One Family Owned: 1966 Datsun 1600 Roadster

Long-term ownership is often an important factor when an enthusiast commences their quest for a classic to park in their garage or workshop. Cars of that type have typically been cherished and avoided the abuse that can plague less worthy candidates. This 1966 Datsun 1600 Roadster ticks that box because it has been part of the same family since Day One. Choosing to part with a car after more than five decades is never easy, but this sweet little Datsun is set to find a new home with someone willing to recapture its former glory via a straightforward restoration.

It is no secret that the Japanese economy was in a sorry state when World War II ended. Much of its manufacturing infrastructure was in the rubble, and those companies that focused on military equipment production were left with nothing they could build under the truce conditions. The government sought to stimulate the economy, and like its European counterparts, getting the population mobile formed the backbone of its plan. There was no Japanese automotive industry to speak of, and companies like Datsun tapped into European and American expertise to kick-start production. Datsun formed an alliance with Austin, producing licensed copies of its models for domestic consumption. The day arrived when the student proved more adept than the teacher, and while Datsun’s fortunes grew, Austin’s foundered. Therefore, it is unsurprising that when Datsun became aspirational and released the 1600 Roadster in 1965, it bore more than a passing resemblance to the physically smaller Austin-Healey Sprite Mark II. The seller’s grandfather purchased this Roadster off the showroom floor in 1966, ordering the car in Code 665 Yellow. It has remained a family member since that day and has spent its days in a dry location. It appears it only recently emerged after a hibernation, although it is unclear how long that period was. The seller is candid about its condition, admitting it requires a total restoration. The panels are straight, but the photos reveal emerging rust in some lower extremities. It isn’t severe and doesn’t appear to have sunk its teeth into the floors. Therefore, a few patches might be all that stand between this Datsun and a rust-free status. The Roadster features a soft-top and a porthole hardtop covered in Black vinyl. The trim is generally acceptable for a driver-grade build, and there are no visible glass issues.

This Datsun’s interior needs at least as much TLC as its exterior, with evidence of baked vinyl and plastic. The door trims might be salvageable, but the dashpad is toast, and the listing suggests the seatcovers may not be much better. However, it is complete, and it is unmolested apart from the Sony radio/cassette player. Trim kits to recapture the former glory are readily available, and installation would be easy and satisfying. The interior also reinforces my earlier point about Datsun leaning heavily on British influences when developing these cars. The sports wheel with its drilled spokes, the gauges with their chrome bezels, and the toggle switches are all typically found in a Sprite or other British sports cars of this vintage.

Bulletproof is the first word that springs to mind when considering the Roadster’s mechanical specifications. Tipping the hood reveals a sweet little 1,596cc four that inhales through a pair of SU carburetors to produce 96hp and 103 ft/lbs of torque. The power feeds to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission, allowing the Datsun to cover the ¼-mile in 18.5 seconds. That isn’t fast by modern standards, but it was significantly better than the 19.7 seconds produced by the smaller and lighter Sprite. Some may not see that as a fair comparison, but the reality is that the pair were natural competitors in 1966. The new owner will probably pull the engine during the build, because with the engine bay wearing surface corrosion, it would benefit from a refresh. The seller worked through a comprehensive revival process to ensure this Datsun is mechanically healthy. Nothing escaped their attention, with the fuel system, carburetors, brakes, suspension, and cooling system all receiving lashings of TLC. The seller describes it as a hoot to drive, suggesting it is a turnkey proposition for its new owner.

The seller listed this 1966 Datsun 1600 Roadster here on eBay in Phoenix, Arizona. Their BIN of $9,950 is in the ballpark for a car of this caliber in the current market. It won’t suit everybody, but that is true of any classic. However, if someone is looking for a relatively straightforward project that will provide a rewarding driving experience and plaster a mile-wide smile on their face every time they slip behind the wheel, this Datsun could be ideal.