. The wagon looks a little more generic, but still has a unique look to it.

The original 1.3 liter RL411 was slow. It took 60 seconds to hit 60 MPH. The 1.6 in the SSS version shaved a full 6 seconds off that time. Datsun advertised it as "most powerful economy import". (I didn't leave the word "the" off at the beginning of that sentence, that's how Datsun wrote it.)

(This picture is courtesy of "chickengal". The brochure is for sale on Bonanzle.)

Compared to many economy cars of the day, the WRL411 was well equipped. One interesting little thing is the gas filler, which is located behind the rear license plate. That was pretty common back in the sixties, but on the Datusn you had to open the hatch, where you'd find a little button that automatically released the plate. A neat little way to ensure that no one siphoned gas from your car, but probably a bit of a pain in the ass in everyday use.

These cars are becoming very rare and this is a nice example that has had a restoration started. The seller says it has just 52,400 original miles and that the engine, which is original and not rebuilt, runs well. The body has no rust, but has a few dents on the hood. The interior is complete, but the front seats need repair.

This is one of the rarer 411s you can buy. Most 411s were sedans. Most came with the 1.3 liter engine and a 4 speed manual transmission. This one is a 1.6 station wagon with an automatic.

Located in Bolivar, MO, click here to see the eBay listing.