Vehicle Description
1967 Datsun 1600 Roadster
The Datsun Sports, (called Datsun Fairlady in the Japanese and
Australian markets), was a series of roadsters produced by Nissan
in the 1960s. The series was a predecessor to the Z-car in the
Fairlady line, and offered a competitor to the European MG,
Triumph, Fiat and Alfa Romeo sports cars. Beginning with the 1959
S211, the line was built in two generations: the first generation
was largely handbuilt in small numbers, while the second generation
(310 series) was series produced. The second generation first
appeared in 1961 and continued through 1970 with the SP311 and
SR311 lines.
For consignment, an early, (low windshield), 1967 Datsun 1600
Roadster. This car has undergone several sessions with cosmetics
and some extra wrenching on any parts that were not necessarily in
need of repair but were worn enough to warrant their replacement.
Some spice has been added to the engine, and the paint although not
concours quality shows very nicely with all that chrome which is
adorning this cute sports car.
Exterior
As it actually came earlier than the MGB it does look like some
influences were either shared between the companies or some spying
was going on both sides. A Triumph like front grille with the deep
bezels for each single round headlight, round turn signal below,
and dual fog lights attached to a shiny front bumper. A thin
tasteful hood scoop helps the engine inhale, and a straight long
hood makes its way back to a new NOS windscreen and surround. Gaps
for steel panels are nicely aligned, all bathed in beautiful red
paint, with just a few areas showing some fault in this otherwise
deep paint. Just below the belt line is a thin chromed trim spear
that runs from stem to stern. On the back, nice mid century modern
inspired deep bezel round taillights cascade downward from the top
of each rear quarter, which sports a small fin. These trios of
taillights are flanking a pristine rear bumper with 2 vertical
protective bars on either side of the license plate. Steel wheels
in silver and polished dog dish style hubcaps are on all 4 corners.
A note that the black canvas top has a new frame and a clear rear
plastic window.
Interior
On either side of a glove boxed chrome trimmed center console are
black vinyl bomber style bucket seats. These are in excellent
condition as is the dash which is upfront and black padded vinyl
topped with a front black panel. In here are all the necessary
instruments all very clean, and shining bezels looking great in the
black field. In the center of the simple but effective dash are a
trio of round gauges along with a central mounted chronograph style
clock. Just below is a lineup of toggles, and below that temp and
airflow controls and an AM radio. Nice black carpeting is flooding
the floors and a like new tonneau in black adds a good contrast to
the red, as well as hides the top when in the down position. Black
vinyl door panels are framed by red painted uppers and sides and a
white accenting strip of vinyl covers the bottoms of these
panels.
Drivetrain
With a complete and extensive rebuild of the engine just last year,
some spicy additions were snuck on for a bit of extra performance.
A company known as C2 Competition undertook this task, and now the
1600cc 4 banger has a milled crank, (.25), polished valves, new
pistons, rings bearings, new valve springs, and guides. There is a
new carburetor setup featuring dual SU carbs. On back is the
original 4- speed transmission which was rebuilt in 2018 The rear
axle weighs in at 3.889. All looking very clean and green under
this hood. Electronic ignition is also now replacing the original
points system.
Undercarriage
I'd have to say all very nice underneath, painted black, no rust,
and all mechanicals underneath are working as they should. An X
frame is present, and rockers and floor pans are all solid. Disc
brakes are on front, and drums on the back. New ball joints and new
upper and lower control arm bushings are seen.
Drive-Ability
This my fellow car-patriots is a great little car. The Japanese
were smoking the Brits and as time went on it would only get worse
on the Brit side. As far as I know the Japanese are still in
business and producing cars that are sporty examples that took
their lead from this model. Driving experience was overall good
however the radio and heater blower both were nonfunctional.
A complete documentation of work performed, owner's manual, sales
brochures, and complete vehicle service manual. Called "a pure
vintage sports car" by Car and Driver in the day, it's a looker and
will be surprisingly successful at stunning the competition.
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.