Daniel Wu’s Datsun 510: “Tanto”, aka the dream 510

Daniel Wu has some really fine taste in cars - and this nostalgia build is no exception. Dating back to when Wu was hitting halfpipes in his youth, he caught a ride with a buddy who was daily driving a 510: and the passion started there. And now, with hobbies of architecture and design under his belt, Wu has built his ultimate version of the Datsun he’s been after for so long.
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[@LarryChenPhoto]

Make your walls epic! Support AutoFocus and purchase a large wall Photo Print today: www.etsy.com/shop/larrychenphoto

[@richardmahoney9415]

1st off I just really began watching your series and it’s unbelievable the mix of cars I actually work at ford on the assembly line so needless to say my knowledge of this type of car was limited I have so much more understanding of the culture and JDM and vehicles

[@richardmahoney9415]

Unbelievable in a major city your not allowed to modify cars

[@jev2867]

Is it just me or are the wheel/tires mounted wrong? The front looks ok but the rear is definitely off at 18:22 mark.

[@nationwideofficial7201]

Nice car I love it

[@actontreadway1168]

Watched so many of this guy’s HK movies, never would have imagined he’d be into cars like this.

[@Piyuu68]

sameee

[@Jbonez.]

Crazy growing up watching him didn't know he had such an amazing collection of cars

[@BeeBeefy]

Same. Most would just buy supercars.

[@HotRod16]

Same to me. Didn't thought he is whole lot more passionated enthusiast car person.

[@ihaveaname1894]

exactly my surprise too

[@superrad1659]

That bronze/grey is a suprisingly pleasing combination. Honestly this is one of the coolest 510's i think ive ever seen.

[@KCKLubricants]

so true!

[@kaiream]

Also mad that the Audi was skipped. Makes it even more mysterious….

[@RJPan]

That's his highschool friends Audi

[@thomaschristopherwhite9043]

They're probably gonna make a separate video on that

[@marcbaskin3511]

It looks like the same Audi Coupe my dad had in the late 80's. Such a badass car.

[@Endisupertramp]

This guy's taste in cars is amazing, and he seems like such an enjoyable character too.

[@apatheticAnxiety]

Best bit is watching Daniel Wu nerd out over everything. You can really hear his passion. Love that we get to see this side of him, he seems so relaxed and real, and totally love the build.

[@azharabrahams7694]

And he got the off white Dunks for an extra little flex, damn

[@athmaid]

Dude has a nice style in general imho

[@azharabrahams7694]

@@athmaid agreed

[@JDsHouseofHobbies]

Props to Daniel for keeping the L Series in the car. That engine won a Trans Am championship in it's day. Such a beautiful 510!

[@mikehawk5396]

I agree! I actually put off watching this video for a few months because I assumed it was going to be swapped and to me that takes the heart right out of the 510. I’ve got a beautiful 70’ restomod here. I follow a lot of the points about subtle design chooses myself so I really appreciated this video/interview…. Now if there was a little more info on the exhaust, what a beautiful sound!😃

[@nicholasagnew2792]

Two Trans Am championships in a row

[@qqqqqqqq1407]

There is a way to fix the tach bounce with the blinker. I fixed it on my 510. You have to tie the power from the tach to the ignition circuit instead of the blinker circuit.

[@kennyzhong7536]

I have an idea. Could Larry live stream himself editing his photos? I would totally be down to watch that

[@JB-xc1zu]

And i would watch this

[@st162man]

Daniel Wu has great taste in cars

[@sprisomotorsports]

I always appreciate Daniel's down-to-earth attitude and appreciation for the Datsun breed-- thanks for a great walk around on this spectacular 510!

[@JaredR1996]

I didn’t even recognize the name Daniel Wu. Loved the show he was on and love that Datsun 😍

[@ps3shakes123]

He is now famous to me as the guy w the sick white 510.

[@nl2935]

to those who dosent know. Daniel Wu is a A list actor in Hk & asian entertainment industry. he is like the brad pitt of Hk. So he is a big big celebrity.

[@nachiswichis]

@@ps3shakes123 the color is Porsche chalk

[@ps3shakes123]

@@nachiswichis thanks. It reminds me of the old Wimbledon white, one of my favorites.

[@jimcolton5269]

My first car was a 1969 510. I remember it would take a shit kicking & always kept going!!!

[@nbwatki]

Man, warms my heart to see such attention to detail on such a car. Any car really, just so much love here.

[@Edyth_Hedd]

Danny Wu seems like a completely awesome guy. Very chill; very smart.

[@timmorinlinescoot3458]

I would check the tach adapter for the bounce in the needle. Mine actually started to go and the tach would start to bounce just before I would loose spark for a few minutes at time. Changed the adaptor and no bounce and spark is good and the 510 good to go.

[@Bean86]

agee so much with your conclusion. Daniel seems to be a true car guy. well made video as usual.

[@ernestoorozco-jimenez4966]

3:05 My man fist 🤘🏾 traded a Tesla for a Toyota I appreciate you.

[@smac919]

I highly recommend watching Into The Badlands.. Still pissed off that it was canceled.. it was by far AMC's best show.. they just didn't market it at all.. but yet they promote the FUCK out of that dumb zombie show. There was a time when I couldn't type a single key on the internet without seeing a fuckin Walking Dead ad. The only place I saw an Into The Badlands ad was on UFC Events.. and that was because an MMA fighter was in the tv series (Cung Le was Cyan the Abbott).. That show had so much fucking potential.. the fight scenes were top tier in that series. Daniel Wu is the fuckin man.. he was so good as Sunny.

[@Onewheelordeal]

The design he's thinking of and keeps trying to explain is "timeless"

[@samuelwong4152]

I like the fact that Daniel is a superstar in Asia but he buys cars from his heart and passion, just like Jay Leno....... not some crazy million dollar cars, but simple classics

[@priyonugroho8508]

Ohh, really love this car rather than the Porsche, Mercedes, and even the Honda S800 The slickest, tidiest car ever! And he's put his attention to details so much. It's not a restoration, it's more than that. Respect!

[@AngieMeadKing]

Awesome collection!

[@danielwu8673]

Hii thanks for the love and support you showed on me from the beginning to the one I really appreciate, love you all I'm here for everyone.... email me on hangouts. [e-mail]

[@TheSiudun]

Did Daniel Wu just skips the audi?? hey Brian someone just disrespected the audi.

[@Joe11Blue]

The Audi can't be disrespected. It's German.

[@speedstrn]

It might be the focus of another episode?

[@BIOSHOCKFOXX]

@@speedstrn That would be something new then, since I haven't seen an episode where one talks about one car, showing others, skipping some, and suddenly a new video of the same garage, same person, same robes, talking about a different. Haven't seen such video yet.

[@kaphentso1456]

He probably had to skip it cause it wouldve stole the show

[@jamesshimel]

they skipped the z outside of the garage as well

[@zanerasmussen8889]

This thing sounds so healthy!! Wow, what a treat this was for me on so many levels. Love Daniel Wu (Sonny)! Love him more now that he's into 510s!

[@andicandoit2714]

Ditto, both very classy and.......kickass!!!

[@chinkooiyew9267]

From Penang, Malaysia: Had a 1970 Nissan 1600 SSS before. The most powerful twin-carb Japanese 1.6l car then & the rear suspension was the best ever made. I lowered the springs for better cornering and stability. Loved it.

[@dragon1522000]

keep the great content coming Larry Chen!!!

[@steveomcbigarms]

He's way too handsome for that car. Should give it to me. Sharing is caring bro

[@fkporsche1]

Very nice!! what a fun hot rod! I kept admiring the color paint. What is the actually color of this paint ? Porsche chalk?! Cheers 🦅🦅🇺🇸

[@DLJohnson01]

My favorite video so far. That is how you build a Datsun!

[@Franface31]

There's another car called Tanto, a Daihatsu kei car. I guess that's where the front license plate came from (at the top it says 660). Cool 510 and history of it, nonetheless. EDIT: my fault, I didn't watch the whole video, don't murder me!

[@digitalintox]

I must admit I had no knowledge of Daniel Wu before the Hoonigan interviews and now can honestly say I am a fan, sir.

[@robertrishel3685]

Such a lovely car; he seems to get it, the man is a driver👍👍

[@vandgre]

Badlands was fire but I respect this man 10000 fold now

[@kfneely1]

Man I gotta get in touch with the “king” of 510’s so he can build me one! 😂🤣

[@Slyzxx76]

Good luck that's mad $$$

[@oldshreddies2080]

Wow. I have always liked the look of 510's and this one is exceptional. Thank you Daniel for this build and Larry for bringing it to us car fans.

[@marquishou277]

A professional actor, director, producer........ then a pro level petrol head. This guy can do anything he wants. 👍🏻

[@Harleybobber]

Wu just has a taste that is unknowingly badass! I love the Autofocus!

[@mickeybuzzkill]

This 510 is built with nice taste. Absolutely love it

[@martycrush6412]

My absolute all time favourite car 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍👌👍👌👍. Love a square car and this is why 😍😍😍😍.

[@martycrush6412]

.......and the merc for the Mrs 😍👍

[@ProCelestialEmpire]

I enjoyed watching this and listening to his English at the same time.

[@Thizlamic]

HOLY HELL how do I miss when you guys are LITERALLY in my neighborhood!?!?! WICKED 510. BAY AREA!!!!

[@SurfCityAmpRoom1]

We finished our Datsun 510 a couple of years ago, we installed the Nissan SR20DET engine where on pump gas we are able to produce 325 horse power and with racing fuel capable of 450 HP. when you compare the horse power to weight this little 510 has become equal to many supercars on the road today. This has now taken the place of my Hayabusa motorcycle as now I have four wheels on the ground and as exciting and fun to drive as a performance street bike. This at a cost of $20,000 and a lot of time, well worth it.

[@carlswenson5403]

This is better than any singer will ever be. This 510 has wabi sabi. Singers lack wabi sabi because their design ethos is married to the idea that emotional symmetry is perfection.

[@axelschwaiss1576]

The interior reminds my a bit of a mk1 golf gti.

[@OllamhDrab]

Ah, my kind of build, Larry. :) Hope you're doing well with that thing going around. :)

[@dw8730]

BTW, Into The Badlands was my favorite show. I'm geeking out that he's a big car guy aswell.

[@OddlyJ]

I know I am years late but this video is amazing first off secondly the attention to detail on the 510 is insane. I love the build and how subtle it is I have always loved that idea of build design and being timeless simple clean and elegant. I cannot wait to be able to build a car of this statue one day!

[@justryan5697]

I like these videos, you're an amazing photographer.

[@p.t.anderson1593]

Point of contention... The vintage race footage at 1:41 is a Datsun 610 and Paul Newman. FWIW - There is plenty of vintage footage of the BRE 510 and John Morton which would be more accurate.

[@gregorybolton]

Gorgeous 510 ,the attention to detail is impeccable, I absolutely Love your car Daniel!!

[@BIsForBudget]

I love video on multiple levels... This really made me miss "Into the Badlands" and as a Datsun S30 owner, I really appreciate the 510.

[@robertjohnson884]

I was very happy when I heard those carbs 👍👍

[@Gnofg]

I had one. Just a great car. I now have an original S4.

[@MindDezign]

He and Sung Kang should do a canyon run. Back in the 70's (being a kid in New England )I used to time trial my Right hand drive Bugeye Sprite. There was the normal group of lotus europa's, Alfa"s ,MG Mostly British stuff ,then the muscle cars trying to prove muscle would beat nimbleness. Always were nose first off the track round corners, or spun over heavy on the gas! . Then one day this Japanese kid in his 20's showed up with a Z lowered ,Spoilered, wide wheeled, roll bared, seat belted....." I NEVER was so jealous, yet admired him so much, for in his way representing the best Japan had, going against all the established track cars. And he did GREAT ! Z cars were exotic then and have become once again. In the 80's I worked at a European collision center in Atlanta. The head body shop ,guy had a completely tricked out 510 2door. Black on Black everything was black. Tinted windows he and his 510 were from Cali. I drove a RIght Hand Drive Classic Mini at the time. We both had the coolest cars....well till the kid who's father owned the shop fixed up a 2002ti painted is silver with real wide 3 piece BBS wheels ( you only saw the race cars use, at Road Atlanta then) he fitted Schnizer box flares ,lowered it ,street race motor built, it was very cool. He didn't even have his license when he started building it. Got his license just before it was painted. And actually raced it on the tracks and became a good driver. Great video

[@kikiichiban4584]

Best thing about this build was keeping the L series.

[@bluezklewz8351]

This was filmed like 2 mins from my house lol. That shell station sucks btw

[@impslap7620]

Only the most astute and tasteful child would have chosen Cassis Red. Well done, Mr. Wu!

[@ErikRose_]

Hey guys I'm completely rebuilding a 1974 Datsun 620 on my channel if you guys want to check it out! Beams Engine Swap (Japan) Electronic Power Steering New Paint Coilovers Custom Interior and many more mods... Thanks

[@jaygill3037]

This was my favorite Autofocus to date. A tastefully done OEM+ 510.

[@jpanem]

Remember seeing Daniel on screen for the first time on Gen X Cops! Love that movie.

[@djuell01]

I like him more now after that, trading in a Tesla for that FJ smart move there!! Eco my ass! I would take that 510 or old school GTR over almost most "supercar" any day!

[@christophergreen6103]

the intro song is amazing, the still shots at the gas station, the rear view with SF in the background, and the solo shot in the driver seat. Epic style...anyone know the intro song please share?

[@chuckkey1890]

Hey, Big appreciation for Daniel Wu's taste, and his ability to stay "on task" and giving the perspective, and specific thoughts that compel him towards this conclusion. Of course, thank you Mr Cheng for allowing time, and "getting in there", with his camera, and exposing the perspective, and angles that truly allows us the ability to see, especially in the application of newer technologies, to basically antique vehicles, and improves the performance, safety, or other achievements that some of these owners, and especially builders, and fabricators choose to incorporate in their vehicles, and even in some cases, choose to exclude or modify, as they chase the benefits they seek, as they also express their own artistic taste, and creative fabrication talents, purpose built inclusion, all while maintaining many of the original aesthetics that inspired our appreciation, and the connects us to our past, or at least mine, and in a time more than half a century ago, and the pleasures associated with racing, and competition as we opened our minds, and allowed ourselves the pursuit, and experience that could only be found by pushing our own abilities, combined with the huge amount of experimentation and studies that all automotive manufacturers seemed to have as their own motivation, in that time before computers, or dyno's existed, and could only be determined by the results that were achieved on the track, or in competition. A "car guy" has appreciation for the gains we've all made in this past century. As we move forward into the future that awaits us I wish you all success, and improved quality in your life, and the result that exceeds your highest hopes. If I may be so bold as to offer a suggestion, or observation as you produce future films, or spotlight additional vehicles, keep in mind that each of us has our own tastes, appreciations, and see certain things that perhaps others may not agree with, or feel. My only offering towards helping the quality of your creations, or possibly could improve the pleasure we viewers might experience, is the limitation of what appears as oddly placed, and overly stated, or discussed appreciation for things, that you appear to use as blowing smoke, or for whatever reason you choose to go on, and on, and on about, while dropping the ball on considerably more substantial, and has significantly more relevance, and never even gets touched on as you take the time to discuss, in great detail, things you find to use to expose yourself as a car guy, flirt, or whatever drives you to express your admiration for a sticker on a window, the hand written identification of a button written with a sharpie that allows a driver, owner, or fabricator may use to achieve the desired result. Please forgive the passive-aggressive appearing, nature of my comment, and consider the purpose for my criticism, as you realize our understanding of your opinion is not a perspective that is necessary, or appreciated, especially when so many things that would drastically improve our perspective, or address more masculine, performance based, or consideration for fabrication, or significantly desired discussion about details that never occur to you. As Daniel objectively, and quickly addresses his experiences, perspective, and the necessity to answer another dumb question, perhaps you could stay "on task", allow a story to unfold on its own, and concentrate on the details your camera offers as our only perspective, while limiting your own questions as you educate yourself, and allow us to feel the appreciation that is inspired, and not relevant to that you feel, and becomes a nuisance.

[@hksp]

today we have 吳彥祖

[@Edyth_Hedd]

I love the simplicity of that sheet metal hood support brace.

[@charlesbissey9901]

My dad restored his 510 in 1997 and has had it for 30 years he has had it since 1991

[@dylanmachado6783]

Daniel, Thank You so much for sharing your passion for creating custom cars. I'm originally from Willits (73 yrs. ago) and living in rural Brasil. Your attention to detail makes the project(s) an art form. I enjoy your work and at the same time, makes me long for the "old" days of my car experiences from the early '60s. You are very fortunate and obviously deserve what you are living.

[@ΘάνατοςΧορτοφάγος]

1 steep depreciation on a Tesla? Really? 2 nothing about the red Audi? What?!

[@qqqqqqqq1407]

11:24 a @machinedspeed and lonely driver shoutout, that's awesome.

[@mrmcbeardy9268]

Absolutely stunning machine. She's so completely beautiful, well done 💯👌 and that sound 😍 and those Porsche-inspired seats. omg. This is all too much for my blood pressure 😱😍😅 I love how Daniel doesnt pollute his machines with stereos. He builds a car with zero speakers or stereo, that is full enthusiasm right there folks. But of course he is right too, the car has its own sountrack and it puts you in the Zen of the experience. A car like that, every time you drive it is an experience, years later even. Much Respect, Daniel is a true connoisseur 👌

[@MoriartySan]

Daniels explanation of how he came up with the name was so amazing! Daniels like the coolest guy ever.

[@eeeee4746]

This has the absolute best looking front end I have ever seen on a 510. The car looks great

[@GhoSTiNYC]

That 510 is absolutely amazing.

[@Mustbcedric]

OH shit he's that guy from into the badlands

[@Tango_November]

This guy looks like Elon Musks cousin

[@kendellporter5330]

sup with the ca in the background at 10:52?!?!?

[@bear420allday3]

The Lincoln Continental is bad ass it was my very first car 1962 in a dark green with a flake in from the factory with dark green leather seats and one of the biggest features on it was the automatic headlight dimmer on the dash miss that car so much That is a beautiful 510 this is one car I have always wanted to own modify but could never find one that I wanted or in good enough condition so I went to Honda's 😁

[@bikesloth]

Troy Ermish! I remember going to his shop back in the day in Fremont.

[@onetwentyeight]

I recognize the locations, nice to see you up in the East Bay.

[@EzekielMS]

Adam Schwarcz Hi Adam do you have any idea where they captured the photos they took by the water?

[@cjaldrich1]

I didn't recognize his name, and started watching the video... I remember seeing him in Gen X Cops. Awesome dude!

[@ratedyellow3]

Wait he was in that movie?

[@sideways4life993]

Isn’t this guy from HK movies?

[@supersevenn]

Larry Larry larry...im so disapointed you dont know the SEV Marchal logo is a little cat head. those are iconic!

[@adamthomas1822]

Larry, even before all this quarantine/isolation stuff, you have been putting out AMAZING content. Keep it up, we all appreciate your dedication and hard work. Also, E39 touring at 20:13 🤤

[@Mustbcedric]

510's are just so .... I'm speechless beautiful

[@godxpardonxsin]

I had a 280zx that had a bouncy speedometer! Hahah.

[@apolloravindran]

now you have to do another video of his Honda, i am sure you shot that car as well :)

[@larrychen5678]

I did, that's next

[@Macfanize]

What model Honda is it? Looks insane.

[@vallasjo8003]

Interesting thou that he comes from a Design background, thus showing great taste and awesomeness of person...... lovely

[@vallasjo8003]

Simplicity yet gorge of perfection, Sir.

[@LaneHouse]

In San Francisco parking is difficult. Almost everywhere in the Bay Area has plenty of places to park.

[@timfitzgerald109]

What an awesome 510 & such a humble down to earth guy Dan is. Well done Mr Chen, another great video \"/

[@Heidegaff]

Tbh for both this 510 and the S800 I think we give Wu too much credit. He didn't BUILD those cars. I doubt someone with this much money can even operate a wrench. He just shoved money at the projects and other people build them for him. Cool cars, but he doesn't hold any special amazement to me. Anyone with money can commission project cars.

[@JunsMiniGarage]

吴彦祖！🤩

[@isaacshively6705]

That's exactly how I'd have a 510 when I finally get one

[@shred_zed1]

Thumbnail looking like grand turismo Ah wait lol

[@blackbibletv]

Literally my dream 510.

[@OSODIY]

Daniel perfectly describes why I love my Datsun 260z over modern cars today. My car friends with their lambos and Porsches don't understand...

[@vespasandengines]

Made me smile just watching Daniel drive it... it’s so well put together...

[@justwannaname]

He got a steal for the Toyota for the Tesla 😍😍😍

[@CMX1100_Sam]

Can't get enough of this 510. Watching it one more time.

[@larrychen5678]

Haha awesome!

[@andicandoit2714]

Same, wish 1 of my 3 were this nice...someday