1979 Datsun Stanza - Improved Production Race Car

Whilst most automotive enthusiasts would immediately think of a 1600 or 240Z whenever the word “Datsun” is mentioned, the humble Stanza (or PA10) was actually the marque’s most successful car when it came to motorsport. And this particular example that has been setup for Improved Production racing, is a testament to what the badge is truly capable of when developed.

An extremely high-quality build by the experts at MDR Motorsport and MSR Fabrication (both of which are Datsun specialists), the Stanza was the 2018 CAMS and State Championship winner and has competed with success at tracks such as Bathurst, Mallala, The Bend and at the Clipsal 500. It has recorded a time in the high 1m 15s during practice at Mallala so there is no denying that this is a very capable race car.

With its approved cage and Motorsport Australia logbook for 3J Improved Production, the Stanza is running a fresh SR20DET that is only two meetings old. The 36mm restricted engine has a Garrett GT 2871 RS turbocharger, forged pistons and upgraded bottom end making 299kw at the wheels on 98 octane fuel.

The transmission is a bulletproof Tremec T-5 with its lightweight aluminium housing, tapered roller bearings on the cluster shaft and needle roller bearings under 1st to 4th gears to enhance performance and reduce noise.

A new dual-plate clutch and flywheel have recently been installed and the Stanza runs a R31 Skyline rear end with a 4.1 Kaas 1.5 limited slip differential. The braking system has been vastly improved over the stock setup via a full AP brake front end and R32 Skyline rear disc brake conversion, with new race pads at both the front and rear.

The Datsun is running 15x8 Rays Forged TE37 lightweight wheels wrapped in Yokohama Advan A050 225x50x15 semi-slick tyres tucked underneath its super looking flared guards.

The interior of the car is an absolute pleasure to be in, with its new Tillett carbon fibre seat, Velo harness and SAAS removeable steering wheel. The level of detail and finish of the interior is to an incredible high standard and it is clear that a significant number of hours have been spent to bring it to this level.

Offered for sale in ready to race condition, a spares package is also included, comprising a Tremec T-5 gearbox, complete rear end (Kaas 3.7 LSD), four doors, bonnet, bumpers and another set of quality 15x8 alloy wheels and tyres.

The Stanza has all plates and – should the new owner wish to do so – it could be returned to road specification. However this beast of a Datto is at home on the track and all it needs now is a new owner to go racing in what really is an exceptional Stanza.