Years of hard work, neglect, and the brutal Aussie sun have taken its toll on this Datsun 1200 Ute. We’re bringing this beaten-up Datto back from the brink, and we’re doing it our way!
With serious mods, modern muscle, and a whole lot of love, this build is about more than fixing what’s broken, it’s about reimagining what this classic Ute can be.
The Datto Resto takes you inside the workshop as we tear it down, rebuild, and transform it piece by piece. From performance upgrades to custom finishing touches, every stage is part of the adventure, and you’re invited along for the ride.
Don’t miss the transformations, the tips, and the behind-the-scenes moments as we bring this Datto back to life.
When we’re done, this Ute will be turning heads for all the right reasons.
Follow the journey and see Dat Ute from Dat Ad reborn!
The Datto Resto kicks off with a full tear-down, stripping the Datto back to its bare shell to see exactly what we’re working with.
As the layers come off and past repairs are revealed, the team quickly works out what can be saved and unfortunately, what can’t.
It’s raw, real, and the critical first step in transforming this classic into something truly special.
The Datto comes back fully prepared, clean, and ready for a fresh coat of paint.
A twin-cam turbocharged 1.8-litre CA18 engine by Nissan will power the Datto, bringing modern performance to this classic Ute. Paired with a refreshed suspension setup, the foundation is laid for a driving experience that matches the sleek new look.
The Datsun gets a serious interior glow-up! From a bare shell to a fully custom cabin, we take you behind the scenes as the team transforms the interior with bespoke seats, door cards, headliner, and premium trim work.
Blending classic Datsun heritage with modern muscle, every detail is reimagined with custom stitching, high-end materials, and one-off design elements that bring this build to life from the inside out.
This is more than a restoration, it’s craftsmanship at its finest.
Buckle up, the Datto just got stylish.
The Datto is finally approaching the finish line! The team returns to complete the final stages of the build. With the intercooler piping and exhaust sorted, they move into the fun stuff: Fitting the Haltech system and digital dash, reinstalling the wheels, and completing the last checks before startup.
With everything in place, the moment of truth arrives as the Datto fires into life and drives out of the workshop. It’s a huge milestone for the project!
Now, the Datto is unrecognisable from where we began.
