In the 1970's the Datsun 510 was the poor man's BMW 2002. It had endless tuning possibilities, engine and suspension. My high school and college buddy had one. We would run in 12 hr Monte Carlo style rallies organized by the Santa Barbara Sports Car Club - he drove, I navigated. A typical event was the Starlight Rally, departing LA at 9pm and arriving Las Vegas the next morning.
One time a guy in a Lancia Stratos went off the road into a ravine just ahead of us - a Lancia was probably a much cheaper car back then. And then there were two guys who competed in a hot-rod station wagon who always finished first in class, because there wasn't anyone else entered in their class. Another time I remember advising him, "Okay an emergency vehicle about a mile behind us, flashing red light" and he said "Is he catching up?" "No." "Then forget about it."
Thanks Jesse, those photos bring back memories.
ReplyDeleteIn the 1970's the Datsun 510 was the poor man's BMW 2002. It had endless tuning possibilities, engine and suspension. My high school and college buddy had one. We would run in 12 hr Monte Carlo style rallies organized by the Santa Barbara Sports Car Club - he drove, I navigated. A typical event was the Starlight Rally, departing LA at 9pm and arriving Las Vegas the next morning.
One time a guy in a Lancia Stratos went off the road into a ravine just ahead of us - a Lancia was probably a much cheaper car back then. And then there were two guys who competed in a hot-rod station wagon who always finished first in class, because there wasn't anyone else entered in their class. Another time I remember advising him, "Okay an emergency vehicle about a mile behind us, flashing red light" and he said "Is he catching up?" "No." "Then forget about it."
Don
the poor man's 2002... well, dang, that's a good perspective! Thanks!
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