The Datsun Sports (aka Fairlady in Japan) was a series of 2-seat roadsters built by Nissan in the 1960s (and briefly into 1970). They would precede the 240/260/280 Z cars that would be hugely successful the following decade. The seller’s father has four of the sports cars, 1600 and 2000 editions from the days when he had racing in his blood. Located in Longview, Washington, these are project cars in various stages and are available here on Facebook Marketplace for $20,000 as a package deal. Thanks for the lead on these cool cars, T.J.!
Production of the Fairlady began in late 1959 and would continue into early 1970. Styling would be revised along the way as would the size of the engine displacement, beginning with 1000-cc and working up to 2000-cc by the end of the Sixties. The car was introduced to the U.S. market in 1963 in 1500-cc form as Nissan was beginning to get an American foothold. The cars would give the European imports a run for their money, in part because they became thought of as being more dependable.
The seller’s father was a fan of these little autos and would race them back in the day. But he’s older now and the time to restore these Datsuns has come and gone. They’re offered as a package deal and we’re told that nothing here will be parted out. What you see here are two 1600-cc editions, one from 1968 and the other from 1969. In addition, the more powerful 2000s are also here as a pair, built respectively in 1969 and 1970.
The condition and completeness of these cars are in the eye of the beholder. There is no mention if everything needed to get them going again is there or how much work you’ll be looking at. Would you try to get all four going again or make one good 1600 and one good 2000 out of the quartet? The result is you’re looking at $5,000 apiece for these machines, cars that when brought back to perfection could be $50-60,000 automobiles.
I think it’s a great deal if you have the passion and space. The 2000 model is the one to restore. I would probably make one out of the 4. Then assemble the remaining 3 as complete as possible, maybe make them runners and then sell the rest. Definitely more marketable assembled.
I’ll go the opposite direction. This pile o parts is overpriced by $10K. Running driving examples come up every now and then under $10K. For having been owned by a former “racer” where’s the double Mikuni setup (which would be a factory homologation performance kit) or any other “racing” parts?
These cars have never really taken off in value like their next gen cousin the 240Z. Lots of work. Lots of cash outlay. Little upside. So back to my original comment – asking is about twice what I think a pile o parts is worth.
Next year they will be 20k each if this stupid market keeps going.
My neighbor has one of these, beautifully restored and red. He never drives it because it runs like crap. Purrs along pretty good then every few seconds backfires through the intake. Maybe an intake valve; I dunno, but I don’t think he’s ever going to fix it.
I agree with TR, race cars with license plates, didn’t see any race seats, one rollbar , anyhow these had a nice following a few years ago, driver’s are out there reasonable prices, might be a bounce back , price wise, in the future too much dinero for now.
that looks like fun. It would certainly finish my ‘career/hobby’ (soon in my 7th decade). Get this stuff together, pour it all into the last one, a 2000 w/6 Keihins? Keep for self. Just same ol, same ol all over again. Japanese steada Italian. Must B done quick as the buying demographic is phasing out…(like current owner).