This 1967 Datsun 2000 Roadster is an early production example that needs restoring. It is a numbers-matching classic with no rust issues for the buyer to tackle. The seller is an enthusiast who had planned on returning the vehicle to its former glory, but he admits that he is unlikely to get to it. As much as it breaks his heart, he has chosen to sell the car that has been on the back-burner for 27-years. His loss could be your gain because the little Datsun is located in Gloucester Point, Virginia, and has been listed for sale here on eBay. Strong interest has pushed the bidding to $12,601. The reserve has been met, so a new home is beckoning for this Japanese classic. A big thank you has to go out to Barn Finder, My Son’s Dad, for referring this beauty to us.

Like so many enthusiasts, the Datsun’s owner finds himself in a situation where he has too many projects and too little time. He has commenced work on the car, and a lot of the critical work is the stuff that you can’t see. The body has been off the frame, and some minor frame issues have been repaired. The face of the frame where it meets the body has received a coat of rust-preventative paint, and all of the mounts have been replaced. Preparation work was commenced on the body, but there was no rust here that required attention. The panel preparation will need to be finished, and a fresh coat of Off-White paint can then be applied. The external trim and chrome will need attention because some items will require a trip to the platers. The soft-top looks acceptable, but a replacement will need to be fitted if the car is to be presented at its best. However, these are easy to find for around $350, so that will not break the bank. This is an early production example of the 2000, with the VIN indicating that it was the 112th vehicle produced. It would be interesting to know how many earlier examples have survived over the past 54-years because there is a chance that this could be one of the oldest 2000 Roadster in existence today.

The Datsun is a numbers-matching classic and features its original 1,983cc U20 OHC 4-cylinder engine. This is bolted to a 5-speed manual transmission. Power output would be a respectable 135hp, which is enough to propel the 2,050lb Roadster through the ¼ mile in a neat 17 seconds. The Datsun doesn’t currently run, and the owner has not attempted to coax it into life. However, he does say that the engine turns freely and that it does have compression. He has removed the valve cover and says that everything appears to be in good health. The wiring harness has been removed from the vehicle, but it is present and included in the sale. Also included is a shiny NOS exhaust system.

Opening the doors reveals an interior that would be classed as serviceable but would need to be completely restored to do this car justice. This isn’t a massive drama because trim kits are readily available and pretty affordable. A full kit will cost around $1,600, but a replacement for the badly cracked pad will add another $340 to the total. That should see the interior shining like a new penny and would be money well spent in this case.

It’s easy to see why the bidding on this 1967 Datsun 2000 Roadster has been so spirited. It is a car that would seem to represent a straightforward restoration proposition, and when complete, it would be an attractive and desirable classic. It is possible to find some reasonable examples for under $20,000, although pristine numbers-matching cars can easily fetch twice that figure. This one has the potential to be that good, and all it needs is the right person to see it through to fruition. It has been waiting for 27-years, and it deserves to be returned to the road looking as good as the day that it rolled off the production line. Are you the person to achieve that goal?