Nicest One Left? 1969 Datsun Sports 2000
The Sports 2000 was another name for the Datsun Fairlady (as it was sold in Japan). It began as a roadster with a 1500cc engine, moved up to 1600cc, and then settled at 2000cc between 1968 and 1970. They were popular little cars and provided a foundation for the 240Z that would soon follow. This 1969 edition looks fabulous and may have been restored, though the seller does not use that term. Located near Portland, Oregon, this snappy sports car is available here on craigslist for $16,000.
Nissan came to the U.S. in 1958 and would sell its cars as Datsuns until the mid-1980s. Before the 240Z of the 1970s, the most memorable Datsun may have been the Sports series. The pinnacle of this range of small, but fast cars was the 2000 of which 14,450 were built, 6,000 in 1969 alone (we don’t know how many were exported to the U.S.). The 2.0-liter overhead camshaft engine was good for 135 hp with a 5-speed manual transmission. Twin carburetors were employed, and the braking was done via discs in the front, and drums in the back.
The seller must be a fan of these cars as another red one is seen in some of the photos. It’s said to be a great running vehicle that sports newer tires, exhaust, shocks, and brakes (so some investment has been made to be recovered). The odometer reading is 88,000 miles, yet in the photos, it looks more like 10% of that. Two front bumpers are provided, the “custom” one installed and the original that’s not.
We’re told the car is registered as “Special Interest” which must have a unique meaning in Oregon. Perhaps that is another way of saying it’s an antique. Overall, this looks like a great turnkey car that is probably worth the asking price if you’ve been looking for one that’s not a basket case.
Comments
This is a good looking car. The 2,0 ltr engine really moves these little cars and they are fun to drive.
The better built MGB…
(I’m a 40+ year owner of MGBs… I can say this)
SP plates in Oregon are issued if you sign a form that it won’t be used for general transportation but rather will use it primarily for car shows and events. For cars newer than 1975 it is desirable as it exempts them from DEQ (emissions checks) that cars in the greater Portland and Medford areas are subject to. It is permanent registration – it never expires.
Someone should snap this up quickly.
Kind of looks like the original upper radiator hose. My 67 1600 had an almost identical upper radiator hose when I purchased it in 1969 w/22K miles on it.
“Special Interest” registration in Oregon means a vehicle that is at least 25 years old and isn’t used for daily transportation. Use is limited to car shows, special events like parades and maintenance driving. People do it because it’s a permanent registration… pay once & you’re done. I’d say this car needs a lot of “maintenance driving”. 😉
I bought a 1969 2000 model at auction in 1984. It had a removable hard top and came with a convertible top. This car had a roll bar and a 5 speed racing transmission. But sad to say I had no where to store it for the winter and I was just a poor ol Kentucky boy so I sold it to a guy who had a Datsun 1600. Wish I could have kept it but that’s life.
Miss mine too!*
I forgot to mention the horsepower on the motor it was rated at 150 according to the paper work I received with the car.
I love Z cars, having owned 3 and daily driving one (370). I couldn’t fit into a miata RF that I so desperately wanted, and I doubt I’d ever fit into this little Z. Hope the new owner who’s under 5’9″ can enjoy it.
I bought a 69 1/2 SRL 2000 in 1983, gave it to my brother, he still has it, it looks exactly like this one as to color combo……glad these are finally getting some respect pricewise. A fun little car that weighs almost nothing at 2,000 ibs with 135 hp and a nice 5 speed