Why the Datsun 1600 and 2000 Roadsters were such landmark Japanese sports cars.

In the late ‘60s, the most common small convertible sports car was probably the British-made MGB roadster. But there was a Japanese alternative from the land of the Rising Sun that offered up crisp styling, tight handling and a rorty inline-4 cylinder: the Datsun Roadster.
Initially the 1500 Roadster came to the U.S. with an 85-horsepower four-cylinder, which in 1966 was enlarged to a 1600-cc. By the middle of 1967 Datsun had added a 135-hp, 1,998-cc model as well. Even more rare is the version that came with high performance Solex carburetors and 150-horsepower, the latter an impressive figure its day.
In this video Datsun enthusiast John Lorio talks about his 1600 Roadster and his Solex-equipped 2000 Roadster.
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[@craigstechman6383]

I learned to drive in a '68 Datsun Roadster, Red with Black Interior my mom bought for $800. It was a blast and started my love for small sports cars, TR3, TR6, MGA, I don't care where they are made, I love them all. Usually carried a tool box in the trunk!

[@donwest5387]

of course you carried tools; english sports cars

[@deankay4434]

I enjoyed watching and listening to your enthusiasm. As a Japanese motor tech, I fell into a job at the Datsun dealership. I was able to sync the solex carbs and re-torque the head bolt cold just on at a time. Once done then you adjust valve lash with exhaust 0.12” and intake at 0.08”. That was the key. Tach is cable driven off the distributor base and needs lubed. The vehicle has a welded box frame for a convertible was unheard of. MG’s & MGB’s would buckle on the hoist. You could not open the doors when off the ground. The 1600 & 2000 had “Porsche” type syncro’s that were split and pinched from the side. Dual piston front brakes worked great as the rear is steel drums with cast aluminum fins around. I have an original Datsun Racing Catalog has a factory roll bar, I have mine! Gauges use glass and easy to clean. The interior has a lot of stainless but painted gray due to DOT standards for reflection. Diff is aluminum so check it for back-lash before hitting it hard. I was one of three techs at a dealership and become an ASE master when test were offered. I see many incorrect data online selling these vehicles. This “Fairlady” is the inspiration for the “Z” car series. Unleaded fuel was not used until July of 1978 for the 79 model as marked on the gas gauge and cap. The 1976 “Z” was the best for many reasons. The can was aggressive, compression was higher and the starter was “NOT” gear reduction. It would hit 135 MPH on the highway. Only the “20 anniversary” model came with a turbo and hit that speed. Just make sure the waist gate has powered graphite to lube it. Otherwise, it can be a run-A-way unless you turn the key to off. I know! Retired.

[@gregburrows4192]

My '67 2000 was my third car, and I've had it for over 36 years. It now has Jenvey Heritage fuel injection, crank fired ignition, ported head, high compression, an Isky cam, awesome Bilstein shocks, upgraded brakes, competition suspension and a Mazda RX7 limited slip differential. It's one of my best friends and an exciting and very direct driving experience. Nothing beats a convertible in the Mountains of the PNW. EVERY time I drive it, someone smiles, gives a thumbs up, or comes over to tell me of their own Datsun memories. There's just something about this car that makes people happy, and it continues to put smiles on my face year after year.

[@Retromod]

Your example sounds impressive!

[@gregburrows4192]

@@Retromod Thank You! We (my wife and I) love this car and drive the daylights out of it!

[@antonywardle]

lovely little car. I really should just commit to restoring my one!

[@shankarbalan3813]

Beautiful little cars. Perfectly in the spirit of the 1960’s Triumph Spitfires and Heralds!

[@petermayne7113]

Thoroughly enjoyed this video, good job. Time for a binge.:)

[@sandiawebdesign]

Feel like I'm hitting the lottery. These are great films coming out from you, Zach. I love the new format. The garage is a great consistent interview location. The car and on-road shot are beautiful as ever.

[@Retromod]

Thanks Topher!

[@OsbornTramain]

My Dad had one of these new and as a kid, I always thought the Tail end looked like a 1958 DeSoto! So glad to hear someone say the same thing! It's not just me! I see it and so do others! I'm validated now!

[@mayneguitar]

Awesome video, and one of my favorite vintage sports cars!

[@sprisomotorsports]

Very nice video-- well done!

[@doriangray2347]

this was glorious thank you

[@joking6052]

I have a 1970, built in 1969, that is in need of a good home. All original and runs pretty good.

[@gwolf7716]

I’ve got a ‘pre67’ 1600 that hasn’t been tagged since 1980 from my late father’s sister. I sincerely can’t wait to do Daisy justice.

[@craigcarpenter6541]

Great review. My father had a 67.5 2000 roadster for several year. It was a fun and tough car. For the era, they were fairly fast too.

[@PanteraJim]

Another great video....really enjoyed it!

[@Retromod]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@bamuz]

Just bought an 11,000 mile 1600’roadster very excited to get into it

[@donziperk]

Bought a 68 1600 in 1976. I have been working on these car ever since both professionally and a for friends ever since. Currently have a 66 1600 and a 70 2000 scheduled in as well as building a 2000 Solex engine for a numbers matching 68. Also an engine and install for a 64 pickup and an engine for a 58 sedan. Once vintage Datsuns are in your blood theres no getting it out.

[@jameshuban6515]

My brother had a 67' 1600. It was (is) silver with a black racing stripe and Datsun stencil running between the wheels, just above the bottom door seam. It also had a luggage rack on the trunk lid. That car was great! It was a blast to drive! It fell into disrepair as his wife didn't like it. The car is still here while unfortunately he is gone. I would love to rescue it but I've been told it is a basket case. Anyone who has one might want to consider that stripe. It lowered the profile and in my opinion made that car.

[@eugeni6756]

...so nice video...special beautiful toys cars...and you are a good person...you touch my heart...thank you...!!!...

[@sickvic3909]

Always wondered where the 2000 engine in my 63 spl310 I bought in the early 70's came from. Could have been out of a 67. Had a tiny sideways seat in the back. 3 of us went to florida with it. Never broke traction on a corner. NEVER. wish I still had it.

[@johnclerk1195]

Seemed like I was replacing a speedometer gear in my '69 2000 every month or so. Finally quit caring and drove it like it was intended -- 🤘🤘😂😂

[@ivanscountrymusicandcars2357]

I own a Datsun 2000. I have never heard of a MG.

[@djangounhinged7634]

All of our SR311's in Australia had the Solex's - though mine were pretty well destroyed by a previous owner and were held together by gasket-goo around the accelerator pumps. Had to swap those out for a pair of 45DCOE Webers. Cam chain tensioners were an common issue - and back in the 80's with no internet - getting parts was a slow, slow process. And when you totally blow the U20 motor with a tensioner failure - the good news is that the H20 from the Nissan Urvan will drop straight in :) Yet another car I wish I still had today :)

[@josephhertzberg2734]

Good lord, I should never have sold mine!!!!

[@freejrs]

Great stuff. Really glad I found the channel. Just turn off auto focus when appropriate. 👍

[@energyasylum997]

Back in 2000 or 2001 I found a red with black Datsun roadster for sale for a few grand. It took a while to sell, so it went for $800 or $900 tops!! I was finishing high school and recently bought a’67 Chevelle for $800 (runner) and a ‘70 Mustang Mach 1 fastback for $400 (project). The main reason why I didn’t buy the Datsun was because I was trying to buy an Austin Harley 100-6 with a Chevy 400 small block V8 for $4,000. Though, I didnt end up buying the Healey neither. Anyways, pleasant motoring

[@jaimetorres9050]

I have two very rough 66 & 67 roadsters. It’s a love hate relationship,parts are hard to find but we’re restoring them slowly. :)

[@peterhulse1064]

I had a 1969 2000 back in the 70s. Wonderful to drive but hard to keep running.

[@hjburroughs983]

We have the red and blue combo!

[@JAKEWJONES]

Great video. I own the lowest VIN# 66' SPL311 in existence. SPL311-00010 Factory RED.

[@markdraper3469]

In '69 Mom had a friend who was willing to teach me how to drive stick in his brand new yellow/black 2000. I'm sure when I first tried starting from an uphill in Hermosa Beach, we were both anxious but for different reasons. Not sure that if I had one of those today, I'd let a 16 year-old do more than look.

[@CT-zc6ne]

I have original 1500 63 model. Greetings from finland. It's modified all orinal only by file. Now 198hp sae on Dyno.

[@CT-zc6ne]

Have original dual su.

[@robertamoyaw1979]

Fairlady ALL the Way!!!!🤠

[@captainez]

I'm a big fan of 1600 Fairlady my younger a fan of the 2000 got mine in 1975 Only have one fault for the car Faster than my Italian job with double overhead cams but ran too hot to handle, Looked good with a opera wnidowed fiberglass top

[@AW_DIY_garage]

Hey dude this is your first video I have seen. I loved it. Great amount of B role, good audio over with the exhaust. The only critique I have is the focus was killing me in the interview portion. I am looking forward to seeing more.

[@Retromod]

Thanks, and I agree about the focus. Right now I'm using a Canon M50. The facial recognition is good, but not perfect. I'll be upgrading to Sony cameras at some point.

[@AW_DIY_garage]

@@Retromod I am over here shooting all my videos with a Gopro7 black infinite focus which is nice for a lot of things, but being able to pull focus is really nicr

[@kennethsanders7983]

Looking for some parts for my 1969 Datsun 2000 Roadster. Where is a good place to shop?

[@edgarmagana85]

Can you get me in touch with this person. I live in New Mexico and have some Datsun fairlady questions. Please and thank you.

[@donwest5387]

my buddy built a supercharged 2L

[@motorosso3349]

While the story about the Datsuns was interesting, I missed the Zach driving perspective.

[@Retromod]

I'll still be doing driving reviews, these are just another type of video.

[@donwest5387]

why are they driving on the shoulder of the road?

[@larry_ellison]

If I know where one of these is are there any builders that know what to do with it? Asking for a friend. Literally

[@larry_ellison]

Not modded. Yes rust

[@larry_ellison]

Car# spl311-19983

[@donwest5387]

"Sports Imports"; B.C., Canada. parts and restoration