Fairlady Import: 1969 Datsun 2000
In the late 1960s, Datsun was still a relative newcomer in the U.S., having become Nissan’s brand of choice in 1960. That included the Fairlady Z two-seat roadster that was badged as the Datsun 1500/1600/2000 based on the year and engine displacement. This example is a 2000 model from 1969 and is a project that the seller says will run with a bit of effort. From an apparent backyard in Gilroy, California, this little convertible is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $5,500.
The 1500 iteration of these cars were produced between 1963-65, followed by the 1600 from 1965-70, and the 2000 during 1967-70. The latter were mostly exported and had a 2.0-liter engine with a 5-speed manual transmission. It was a SOHC motor (single overhead camshaft) that produced 135 hp that could be upgraded to 150 with an optional competition package that included twin carburetors. That appears to be the set-up in the seller’s car. About 6,000 of the 1969 2000s were assembled and are thought by many to be a dry run for the upcoming 240Z coupe.
We surmise the seller’s car has been parked for some time and possibly with the top at least partially down considering the condition of the interior. It looks like a well-used car with the claimed mileage at 99,000, although that could be a placeholder figure. The blue paint has seen better days and there is rust in a few places, including one of the front fenders. The seller says the car needs a new battery, but whether it will start with a bit of tinkering may be more a matter of some elbow grease than just good luck. Few of these sports cars are still around, so who’s up to add one more runner back into the population?
Comments
These are great cars when running and looking good. This is not a great car and it’s over priced.
This is a car that will need a lot of money put into it. It is a project only for someone who has a lot of experience restoring these Datsuns. Having said this, the 2000 is indeed the most desirable of the Fairlady family, given its rarity and improved performance. It would be nice to see it back on the road. Is that red sibling in the picture a parts car that comes with the deal?…
All 1600s and 2000s (and most 1500s) came with twin carbs. The pics show twin SUs, which are not the Solex carbs from the 150hp package. These were not called “Fairlady Z” – just Fairlady. The prices on these have gone way up, which I suppose is a good thing, except I sold my last one in 2005, long before their price appreciation.
Those are Hitachi carbs not the Solex. Hitachi were licensed SU type carbs. The Solex look more like a Weber DCOE.
Wasn’t there another one of these on bf a short time ago in Northern California? I think Weaverville.
Looks better than the red one listed recently. I would say save this one. California car, fairly complete and getting more difficult to find…..I would definitely love a project like this.
now this is the one to have (over the 16hundred, etc) earlier depicted on these pages…now (’68) a 2000cc OH. This guy updated the carbs – looks like DCOE 40s?no, on 2nd look those R orig SU (& hatachi?). I say: “4 Keihins !”