Introduced August 1961, the Datsun 320 light truck was commonly called the "1200" due to having 1200 badges. This denoted the size of the E1 engine, and not the model name (320) or market name which was "Datsun" in Japan. It is unrelated to the Sunny family of subcompact vehicles like the B110 "Datsun 1200". The 320 truck is closely related to the 310 Bluebird sedan.
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Overview
The 320 Pickup was the Datsun Truck, Nissan's eight truck model series. It was followed on by the 520 series in 1966.
The size is very similar to the B110. Length, width is nearly identical, but it is much taller due to its 1950s design.
Top speed: 105 kph (non-USA models) Weight: 955 kg Wheelbase: 2470 mm Bed: 6' x 4'8" Load Rating: -U: 500 lbs (1/4 ton) -N: 1000 lbs (1/2 ton) -P: 2000 lbs (1 ton)
There was a ute (Coupe Utility) version, the NL320 marketed in the USA as the "Datsun sports pickup".
Serial Numbers
Numbers are on:
- the data plate to top cent of the firewall
- stamped on the frame near the left side front tire
1961/1962/1963 are (L-)320- + year digit + serial
e.g. L-320-2-01505B
Engine
The E1 displaced 1.2 L (1189 cc) from a 73 mm (2.9 in) bore and 71 mm (2.8 in) stroke. The E1 was produced from 1958 through the late 1960s. The one installed in 320 pickup was rated at 60HP.
The first E engine produced 48 hp (35.8 kW) and 60.7 ft·lbf (82.3 Nm) from a single carburetor. A later E-1 version added dual carbs and better cam timing for 60 hp (44.7 kW) and 67.3 ft·lbf (91.2 Nm).
The first E1 truck to make 60 HP was the 1961 221, but "Datsun 1200" badges were not added until the Datsun 320.
Applications: E 1958 Datsun Bluebird 211 1959 Datsun Bluebird 310 1959 Datsun Truck 222 1960 Datsun Fairlady SP212
E-1 1960 Datsun Bluebird 311 1962 Datsun Bluebird 312 1964 Datsun Bluebird 410 1961 Datsun Fairlady SP213 1961 Datsun Pickup 223 1962-1965 Datsun Pickup 320 1968-1969 Datsun Cabstar A320
Engine Swaps
The Datsun J13 will bolt right up to the stock 320 transmission, the only piece you will most likely have to swap is the bellhousing adapter plate. This is the plate that is between the flywheel and the block. The E1 and the J13 have the same block bolt pattern, so the plate from the E1 will go right up to the J13 and then you can bolt up the J13 to the 320 4 speed. You may have to use the E1 flywheel and starter.
Grille Comparo
1955 120
1956 122
1957 123 - round parking lamps
1958 124 - no parking lamps on front
1958 220 - small parking lamps on front, fender-top blinkers
1959 125 - round parking lamps
1959 221 early - truck grille (nine slot)
1960 126
1960 222 - no change to grille (front of bed side comes down below tires)
1963 320 - D mark in center of grille