There's a company on the West Coast of the US (Utah, I think) that has begun importing older Japanese cars. I've been in contact with them and they can import up to model year 1987. Problem is, by the time you pay for the vehicle, shipping and documentation, you're looking at $8-10k. As much as I want one of these utes, I'm not sure I'm willing to shell out that much.

ddgonzal, what did it cost you to bring yours in and how did you go about it?

By the way, this is the company:

JDM Legends

mpower, the Ute was never exported to the USA, although we did get other body styles of the Datsun 1200, such as the coupe and sedan. There was a guy that owned one here in New Orleans back in the '80's, but his must have been privately imported as it was right hand drive. I have pined for one ever since. ;)

Hi, everyone! Big fan of the 1200 Ute here! Have wanted one for about 30 years, but never really investigated seriously about importing one to the US. I thought they were only built in right-hand drive, but a recent internet search showed that they were sold in the Phillipines in left-hand drive. Anybody know what other countries the Sunny pickup was sold in left-hand drive? Thanks!

If I don't go that route, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that GM will sell us the Holden Ute as the new Chevy El Camino. I've already got a Pontiac G8!

Thanks! That last site had great info and lots of cars. It certainly is a great starting point.

I appreciate the help, guys. I'm very new to the Datsun scene and am naiive about a few things. First, there was a guy who had one in my area (New Orleans) back in the mid-'80's and I could swear it was left-hand drive (I could be wrong!). Second, I am willing to consider Australian cars (even though they are RHD) as I am assuming Australia is a dry climate and rust shouldn't be much of a problem. Is that a wrong assumption?

Looking for a good condition, running 1200 ute ('75 or earlier). No rust buckets, please! I live in Southern USA. Prefer car already in USA, but will consider Australian car. I have no idea how much it would cost to ship to USA from Australia, but if anyone knows or has connections, that would be a big help. Thanks for helping a newbie to the club!