Detailed Documents: 1982 Datsun Maxima Diesel – SOLD!

February 13, 2022 Update – We confirmed the seller of this “Classifind” deleted their listing, so we’re now able to call this one “SOLD!” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

In the early 1980s, still stinging from high gas prices, Americans sought fuel-efficient alternatives. At the time many flocked to diesel-powered cars as not only did oil burners provide better economy, they did so on cheaper fuel that did not require as much refining.  Nissan capitalized on this opportunity by marketing diesel-powered versions of its rear-wheel-drive 810 sedans.  This 1982 Datsun Maxima diesel sedan originally listed in February 2022 on Craigslist in Green Valley, Arizona (Tucson) is a prime example.  The seller reports their Maxima to be a very well-maintained, one-owner example currently offered at $6,500.

Comparing that price against the  Collector Car Market Review Online Tool confirms the seller’s ask is two hundred dollars less than this guide’s #1 “Excellent” appraisal of $6,700.  Unfortunately, the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool does not provide estimates currently for these cars.

Nissan introduced the first car to wear the Maxima name based on the second-generation 810 for the 1981 model year. It was essentially a Japanese-market Datsun Bluebird (910) lengthen by four inches to accommodate an inline-six engine. This model replaced the Datsun 810 (first generation). The second-generation Datsun 810 was not marketed in Japan, only in North America as the lower trim Datsun 810 Deluxe and upper trim 810 Maxima.  Both were available with either sedan or wagon bodywork.  In 1981 for the 1982 model year, all 810s were rebranded as Datsun Maxima.

For the first model year, the 810 Deluxe came with a five-speed manual transmission, while the upper trim 810 Maxima only came with a three-speed automatic.  The Maxima’s introduction to North America followed the successful introduction of the Datsun 240Z, and used the same engine and transmission while offering luxury content four doors. The sedans have independent rear suspension while the wagon has a leaf-sprung live rear axle. The wagon also received rear drums rather than disc brakes.

The second-generation 810 retained the same 2.4-liter inline base engine as the previous Datsun 810. The car was also available with the 2.8-liter LD28 OHC inline-six diesel engine (available in the US from mid-1981 through 1983) with either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive.

We came across this walk-around video of a private owner’s virtually identical 1982 Datsun Maxima diesel. The primary difference is this car features a five-speed manual transmission:

With fuel prices currently hovering around four dollars per gallon, you would be hard-pressed to find a collector car for under ten large in this condition that provides such detailed documentation and what appears to be a box of spare parts thrown in for good measure.  Best of all, this 1982 Datsun Maxima Diesel gains you entry into any uncurated Rad Era event.

Here’s the seller’s description:

“82 Maxima auto, cold ac, pw, pl, cruise.Like new in and out.One owner with extensive service records and a factory workshop manual.2.8 Diesel.Lots of spare parts.Very rare car-probably the only one owner you will ever see.Will consider Cummins or 7.3ford diesel truck trade. $6500“

Show or go: what would you do with this 1982 Datsun Maxima Diesel?  Comment below and let us know!