Vehicle Description
1967 Datsun 1600 Fairlady 2-dr Convertible
Designer: Prince Albrecht Goertz
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Estimate: $12,000 - $18,000 ���Without Reserve
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Chassis Number: SPL31114956
Decoded: SPL=Sports Roadster; 311=1600cc; 14956=Unit sequence
Engine: 1596cc OHV in-line 4-cylinder
2 X SU HS4 Carburetors/96 bhp
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Four Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes
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Odometer: 76,450 Showing
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Enjoyable Classic Convertible
Attractive Import Reliability
Peppy Little Roadster
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The Model: By the early 1960's, Nissan's Datsun brand was starting
to make some in-roads in the USA market. Their light duty pickups
were winning praises for being durable, reliable and economical,
while their Patrol 4X4 vehicles promoted by cowboy star Roy Rogers,
put only a small dent in the off-road market. Their sedans had
become a bit more powerful and were starting to be seen on more and
more streets in the USA. But in the world of sports cars, Datsun
was ahead of all other Japanese competitors and carving out a
little market niche of its owner. One of the most innovative models
was the 1500cc Fairlady, model SPL310, seeing distribution pick up
during 1963-64. In 1965, a new and improved model, the SPL311, 1600
version was released. It was this model that started to capture
those wanting to get into the sports scene on a tight budget
starting to turn to. Actor turned race-car driver Paul Newman used
a Fairlady for his first racing events which led him to become a
major supporter of Peter Brock's BRE Datsun team. The 1600 was
lightweight, handled as well as anything from Europe and could be
purchased for a bit less than the UK's MG-B.
The Car: Nobody bought one of these peppy little roadsters when
they were new and put them away. They got out and did what they
were designed to, be driven and enjoyed. This example is no
exception. An early production model of the 1600, this car features
what appears to be its original drive trains. Finished in its
original shade or white with black vinyl bucket seats, these cars
were subject to being equipped to the owner's taste. This example
is fitted with a vintage Momo "Team" steering wheel and has been
upgraded with a set of custom sport alloy wheels. Reported to be
well sorted out, it provides the performance and handling that was
so finely engineered in these early sports cars from the land of
the rising sun. While the fit and finish appears to be at or above
factory tolerances, and the car is overall neat and tidy, this is
not a trailer queen by a long shot. It is meant to be driven and
enjoyed. With the growing interest in early Japanese cars,
especially the Fairlady based roadsters, this vehicle presents a
great chance for someone to join the fun and do it economically.
