1979 Datsun 140J Violet MKIII

This particular example is, amazingly, a one owner car, 45 years in the same ownership and only showing 34,000 miles on the clock, which is believed to be genuine and on the first rotation of the dials. 

Model-wise, this is the 1.4L GL, with the A-Series (not to be confused with the BMC A-Series) A14 inline 4 engine mated to a 4-speed gearbox. The power output ranged from 50 bhp to 90 bhp for the A14 engine as it found its home in at least 8 different models. 

The Violet has not run for the past 12 years it is believed and unfortunately the car comes to us as the owner has sadly passed away. The mechanical condition of the car is therefore unknown, and it will need a recommission before it sees the road again. It was a day-to-day car, however, during its time with the one and only owner, and it is believed to have been kept in good running order for that very purpose. 

Something this rare certainly has presence and whilst the car looks to be complete trim wise, the body will need some loving recommissioning as there are some paint and corrosion issues. 

Our excellent photographers have tried to capture all the details as well as the bigger picture so please do take some time to look through the photographic gallery. The panels all look to be straight with only the odd car park ding that we can see. The main issue is the metalwork which has started to blister in the usual places. 

Despite this, the end result is clear to see, and it's surprisingly easy to see this car shining once more in your mind’s eye. A long period of storage and relatively little usage is something that would have helped this car survive this long.

The interior looks to have survived relatively unscathed with no excessive damage on the half cloth, half vinyl trim. There is the odd wear and tear around such as the driver’s head rest and unfortunately the upholstery has suffered from damp during storage leading to some mould growth as seen on the headlining. 

The boot is host to an array of preparation items, such as a tyre pump, jump leads, tow rope (literally), a spare fan belt and what looks to be a simple tool kit. Covered with a rubber matting, the full-size spare hides in the spare wheel well along with a scissor jack.

Looking in the engine bay, the engine again looks, visually, have survived in good condition. The car has not run for approximately the past 12 years however so will need checking over and recommissioning.

All ancillaries look good on the outside, but we’d imagine it would be a good idea to replace, refurb or check many of them. 

Underneath the vehicle looks as you’d expect from the condition of the exterior. Many of the underside components look to be covered in surface rust but the car looks to have been undersealed, with much of it still remaining. We’d imagine the new owner would want to treat the car to a full body restoration so much of this would be refurbed or replaced anyway, even though its degradation has been slowed by its long period in storage. 

The Datsun comes with a set of keys and even what is reported to be the original owner’s manual and the warranty and service book. The original V5 document is present and there are various invoices for work and parts from 2003 and 2012, including an MOT certificate from 2012. 

Japan has produced some intriguing and wonderfully weird vehicles, most of which enjoy a ferocious following with some reaching ‘unobtanium’ levels of reverence. Others are a bit more obscure but equally as interesting, rare and wonderful such as this Datsun. 

Add to that the one owner and surprisingly low miles, and this car tells one hell of a story. We’d love to see it back on the road representing the marque and providing plenty of enjoyment to its new owner and anyone who sees it. 

We estimate that this rare Datsun will sell for £3,000-£5,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at the Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are strictly by appointment. To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.