Many people would love to own a classic convertible, but the thought of living with a highly-strung vehicle turns them off the whole idea. This 1968 Datsun Sports 1600 Roadster would seem to offer a tempting compromise. It has received a drivetrain upgrade, and these changes could potentially make it a viable daily driver. Located in Lake Havasu City, Arizona, you will find the Roadster listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding has made its way to $9,600, but the reserve hasn’t been met.
If you’re going to tackle a classic project build, commencing the process with a rust-free car that has spent its life in California should provide a solid foundation. That is what the owner chose to do here, and it is the buyer who will reap the benefits. This has been a nut-and-bolt restoration, and that has helped the owner ensure that there is not a spot of rust anywhere. The paint is a metallic gray that is a Toyota color. It shines beautifully, but it does have a few chips and marks. The owner includes some additional paint in the sale so that the buyer can address these problems. The panels are laser straight, and it appears that the Datsun sports a new Black soft-top. The chrome and glass are in excellent order, while the 15″ XXR Black Chrome wheels add a touch of menace to the Roadster’s appearance.
It seems that the owner was approaching this build as a total package, and the interior wasn’t spared from his attention. He has replaced all of the interior trim, and the combination of black vinyl and herringbone cloth have the right period appearance. There’s not much to fault here and nothing that will require the buyer’s attention. The leather-wrapped wheel is a sensible addition that would make driving duties more comfortable. The console has been modified to accommodate the slightly relocated shifter, and the owner has upgraded the gauge cluster to cope with the more modern drivetrain. Otherwise, the interior manages to retain all of the period charm that it would have possessed when the car rolled off the showroom floor.
I know that you’ve been waiting patiently, so now is the time that I can reveal what makes this Datsun such a tempting little car. When it was new, its engine bay would have housed a 1,596cc 4-cylinder engine that produced around 96hp. Those ponies would have been fed to the rear wheels via a 4-speed manual transmission. Performance figures were not that bad for a car of this age, with the ¼-mile dash taking 18.5 seconds. That’s respectable, but more than 3-seconds slower than the time achieved by a Mazda MX-5 at the turn of this century. So, what to do about that? The owner decided to ditch the original motor and transmission. In their place, he has slotted an SR20DE engine and a 5-speed manual transmission out of a Nissan S14. The new motor brings twin overhead cams, 16 valves, and fuel injection. Forget 96hp because this one should be producing at least 158hp. Depending on the state of tune and the type of ECU being used, that figure could be significantly higher. Even if it isn’t, there’s a fair chance that you’re going to notice a 64% increase in engine power in any classic car. If you lined up this little Datsun beside the MX-5 that I mentioned, the story should be very different. With more engine power and an overall weight that is lighter by around 400lbs, the Datsun should blow the Mazda into the weeds. The engine bay presentation is first-rate, and the owner has tackled this as a total package. He has upgraded the brakes using Volvo calipers, while the shocks are KYB on all corners. The springs are new, and the 15″ wheels and tires should help the Roadster handle and stop. The Datsun runs and drives well, and the owner says that he would not hesitate to drive it anywhere.
This 1968 Datsun Roadster is an interesting restomod, and it is probably not the first car that most people would think of when choosing a project to tackle. However, when you consider it carefully, they are almost the ideal candidate. Peppy little Japanese 4-cylinder engines are easy and cheap to buy, and parts for them are readily available. When choosing a car like this Datsun, a builder will be starting with a relatively light vehicle. That means that even the most modest power increase has the potential to have a profound impact on vehicle performance. That is food for thought for anyone who is pondering their next classic. If you’re that person, maybe this one has given you a potential path to follow. Alternatively, you could forget the build, buy this one, and hit the road immediately for plenty of top-down fun. With the performance that is on offer, it is guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
Very tastefully done! Exactly as I would see a JDM restomod. Car has to be a blast to drive. I would think the owner is the type to enjoys putting something like this together over ownership. Otherwise why would you sell?
Likely not JDM as the steering wheel is on the left. I wonder where it originated, of if it was originally was right hand drive and converted (very well) at some point.
The motor is more likely JDM so would qualify as a JDM swap/build. The import scene is white hot and the interest in bidder activity reflects this. The XXR’s are an ebay staple. I would want Watanabes in their place instead. Otherwise a nice clean build and what you would want. Amazing it is for sale.
This really looks like fun. Only thing it needs is some lower aspect ratio tires to handle the power. Love that the small details were finished up right.
That is a very tidy looking piece of machinery.
I like it.
What a great looking little car.
As I was reading along I was hoping that the swap would be revealed as an AP1 S2000 drivetrain but alas, my dreams were shattered.
Call me crazy but wouldn’t that make for a seriously fun little hot-rod? I own a low mile first year S2K and still think that it would be a really cool build.
No side marker lights would normally indicate it’s a 68, but it has 1970 front turn signals and no reflector above the tail lights which would indicate 1970 as well. Also a grill from a 2000 roadster. Wonder if it has a VIN from a 1968? Very nice build though I’d switch out that steering wheel and change the wheels/tires immediately.
Really, I’d love to know where these steering wheels keep coming from – they are terrible and seem to everywhere!
I remember these steering wheels at AutoZone in the late 90’s. This one
If I had the coin this would be on a truck heading to the mountains West Virginia.
That’s Okay!
As long as you didn’t put a Chevrolet V8 in a Nissan Sports 1600, it is all good!
Bid to $16,700 but RNM!
I really wonder what the reserve was…..