Among my list of “sleeper” cars on the collector scale, the Datsun 2000 roadster has been a regular fixture. These cars have been cheap for so long, yet check multiple boxes for enthusiasts. They can be reliable Sunday drivers or be built up for vintage track duty; engine swaps are a possibility as well. Plus, the healthy production numbers and robust owner network ensure good spare parts are usually just a day or two away. This example here on craigslist is very much a project, but is more complete than it looks. The seller’s asking $3,500 or best offer.
Thanks to Barn Finds reader Michael for the find. With another roadster hanging out in the background, it may be a safe conclusion the seller has been flipping these old Datsuns for a while. There’s a lot to like here, at first glance: factory hard top; rear bumper is included; good glass; and since it’s officially out of the California DMV system, there are no back fees. The original smog equipment is still installed as well, which may indicate this car hasn’t been messed with.
The interior is more of a project, as the California sun has done it no favors. A new dash is going to be needed, and the steering wheel may need replacement as well. The seller says the floors look good, although the rear quarters have some rust. The original keys are a plus, as those have usually gone missing by now for a car that has stood for a while. More pictures of the interior would be nice, but it’s safe to say a complete gut is needed here.
The good news remains the dry chassis and the numbers-matching drivetrain that still turns freely. The seller also notes the transmission still shifts into gear, as well. The tricky aspect of a Datsun like this is because of the high-ish production numbers, a better car is always available. However, this one would start to look remarkably tempting with a better interior and the rear bumper attached, so maybe some downward negotiation would help potential buyers see that vision more readily.
This appeals. Can see these gaining a lot in the future.
Datsun roadsters are cool little cars and I’d like one, but this one is too expensive and has no title.
There are better ones out there at reasonable prices.
What smog equipment was in use in 69? Cat, smog pump? There wasn’t much then. Though it was around the time cat system was mandated in 68 I think.
Ever since I’ve seen Adam Carolla drive one. I like the looks of it. Though I’m a tall guy and most likely these was build for small Japanese ppl.
Japanese MGB, only this had a frame. As a former MGB owner, I reluctantly have to say, Datsun made a better one. Good price on this, some go for 5 figures. Be a great way to get into one here.
That’s what I was thinking. It’s a great solid foundation from look of it to put your own stamp on it.
I have owned and raced Datsun roadsters along with their British counterparts Triumph, Sunbeam and Austin Healey. The Datsun was so much more car in performance and comfort, both street and track. The 2000 was a 5 speed with 135HP stock off the showroom floor and with a couple of dealer available bolt on performance parts was boosted to 150HP. Triumphs and MGBs were anemic in comparison. The tin worm can be voracious on these cars no matter the climate they lived in. The fenders are double walled at the lip and drainage from the rocker panels and structure inside the kick panels was not good. Look very carefully no matter how nice the exterior looks.
Good find. These are great little roadsters. The 2000 variety has a little more power than the 1600 and you can squeeze a little extra out of it with carbs and a cam. $3,500 is a reasonable price for a rust free example for someone who doesn’t need to ship it across the US, and the seller is taking offers. You’ll pretty easily be $15k into this for a mechanical resto with full interior, top, body work and paint.
Comments are right on. These are appreciating, especially the 2000 model, so by the time it’s restored the values will be even higher.
Agree that the solid body, free engine, and originality are very big plusses. I don’t think these big roadsters were messed with as much as so many 240Zs were, and this one is pretty original.
The downside is that a lot of the interior has plastic components that have perished with age in the California sun as Jeff has said, and not as many plastic parts have been reproduced for these as for the Z cars. The dash will cost over $1K to redo properly, minimum, but there are shops that specialize in that kind of work. Quarter/rocker repairs and then paint will probably cost $8 to $10K for a good job, but that will be worth it, certainly in the future if not right now.
Good to see these Roadsters getting recognized as worth restoring.
looks pretty solid. Ironworms gottem all here in Northeast. Hope someone could bring this one back.
Good luck to the new owner!
Sweet looking little car! I can’t remember seeing them, but I am old! I would love to see one that has been completed as original!
I remember riding in one while in the service I was very impressed. A 300 mile tip was a breeze. This one I wouldn’t give a dime for. The price is close to original purchase new and there’s way too much work to be done driving cost far above near future values. Not a deal for me.
Values of some classics have gone up x20 fold versus new costs since1969.
Maybe this is a better deal?: https://m.classic-trader.com/uk/cars/listing/datsun/fairlady/fairlady-1600/1966/134341
I still like the good foundations of a project this offers though. Maybe another parts car would help this one along.
Desirable. A must have.