Why are the hot wheels Datsun Bluebirds so popular?

ThinIce Saturday, 5/14/2016

When I did my first kmart collectors last year in the fall, every single Datsun was gone by the time I arrived to the store. Ever since then, I've always wondered why people hoard and inflate these models. I don't know of any other modern mainline car that sell like Datsun Bluebird vehicles. It was a shame I didn't get my hand on even one of those cars; I've always like station wagon models. However, I don't see myself jumping over others and grabbing every single Datsun and then reselling them for ten bucks later on, nor do I see myself paying that much for one.


Discussion

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CrzyTrkrDude 5/14/16

That "Lamelygroup" blogger guy is one monster of a hype machine too.

I'd be willing to bet, if he blogged tick bites were all the rage, there's be people rolling around naked in the woods all over the world within the hour...

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redlinederby 5/15/16
Site manager

I love the Datsun cars, just from a style standpoint. I think they look cool and usually come with great art to boot. But like you said, I'm not tripping people at the stores to grab them.

I think there's a lot of hype around the Japanese imports this season, which is being helped by the Nostalgic line they're releasing as well...I think it's "anything Asian import" type of year. And I for one am happy the imports are getting their time to shine. I love me some muscle cars but it's great to see something different every now and then.

However, personally, I'm a big fan of rally racing and GT racing, so all those Datsuns fit that category perfectly. From the Bluebirds and their rally stance, to the Z's and their racing look. 

And it's worth mentioning, those Bluebird cars are not bad racers either...especially the FTEs

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delta6 5/16/16

Rumor I heard was that some of the imports, Skylines, 510's, and many others, never passed U.S. safety &/or emissions tests and weren't in high enough demand to justify the cost of doing so. But, I think once a model reaches a certain age then certain regulations in most states no longer apply to "collector vehicles." 

But the 510's seem to have had a bit of a following shortly after being produced. Being rear wheel drive cars I think they've had an appeal to racers in some circles since the mid-70's. There were something like 5 different 4 cylinder motors available BUT, being a Nissan platform, also had many engine swapping possibilities with minimal adjustments. 510's were originally known for reliability and have enjoyed a huge parts aftermarket. I think several still operate in the U.S.

The Skyline GTR is all wheel drive and may have gotten a boost from the drifting crowd and even more exposure in the Fast n Furious franchise.

Why these models have become so desirable as die cast collectibles I really believe has more to do with trends...they come and go.


  • I love the Fast and Furious series, but it's a shame the entire set goes for a huge premium. You're probably right on that hypothesis. — ThinIce
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ThinIce 5/16/16

I know the FTE Datsun is a popular model, but it has the modern FTE wheels which make it less favorable in distant short walled tracks.

Some of the older skyline models are not as expensive, probably 3 dollars or so, while every Datsun I've seen online go for 5-10 each. I like skylines, but station wagon models like the 8 Crate and 510 appeal to me more.

I was lucky to stumble upon a (non wagon) Datsun Bluebird among other rare vehicles in a pack at a thrift store back in late November last year. I like the car, and I'm glad to have found all those rare cars without the premium, but this car doesn't have the hype I'd put in to something like the Veyron.

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delta6 5/16/16

Similar situation with the Veyron. Still one of the fastest production cars manufactured if you like the body styling of a cockroach. Lol


But they were peg warmers for a while until word got around that Mattel never had the license. 


I found one for free that was garbage. Slapped a paint job on, some decals, and new shoes and sold it for $40!


http://i489.photobucket.com/albums/rr253/danielcollick/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG951121_zpssgkclpgq.jpg

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ThinIce 5/17/16

I always loved the Veyron. Only the first edition model was expensive; 10 bucks consistent. I managed to snag a red one for 3 dollars back when it came out, and now that same red one is the most non convention car at 60 carded (I think my mom gave it away to some kid...). 

The bluebirds are still pretty common cars, but still more valuable than the Veyron back during their release. 

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