Have you ever seen a car so compelling you couldn’t resist putting in a bid or two? Here’s a contender: this nicely renovated 1965 Datsun 1500 roadster is listed on eBay in a no-reserve auction. The bidding has reached $10,000 – still reasonable. The car was rebuilt in 2012 and retains a mostly-fresh look since it’s been driven only 2500 miles in the interim. Receipts and a photo log of the work done, including what might be the happy owners posing with the finished car, are presented in the listing. The new owner can drive it home from Tacoma, Washington; we owe thanks to James for the tip!
Datsun’s 1500 was its first bona fide mass-produced sports car, following the low-production S211 and SPL212/213. Datsun was aiming at the US market, and the 1500 was perfect, with a peppy engine and spry handling. It joined the MGB and two Triumphs – the Spitfire and the TR4 – in our market. Fewer than two years after the 1500’s launch, the 1600 was introduced, with the two models selling side-by-side for a few months. Both cars used an OHV four-cylinder decked with SU carburetors, but the smaller 1.5-liter in the 1500 made only 86 hp in 1965. A four-speed manual with no synchro on first brought power to the rear wheels. This example is said to start, run, and drive well.
The straightforward layout includes bucket seats separated by the transmission tunnel, a full assortment of gauges, an emergency brake lever nestled next to the passenger’s seat, a three-spoke large-diameter steering wheel, and an ignition key on the left. The lower portion of the door is aluminum with a simple stationary door pull – a design feature that carried through production of the 1600 and the 2000. Panel gaps are decent though not perfect, but you’ll see much worse than this: these roadsters were not known for build quality. The car’s door jambs, underside, trunk, and other crannies are clean or easily improvable with a little elbow grease.
I’m not wild about the white hardtop; there’s no sign of the folding top or its frame. The outside trunk hinges disappear by the time the 1600 arrives. The triple-stacked tail lights, hood scoop, and unique grille set these roadsters apart from the vast population of British offerings. Trim pieces are difficult to replace, so if they’re present, bonus points. Speaking of British sports cars, aside from being Japanese and not British, the Datsun dishes up a distinct driving experience. It’s light and a bit rattly but not objectionably so – more TR4 than MGB but really neither. And it’s quick. No wonder the later iterations won all sorts of SCCA trophies. The existence of those later cars cause trouble for the value of the 1500: they’re just worth a lot more. Very nice 1500s will sell in the mid-teens, while very nice 2000s can sell for $40k. Have you ever owned a Datsun roadster? How does this example stack up?
Had no idea the 2000cc models were getting crazy money like that! This one would be fun and apparently has been kept well, though it’ll probably have a limited market-not because of the $10k+ asking price as much as the folks that appreciate this enough to spend that kind of money might need more time in the yoga class. Most of the younger generations may not be interested due to it’s diminutive size in a world of AWD station wagons AKA SUV’s, the stick shift notwithstanding.
Its nice to see one in this condition there are two sitting rotting away open to the elements in Asotin County Washington in a apartment parking lot they have been there for 5 years that I know of perhaps longer its sad to see them in that state. The buyer of this is going to get a fun little ride
What year did synchro in 1st gear become available?
I owned a 1600 for a few months back in 1974. I’d bought it from my girlfriend’s cousin. It was no where near as good condition as this one but I was a fledgling shadetree mechanic and this looked like a great car to learn on. Her cousin had driven it for a year and decided it was not for him. $300 and it was mine. It was pretty peppy but the suspension was pretty loose and didn’t handle as good as I expected. After a year, I sold it. Bought a 63 TR3B (It was/is such a gorgeous car). Really wish I’d kept the 1600. I still get headaches just thinking about that TR3.
Nice.
SOLD for 13K.
37 bids.
Was missing the side facing rear seat.
Just waiting for the Fairlady down the street to be available. Great little car.
I owned a 1969 1/2 2000 in the late 1980’s, gave $900 for it, and did a restoration on it……gave it to my Brother who still has it today, it’s in great shape
Owned one some time ago. A grandfather should buy it for the granddaughter. She would love it and learn to drive standard shift. Rust and clutch replacement are issues.
Sold $13,000.