The Datsun Fairlady roadster is often overlooked in classic open-top classes, with the British makes seemingly dominating the category. This is a shame, as the cute-as-a-button Datsun is a compelling choice both as a classic cruiser or a hot-rod SCCA racer. The car wore both hats with aplomb when new, but these days, they seem to show up more often as projects than as sympathetically restored specimens. The car shown here is a 1969 model with the 1600cc engine and has apparently been under the knife but not yet finished. Find it here on eBay with an opening bid of $4,500 and no action yet.
Right off the bat, you can see the owner of this Fairlady was clearly taking the performance approach to tweaking this roadster, opting for larger, cross-spoke wheels, an aftermarket roll bar, a giant front air dam, and bumper deletes front and rear. The overall look is interesting – I don’t dislike it, but it also appears to overpower the simple and spartan profile of the little Datsun. However, when you consider how many of these were used in time trial events and the local SCCA road course back in the day, opting for a race car attitude isn’t entirely inappropriate for the the Datsun. Sadly, the seller notes he was working on this car himself before suffering a stroke and deciding to move the project along.
Now, as a 1600-series, the Datsun makes about 90 horsepower. The real home run if you’re looking for one of these is to track down a 2000cc model, which came with a surprising amount of power for such a compact convertible, pushing out a generous 135 b.h.p. Those cars are on my short list to someday own once other priorities are met (for reference, a Mazda REPU pickup is also on the list, along with a ZR-1 C4 Corvette – it’s a rich and varied assortment), but those higher displacement models are hard to find. The 1500s and 1600s like this one are far more common, which could explain why the seller hasn’t seen any bidding action yet – the dreaded perception of, “Oh, I can always find another one later if I miss this car.” The interior is in good shape overall, with an aftermarket steering wheel installed.
The seller has gotten some heavy lifting done, including rebuilding the carbs and installing an electronic ignition. He notes the electrical system remains standard, and that he’ll include a variety of original parts like the factory wheels with hubcaps, a rear bumper, and the removed fan and radiator assembly. Those last few items indicate that this Datsun likely has an upgraded cooling system, so that detail combined with the front air dam and roll bar indicates to me the seller had plans to go racing with this roadster. The opening bid seems reasonable to me; would you restore this Fairlady or keep the track build going?
Sorry, but as cool as these cars are I could never buy a car named Fairlady. Good write up Jeff and best of luck with your short list.
Would you buy a right hand drive 1970–1977 Nissan Fairlady Z for a good price?
The Fairlady name was a JDM thing and wasn’t used for the US/North American cars. Here they were the Datsun 1600 (or 2000) Sports. Presumably this car would have had “Datsun 1600” badging originally. Some owners have added the Fairlady emblems after the fact.
The 1968 and up Fairlady looks a little gawky, thanks to a higher windshield and higher ride height to accommodate US regulations. The deep air dam on the front of this one only serves to amplify that awkward appearance.
I don’t think height came in effect until ’75.
My brother’s first car was a ’67 1/2 1600. I loved that thing. He was 15 1/2 and got if for $300. Rusty and the engine needed work. He drove it for probably 10 years until the head cracked. He later bought a 2000 with solex carbs as a race car. He raced with the 1600 engine in G production. And the 2000 went in the street car. We flat towed the race car from Manhattan Kansas to Kansas City one time. That was fun.
We were experts at pulling the engine on that thing. A block and tackle from K-Mart hanging from the tree out front. Parts were hard to come by back in the late ’70s.
Those door gaps aren’t inspiring confidence. As the young un’s say today they are sus
In my youth I worked for a Datsun dealership prepping cars and there were Fairlady models that came through to be cleaned for delivery. Talking 60 years ago.
There is a completely original 2000 Fairlady LHD that lives down the street from me. (The same house that has the 2 door 5 speed Tempo) It hasn’t been driven in years as it sits in the barn. (They have cats, so there does not appear to be a rodent issue) I’m hoping it will be available to me in the next year or so. The lady that has owned it since new knows that I really want it. And she has made noises like she maybe willing to let it go next year. I drove a 1600 once and it drove nicer than any stock MGB I ever drove.
My first car was a Datsun 1600 roadster. Too much fun for a 16 year old. I believe the Fair Lady was a refence to the first series 1500cc units and did not follow either the 1600 or the 2000.
I’m with you, I get the owner liked the “extras” but for a sports car they are a little overpowering. I guess if one wanted it “bad enough” some of that stuff could be removed…especially the air-dam in front. Neat little sports car regardless.
Neat car . I always liked the shape and simplicity. But I also know I’ll never own one, due to my height
These cars buried the British small sports cars. They were $1,000 cheaper. They came with a Tonneau cover and a 4-speed trans. with a synchro into 1st. gear. The 2000 was the choice if you wanted to go racing. Next came the Datsun 240Z. Datsun was used because they knew no one knew of Nissan.
Here’s a plus. Fairlady was used because the owner loved the My Fair Lady movie.
If I remember correctly, the 1600 needed frequent valve adjustments but the 2000 didn’t …
Ended with 0 bids.