Issue #21

Features

24 Demon Dime

Sometimes it’s almost mind boggling how the love for a particular car or model gets handed down from father to son. Scientists insist there is no specific genetic marker that would explain such a hereditary feat, but 510 fans know there must be something in the blood to explain it. Colton Lee’s story spans almost his entire life and a good portion of his father’s. From Lee’s childhood through adulthood, the Datsun 510 (also known as the “dime”) was an integral part of growing up. He doesn’t hold back on some of the painful lessons that youth and enthusiasm brought along the way.

Detailing the renovation and development of his current dime, Lee describes how the 510 of his dreams didn’t start with custom-built components and an unlimited budget. Rather, the car changed hands a few times, and once again his father played a prominent role in coming up with a key component that would reflect the priorities of the project. Horsepower was right at the top of the list, and it’s worth noting that it didn’t cost an arm and a leg to acquire. Instead, knowledge from two generations, knowing the right people, and being part of the 510 family were far bigger considerations in this story.

Take a close look at this dime and you’ll not only see a beautiful performance vehicle, but also a story that links the knowledge and experience of two generations together.

30 motorsports

The full force and effect of the commercial tie-in with Red Bull Racing and Formula One may not be known for years, but Infiniti is taking full advantage of being affiliated with a winning F1 effort and the defending World Championship Driving Champion, Sebastian Vettel. In the Land of the Rising Sun, Nissan faces a make-it-or-break-it showdown to take the season championship. What was surprising was exactly who was positioned to sweep all the marbles off the table. In FIA GT1 competition, a long race season has swept through Europe, Asia and South America. The JRM Motorsports R35 advanced to the head of the standings with one race to go. Would Godzilla win out in a surprising and spectacular race finale? In the Formula Drift series, consistency pays off as the championship comes down to the wire.

33 project vehicles

Nissan 240SX:

V-8 conversion headaches

Infiniti G37xS:

Economical mods for a high-class sedan

Datsun 240Z:

Getting the best results from a full body wrap

38 DIY tech

How Tos, Tech Tips & Tech Explained: Nissan’s newest gadget for the Altima and Maxima.

Departments

2 from the editor

Gratitude is an expression greatly underutilized in the current world. Nissan Sport finds there’s plenty to be thankful for.

4 letters

Motorsports fan wants stickers, finding the “best” magazine, skeptic on electric vehicle (EV) popularity and EV sportscar intro, wants more cowbell, er…S30 content, gets more S30 content with gorgeous 240Z from the East Coast. Nissan Sport Facebook Car of the Quarter.

6 ignition

To say that Fred Jordan was an automotive pioneer might sound grandiose, but there’s no denying he was on the ground floor when Nissan (then Datsun) arrived on North American shores. Together with luminaries like Mr. K, he forged new relationships and helped Nissan gain a share of the burgeoning California car market.

8 shifting gears

The latest from the SEMA show had plenty of both substance and eye candy. While Nissan North America lacked any official

factory stand or entries, Nissan and Infiniti enthusiasts and shops brought out some amazing cars. From the amazing R35 GT-R

to the latest 370Z and beyond.

14 first takes

Nissan: 2012 Nismo 370Z RC, Nissan Juke-R

Infiniti: 2012 Infiniti M35h

20 behind the wheel

Lee Vermont’s ’09 Infiniti G37 convertible

Jason Worrest’s ’01 Xterra

41 the scene

Event Recaps: Z Nationals, Multi-State GRAND Datsun Classic, Midwest Z Fest and JCCS. Also: calendar of upcoming events,