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Early Example: 1967 Datsun 2000 Roadster

This 1967 Datsun 2000 Roadster is an early production example that needs restoring. It is a numbers-matching classic with no rust issues for the buyer to tackle. The seller is an enthusiast who had planned on returning the vehicle to its former glory, but he admits that he is unlikely to get to it. As much as it breaks his heart, he has chosen to sell the car that has been on the back-burner for 27-years. His loss could be your gain because the little Datsun is located in Gloucester Point, Virginia, and has been listed for sale here on eBay. Strong interest has pushed the bidding to $12,601. The reserve has been met, so a new home is beckoning for this Japanese classic. A big thank you has to go out to Barn Finder, My Son’s Dad, for referring this beauty to us.

Like so many enthusiasts, the Datsun’s owner finds himself in a situation where he has too many projects and too little time. He has commenced work on the car, and a lot of the critical work is the stuff that you can’t see. The body has been off the frame, and some minor frame issues have been repaired. The face of the frame where it meets the body has received a coat of rust-preventative paint, and all of the mounts have been replaced. Preparation work was commenced on the body, but there was no rust here that required attention. The panel preparation will need to be finished, and a fresh coat of Off-White paint can then be applied. The external trim and chrome will need attention because some items will require a trip to the platers. The soft-top looks acceptable, but a replacement will need to be fitted if the car is to be presented at its best. However, these are easy to find for around $350, so that will not break the bank. This is an early production example of the 2000, with the VIN indicating that it was the 112th vehicle produced. It would be interesting to know how many earlier examples have survived over the past 54-years because there is a chance that this could be one of the oldest 2000 Roadster in existence today.

The Datsun is a numbers-matching classic and features its original 1,983cc U20 OHC 4-cylinder engine. This is bolted to a 5-speed manual transmission. Power output would be a respectable 135hp, which is enough to propel the 2,050lb Roadster through the ¼ mile in a neat 17 seconds. The Datsun doesn’t currently run, and the owner has not attempted to coax it into life. However, he does say that the engine turns freely and that it does have compression. He has removed the valve cover and says that everything appears to be in good health. The wiring harness has been removed from the vehicle, but it is present and included in the sale. Also included is a shiny NOS exhaust system.

Opening the doors reveals an interior that would be classed as serviceable but would need to be completely restored to do this car justice. This isn’t a massive drama because trim kits are readily available and pretty affordable. A full kit will cost around $1,600, but a replacement for the badly cracked pad will add another $340 to the total. That should see the interior shining like a new penny and would be money well spent in this case.

It’s easy to see why the bidding on this 1967 Datsun 2000 Roadster has been so spirited. It is a car that would seem to represent a straightforward restoration proposition, and when complete, it would be an attractive and desirable classic. It is possible to find some reasonable examples for under $20,000, although pristine numbers-matching cars can easily fetch twice that figure. This one has the potential to be that good, and all it needs is the right person to see it through to fruition. It has been waiting for 27-years, and it deserves to be returned to the road looking as good as the day that it rolled off the production line. Are you the person to achieve that goal?

Comments

  1. Avatar Al

    Is the 2000 the same as the Datsun Fairlady?

    Like 2
    • Avatar Steve Clinton

      The Fairlady was the name of the 240Z in Japan if I’m not mistaken.

      Like 4
      • Avatar Robert L Roberge

        I owned the 1500 version of this in ’65. It was a Fairlady.

        Like 0
    • Avatar Russell

      Yes, the “Roadster” was called the Fairlady … whilst the 240 series was called the Fairlady Z.

      Anyone remember the Toyota 2000GT … sigh

      Like 3
  2. Avatar 8banger Member

    To add, Fairlady Zs had automatics and maybe? dual outer mirrors…?
    This roadster looks sweet tho…

    Like 0
  3. Avatar Paul Z

    The Fairlady was the 1600, it then became the Roadster i believe in 1969.

    Like 2
    • Avatar Paul T Root

      They were always called Fairlady in Japan. It was always called the 1600 or 2000 Roadster. My brother dragged home a 1967 1/2 when he was 15 and I was 12. It defined what a car should be to me.

      Like 0
  4. Avatar EPO3

    yes i am

    Like 0
  5. Avatar ARTHUR BASTIDAS

    This is a 1967.5 SRL311 with factory High performance Mikuni Solex 44 phh carbs rated at 150hp from the factory.
    I had one.

    Like 2
    • Avatar chrlsful

      boy everything is a knock off of the european even the carbs (weber doch)

      Like 0
  6. Avatar Permit_Holder

    These were sold in Australia as the Datsun Fairlady…. it was of course a direct competitor to the MGB which was being built in Australia at the time.
    The Datsun came with a high spec radio and other features not found in the MG and was the superior car for many reasons …but made in Japan still couldn’t quite cut it back then and owners were having to for ever justify why they bought a Datsun and not an MG… we were getting some great cars from Japan in the mid to late 60’s like the Prince Skyline GTA, Toyota 2000 GT, Mazda Cosmos to name a few

    Like 0
  7. Avatar Tim

    There were only 1000 of the 67 2000 roadsters made. They are known as 67.5 because they came out mid year. Although the badge shows 135 HP, with the Selex carbs and the “B” cam they were 150 HP. But I think the ID plate was never changed. A restored one would be way higher then $40K

    Like 1
  8. Avatar Frank D

    Worth a restoration and will increase in value. A rare Japanese roadster.

    Like 1
  9. Avatar Greg

    My father (a Buick man) bought a red 69 2000 roadster in the early 70’s .
    He enjoyed driving it around for a while bought decided to sell it because
    The sheetmetal was too thin , he didn’t think it would last !
    Unfortunately for me I never got to drive it as I was too young .I did however enjoyed driving a 72 520 2 door for several years , fun car .

    Like 1
  10. Avatar RJ

    Nice, fast cars, but less fun to work on. Invariably to work on any part, some other part had to be removed first. My workplace in ’72 serviced one – first time in the service writer quoted some engine work as if it were a 1600 – big mistake. Fun to drive – looked like an MGB, went like a TR 6

    Like 0
  11. Avatar chrlsful

    this is the one to have (2000ci model) as its got the bugs worked out & a lill more displacement. I see it as a Z test ground. Until bloated into the 260 & 80Z even a notch better than this 2000. If the price stays right sized (doubtful) it is currently in the ‘drive & restore/mod’ state. Something that has provided me a lot of enjoyment (free ride by the time restored & sold).

    Like 0

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