Datsun’s Roadster models are tiny, yet elegant convertibles, but unfortunately, rust issues have claimed countless examples throughout the years. Despite having a handful of issues that deem it a project, this 1964 Datsun Roadster that Barn Finds reader Andria Antonakos found here on Craigslist seems like a good starting point for a Datsun project.
This little blue convertible is available in Curtin, Oregon without a title. The seller acknowledges the various issues with the vehicle almost immediately: the title is missing, it does not run or move easily, there are some rust issues present, and there are various spots of bondo on the exterior.
However, the interior and exterior of the roadster are mostly complete, and the seller also includes a hardtop roof, which is unfortunately cracked.
Each of these Datsuns used a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and a 4-speed manual transmission to drive the rear wheels. Though the seller doesn’t provide any photos of the engine bay, they will include a carburetor system and a radiator with the sale.
Though this Datsun has its fair share of problems, it has a fair asking price of just $1,500. Personally, I could see this thing being quite a bit of fun on a track when fixed up, though this roadster could see some twisty roads again if the new owner went through the re-titling process. What would you do with this Datsun?
It would be a fun project I would probably leave the original paint
Another car on the bucket list.
On another subject, I would do anything I could including building a small shed to keep the elements out of any car, especially up in Oregon with snow…or anywhere with inclement weather. These are neat little cars………sadly this may up providing parts given how it has been stored outside in the open.
Had a customer buy a 1500 back in the 80s. He paid to ship this basket case all the way from California to NY for us to do a restore. I had never even heard of this car before that day, but when this POS was rolled off the truck, they had to unload a sparkling new Ferrari 512bbi off first. Oh my god, what a sight!
By the way, it was a pretty cool car when it finally got finished. I would never buy without a title though…
Curious as to why the left rear wheel is moved forward in the wheel well…..
Borderline project/parts car (“Fairlady” badging is valuable in itself). Best part of the interior is the (apparently) intact dashboard, especially if the cool pop-out ashtray works.
ls swap ?
Doesn’t appear to be ANY badging at all on this car, Fairlady or otherwise. Or what is there was sprayed over with blue paint! As far as that left rear wheel well, if you look at the door closer and attachment of the front fender at the cowl, the drivers side of this car looks like it could have been torqued in an earlier accident that was repaired poorly.
The “Fairlady” badge is visible in the photo of the left side of the car. Rear badging is missing.
The only one, Will, and it appears to be bent and pitted. Still…is this really worth the entry cost to gain Fairlady-specific trim?
^+1😁