Taking over someone’s unfinished project can sometimes make the new owner seem like a glutton for punishment (ask me how I know). But in the case of this 1966 Datsun 1600 roadster, the project is laid bare in such a way that few questions remain. And the seller’s promise that a treasure trove of parts will come with the Datsun may put your mind at ease that any parts hunting will be minimal. Find the roadster here on eBay with bidding barely over $1K and located in Schererville, Indiana.
As seen in the top photo, a hardtop is included. The seller contends he tore the car down to restore the body and frame but other projects now stand in the way of completion. The body is now separated from the frame, and the seller doesn’t elaborate as to how far he got with the restoration. The frame appears to have some fresh weld marks on it, while the floors are obviously still in need of some help as seen here. The dashboard and instrument binnacle looks quite nice, and the seller seems to indicate all removed parts are included – but does that include the carpet and all other trim?
While the car is originally 1600 spec, that motor and transmission will need a full rebuild. The seller is including a 2000 cc motor and transmission in good working order, which gives the next owner plenty of options. Assuming the 1600 mill is numbers-matching, this is an ideal way to preserve provenance while also giving the Datsun a nice, OEM+ upgrade in the performance department. The seller notes that several random parts are included from previous owners, but makes no reference to what those bits are. Hopefully, a set of OEM wheels and decent tires are among them.
The photos show the Datsun in different phases of assembly, and this lone shot of the body with the fenders and hood attached seems to indicate it’s not a rust bucket. This short window (or low windshield, depending on your take) example could be a cheap way into Datsun 1600/2000 ownership, but more details on why the chassis and body needed to be taken this far down for repair is needed. The bidding action is low enough, however, that any risk seems minimal at best.
Tooooo badddd—-for me.
If the stars were aligned differently I would bid to win this.But I just can’t do it right now, due to an early Z car resto I’m in the middle of. If I did win it I know that hundreds of Z parts would get all mixed up with the hundreds of pre-disassembled Roadster parts that come with this car…and that’s the least of the problems.
Anyway….. This looks like the perfect project for someone who likes affordable early Japanese roadsters. The body looks way better than I was expecting when I first looked at this BF entry. Little rust, mostly in the floors and fender lips I think, with the rest of the body looking good at first glance.
You already know the body needs paint from the bare metal and that the engine(s) need rebuilding, so the big question is the state of the frame. I would want to know more about that.
Even still, it looks like a viable project, for maybe not much money. And with the extra 2000 engine / transmission / driveshaft, you have the perfect setup for an original build or a hot rod build.
It would be nice if a BF reader bought thus, stored it for me until I’m ready for it, and then sold it to me for what he paid. Anyone….?
Just kidding. If this stays reasonable it will be a great chance for someone who always wanted an original Roadster, or a hot rod Roadster, but couldn’t make up his mind right away.
Another great find and writeup Jeff. Keep them coming.
An 1/1 scale model kit….