Is this a Datsun? Front end sorta looks like the 1st gen Silvia.

looks like a mazda 1500 - at least that's what they're known as in Aus. but I can't remember ever seeing a wagon version here, just 4dr sedans.

Yep Mazda 1500. Very sexy car in sedan form, design was originally sold to Alfa Romeo and they didnt utilise it so Mazda brought the designs. Designed by Bertone' i think from (my very sketchy) memory.

Used to be pretty common here but I havnt seen a wagon in at least five years.

Definatley bertone design, I know a bloke in Adelaide who has a small collection of them including a wagon at one stage ..... and a ute (sedan with the boot permanantley removed ) The 1800 version had a bonnet scoop and looked pretty good. The handling wasnt too flash though, really vague steering.

Would make a good start for a rotor conversion..... but now we're way off topic- better make it a SR20 conversion