1968 Datsun 1600 Sport Convertible

The Datsun Roadster was built from 1963 through 1970. In the Japanese home market, these vehicles were called the Fairlady. Though the legend states the Datsun 1600 Roadster was built as a copy of the MGB, but in actuality the Datsun model was launched several months prior to the MGB.

Over the 11 year production lifespan of the Datsun, over 40,000 examples were built by Nissan in Hiratsuka, Kanagawa, Japan.

For 1964, the Datsun 1600 Roadster were given several upgrades, many by Count Albrecht Goertz, and the new SP311 and SPL311 models were launched at the Tokyo Motor Show. The 1500cc engine was replaced with a more powerful 1600cc engine and top speed rose to 106 mph.

This Datsun 1600 SPL311 is finished in its original colors of Silver Grey Metallic (code #666) with red vinyl bucket seats. In 2013, the car was treated to a meticulous restoration, where the car was totally disassembled, the body stripped and repainted, and then finished to replicate the factory original presentation.

The car has traveled approximately 42,000 miles and only 1,000 since the completion of the restoration.

The car has won First in Class and Best in Show at the Datsun Region Meet at Watkins Glen and the Antique Automobile Club of America Senior Award at Hershey in 2013, after which it was requested for display at the AACA Museum.

The 1600cc 4-cylinder engine is fitted with Dual Hitachi carburetors and produces 96 horsepower. There is a five-speed manual transmission, disc brakes in the front, and drums in the rear.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2014