Sporty Survivor: 1969 Datsun 2000 Roadster
The Datsun Sports/Fairlady was a series of sports cars produced by Nissan in the 1960s. When they were imported to the U.S., they were known the 1500, 1600 and finally 2000 in recognition of the car’s engine displacement. The 2000 was the biggest of the series and built between 1967 and 1970. This 1969 edition, located in Yakima, Washington, is described as a shop find. It’s an original, unrestored, running car that had a color change some 40 years ago. We’re told its roadworthy and ready for a trip and is available here on craigslist for $14,900. David R gets a nod for sending this tip our way!
The Sports/Fairlady models are thought of as the predecessors to the successful Z-cars of the 1970s. They were also Nissan’s answer to the European sports cars made by MG, Triumph, Fiat and Alfa Romeo. The earliest of these Datsun roadsters were the S211 from 1959-61 and the SP311 and SR311 lines through 1970 (including what we know as the Datsun 1600). Paul Newman is said to have started his racing careers in one of these, which had a 2.0-liter SOHC engine with dual SU type side draft carburetors and a 5-speed manual transmission.
Other than a color change with new paint around 1980, this ’69 Datsun 2000 is said to be an original car. Red now, it was formerly white as you can tell by the walls of the engine compartment. While the body looks solid, we’re told that the paint has a few blemishes and bubbles, but nothing that would scare onlookers away. We’re not sure how long the seller has had the 2000, but it hasn’t been washed in seven years. This car comes with two tops: a white hardtop and a tan canvas one, with the latter said to be in like new condition.
The little speedster has 99,000 miles on it, so the car has provided its share of fun in the sun over time. It’s said to run really well, having been given a full tune-up and a rebuild of the carburetors. Everything else is “up to date,” whatever that means. The passenger compartment looks quite inviting, with its Sparco racing harness, neat bucket seats and one-of-a-kind mono steering wheel (as the seller puts it). There is a small crack in the dashboard, however.
Hagerty estimates the average resale value of these cars to be $14,000, so the seller is not overly optimistic. $7,200 is what one in Fair condition would go for, while a Concours garage queen can be more than $56,000. This looks like a solid little sports car that you could have a good time with and not have to move to the poorhouse in order to own.
Comments
I have been seeing these for 20K in this condition. If it checks out in person and the red paint isn’t hiding a bunch of sins it’s a good price. These have been coming up in value with the JDM movement. Good lines and the 2 liter engine probably provides good grunt which would make this a nice backroads cruiser. Drive it for a couple years before refinishing in its original color.
I can’t see why anyone would go with a Sparco racing harness unless they actually raced it, in which case I’d want to have a really thorough PPI done.
Exactly my thoughts, J.D. Love these roadsters, but a used racer would likely be worth considerably less in my book.
In that every ‘ricer’ would be considered a ‘racer’ (not hardly).
In any event, the safety belt closure hardware is neither race-standard lever-latch or latch-link or cam, more like standard automotive tongue and button latches.
Harnesses were installed to replace worn and difficult to adjust OEM belts. As the car is small and everything is in close quarters it seemed like a wise choice in a world of SUVs and distracted drivers. This car was owned by my then girlfriend, mid ’90s to late 00’s. Never raced, but I did autocross it once at a Datsun meet in Mt. Shasta, CA. Was then and probably still is a nice “driver quality” car. I’d be tempted if there was room in the garage.
150 HP which was a huge deal at the time and blew away all of the similarly-priced british and italian roadsters. The 2000 is the one to have. IF this is clean and rust-free, I dare say it’s a fantastic investment, and one that can be enjoyed regularly…with good parts availability and simple mechanicals.
150HP was when equipped with the Silex carbs not the Hitachi (SU clones) as this one has.
I thought Paul Newman started with the 510? I saw him race at Hallett once, in 1982 I think it was.
What a cool little roadster! I am surprised she is still available.
135 horsepower OHC engine and a five speed were pretty heady stuff in 69. You could even get a kit from the factory raising the HP to 150. At 2000 pounds, these were definitely the S2000 of their day.
Great find.
Saw Paul Newman race in the early 70s at Nelson ledges. he was driving a tan Datsun 510, totally un marked except for the initials PLN on the drivers door. He was operating out of whatever they call the smallest size motorhome built on a van chassis. Don’t recall ever seeing him in a roadster .
In 1968, PLN trained for his role in ‘Winning’ at the original Bondurant school in a Datsun 2000, then later went on to independently run a 510 in SCCA competition, then a 510 and 300ZX out of the Bob Sharp stable, then to IMSA Turbo ZX, then to podium co-drives at Daytona (class win, Tommy Kendall Mustang), Le Mans (second overall, Dick Barbour 935).
Ahhh, the “rest of the story” thanks.
Loved my 1969 Datsun 2000! Remember having a buddy with an Alpha “Graduate” at the time. The Datsun would blow the doors off the Alpha, either straight ahead or in a turn. One note of caution: if the timing chain goes so do the valves etc.; total rebuild. This car was a worthy warmup to the 240Z.
Pickle my butt and throw me in the sewer but I have never really liked these. They were not light and did have a tendency to rust out and when placed alongside a Morgan or a TR6 or an MGB, they just looked bulky and cumbersome. I’ve driven them and the handling left a lot to be desired.