At the time of its introduction in 1959, Datsun’s Sports series was the first Japanese-manufactured roadster model, as the only other roadsters offered at the time came from European brands such as Alfa Romeo, Fiat, MG, and Triumph. Though other Japanese-based manufacturers such as Honda and Toyota also introduced roadster models during the 1960s, none of these Japanese roadsters sold particularly well. This 1969 Datsun 1600 that Barn Finds reader Jim J. found here on craigslist is a later example of the company’s roadster, and it only needs a few cosmetic items to become a fun and unique weekend cruiser.
This Datsun is available in Dover, Florida with a clean title. There isn’t a ton of information about its history, but everything seems complete and the seller does note that it runs and drives well.
From the photos, it does not seem that this roadster has any rust. While this may not be a Concours example, it should make a fun driver, especially once the new owner addresses the convertible top that needs replacement.
Because of the worn top, the next owner should repaint the rollbar and have the seats either replaced or reupholstered. However, the rest of the interior is in good shape, and the seller adds that all of the gauges and other electronic functions work well.
Under the hood, you’ll find a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine, which pairs to a 4-speed manual transmission to drive the rear wheels. Though the advertisement lists two different mileage figures, it appears the odometer reads 79,971 miles. Additionally, this Datsun benefits from a handful of recent maintenance items, including a new brake master cylinder, new fuel lines, a new battery, new tires, and a “new clutch cylinder,” though the seller does not specify if it was the master cylinder, slave cylinder, or both.
There are two different prices in the advertisement, but it appears that the seller dropped their price from $10,500 or best offer to $8,500. Would you purchase this retro roadster and fix up some of its minor issues?
These are nice cars and they were well built. Prone to rust but if you get a good one they are simple enough to rust proof the inner sheet metal etc. I always thought the Datsuns drove a lot better than the MGBs, and they made great race cars.
Being a Auto Tech that i am and actually worked on Datsuns only AKA Datsun 240 260 280 280z cause i worked formy father in law who was rom England and owned Redondoe Beach Zworld auto repair So back then in the 80’s i had a customer that i serviced his Roadster it a red one and they do drive acceptunally well and this one advertised is definitly worth the price of 8500.00 i know these are not as good as horse power like the newer model Roadster 2000 they came out with later but if its all original then yo might just have a jewel in the making sort of speak just like the 1969 Datson LeBrea 510 they raced in the Lamaans race back in the day they have become a collectors but only the 2dr and the 1969 t0 1970 models.
In 1967 My dad bought a 1600 Roadster right off the showroom floor. $2,200.00. It was a bargain and I certainly miss it. Maintenance wise it was a dream, performance wise that little car could run circles around MG’s, Triumphs, and the Austin Healey crowd. It could also match up quite well against my friend’s 1974 Jensen Healy. While they all wrestled with Lucas Electrical problems and temperamental S.U. Carbs, I was on the road loving the 1600’s performance and economy. My 1600 met it’s demise when my mother backed her 1975 Lincoln Continental into it, while in the garage. Parking end on she virtually crunched it like a Dixie Cup against the concrete back wall of the garage.
I bought one of the earliest versions available in San Bernardino in 1500 form (about ’65, I think). The fit and finish was abominable; the rain poured in, the lower end bearings wore out before 10k miles, and it carried the name, Fairlady. The improvements that were made with the 1600 were many and, I am sure, welcome, especially the 1600 moniker.
There’s a pretty clear rust spot under the paint in the left front quarter just forward of the rocker. Looks like a good 2×3 inches. Probably a bit in the rear quarter panel as well.
Some guy was selling these from a gravel corner lot in Anchorage, AK, and our Alaska SCC president, Austrian guy (and import dealer) named Rudy, told us he was going to check this POS out and give us his report at the meeting that evening. Well, he came in looking a bit green in the face, and sat down shaking his head. “The MGB is toast!” he said, or words to that effect. “I don’t see HOW they can sell that for just $2500! It starts right up from cold, runs really strong, drives and handles as well as anything I sell, and at maybe half the price.”
That was not quite our first glimpse of the future – some of us had ridded a Honda or two – but while it took a while to happen, the Port of Anchorage was bringing in plenty of Datsuns and Toyotas for a long time after this.
My Uncle used to have a Datsun Dealership in his service station on noth east corner of Boniface and Debarr. Wish I was around back in those days, loved to have one of these now.
But is it numbers matching??? That always seems so important here.