1967 Datsun 2000

Sport Convertible
Chassis number: SPL31113837

Datsun has roots in the automotive history that dates back to 1911. It was not until 1958 that the United States was given the opportunity to share in those roots. In their first year, only 84 examples were offered for sale in the US. In their second year, they introduced the SPL211 Fairlady. The car proved to be exactly what the market was searching for, and production rose to 1290 Datsun's.

The Fairlady was redesigned in 1963 and aligned to compete with the popular British Roadsters. In 1965, the name was changed to the 1600 and the engine was replaced with an updated 1582cc four-cylinder engine. Another round of modifications were completed part way through 1967. These changes included upgraded seats and visors, revised grille, improved braking system, and wider wheels and wheel flares. Under the bonnet was a 2-liter engine capable of producing 135 horsepower. A five-speed manual gearbox was mated to the engine and sent that power to the rear wheels. These vehicles are known as the Datsun 2000 and gave the marque many SCCA racing championships during the late 1960s and early 1970s.

This silver Datsun 1967.5 1600/2000 Roadster was offered for sale at the 2007 RM Auctions held in Amelia Island, Florida. It was offered without reserve and estimated to sell between $10,000 - $20,000. It is reported to be in excellent condition and a solid, reliable driver.

At auction, this was the first vehicle to cross the auction block. Bidding rose to $14,300 which was in the middle value for the estimated value.

by Dan Vaughan

Sport Convertible
Chassis number: SRL-311-0816

This Datsun 2000 Roadster SRL-311-10816 was purchased in 2005 as a project for the new owner's father, BRE engine builder Floyd Link. This was to be a 'special project' as the very first race engines built at BRE were for the Roadster. SRL-311-10816 was raced for several years with SCCA and SVRA in New England and the Southeast. A complete nut-and-bolt restoration was started. Since 1970 was the last year of Roadster production and since Floyd was part of the BREW crew attending the 1970 race, they decided to honor the winning D/Production Roadster drive by Jim Fitzgerald. Sadly, Floyd passed away in 2009 before the project was finished.

Sport Convertible

In the 1960s, Datsun would enter the United States market with a version of their popular Fairlady sports car. This two-seat roadster would become recognized as a fun and sporty alternative to the Honda S500 and the Toyota Sports 800 as well as the many offerings coming into the U.S.A. from England and Germany.

In 1963 Datsun launched the SPL3100, one of the first of the Datsun sports cars to offer left hand drive. It would also feature a unique sideways rear seat, suitable only for the smallest occupant. By 1965, the Datsun Roadster would enjoy a bit more recognition in the States due to extensive advertising in the automotive enthusiast magazines like Road & Track. They also offered improved performance with a new upgraded 1.6 liter engine. Additional improvements would be made in the upcoming years making the tiny sports car more competitive in an expanding market.

In late 1967, a new 1982 cc engine with a 5-speed manual transmission would be offered, which was virtually unheard of at the time. This particular example is considered a mid-year, making it one of the most desirable. Features include the earlier lighter body and rare optional Solex carburetors. Unencumbered by the forthcoming strict emissions standards, the 1967.5 models are sought after by collectors. It is believed that fewer than 1,000 of the SRL 2000 models were sold in the United States, and fewer than 100 are currently known to exist.

Sport Convertible
Chassis number: SLR300000305

This 1967.5 Datsun Roadster was sold through Dick Roberts (then President of Nissan Motorsports) to Gerry Mason Sr. with Gerry racing out of the Central Region with the SCCA. Gerry competed with the likes of Bob Sharp and Peter Brock (BRE) for the 1968 & 1969 Championship in D Production. Gerry qualified this car but did not compete at the SCCA Nationals in 1969 and 1970.

In 1970 Gerry sold the car to 'Augie' Auguest Englehardt. Augie competed with this car in the SCCA Steel Cities Region from 1970 to 1981 in D Production.

Augie quit racing in 1981 and this car languished for 10 years in Augie's barn until 1991. Augie sold the car to Bruce Konsugar in 1991 and Bruce converted this car back into a street car and painted the car red. Bruce drove this car on the street from 1994 to 2001.

In 2001 Bruce sold SRL #305 to Bob Davis who took advantage of the red paint scheme and not only restored this Roadster back to a race car but borrowed the famous Bob Sharp Livery and campaigned this car on the East Coast from 2003 to late 2004. Bob sold the car to its current owner - Ron Carter - in March of 2005, and this car now competes in small bore production vintage races with HSR West, HMSA, VARA and GRL.

- Datsun U20 1986cc inline 4-cylinder motor with dual Minkuni Sidedraft carburetors

- Nissan/Datsun Competition Gearbox with either a Medium or Ultra Close Overdrive Gearing

- Datsun live axle differential (H-190) with a Detroit locker with 4.38, 4.62, 4.88 or 5.13 gearset

- front springs and swaybar are Datsun Comp. parts with a 7/8-inch sold front bar and competition coil springs

- Rear leaf springs are OEM 1966 roadster springs with traction bars and a Panhard Rod

- Gauges are all Stewart Warner

- Fuel system includes a 10 gallon fuel safe fuel cell mounted inside the trunk

- All fuel, oil and brake lines are pumped with AN hardware throughout

- Brakes are the stock configuration with KFP Gold front pads and Green Stuff rear shoes

Called the Datsun Fairlady in the home market, the Datsun Sports was a sequence of roadsters that were produced by Nissan during the 1960s. The predecessor to the Z-car, the Fairlady line was an inexpensive alternative to the Triumph, Fiat, European MG and Alfa Romeo sports cars. The line started with the 1959 'S211' and continued through 1970 with the 'SP311' and 'SR311' line. SRL311 was the official model series identification for left-hand-drive 2000's.

The Datsun 2000, which was also called the Fairlady/Sports 2000 SR311/SRL311 was introduced in March 15th of 1967 and continued in production until April of 1970. Featuring a 5-speed manual transmission with an 89.9-inch wheelbase, the length measured 155.7 inches, had a width of 58.9 inches and a height of 52.2 inches. The 2000 used a 2.0 L U20 engine and featured a five-speed manual transmission. This was quite out of the ordinary for a production vehicle at the time. This 2-liter roadster came from an extensive line of Datsun roadsters.

Less than 2,000 first-year cars were produced and today continue to be a desirable purchase since they were free of emission and safety changes that occurred in 1968. The 2000 featured the new SOHC engine that produced 135 PS, 133 hp. Buyers could opt for a Competition package came with dual Mikuni/Solex carburetors and a special camshaft for 150 PS, 110 kW; 150 hp. None of these emission restrictions were in Australia so all of the 2.0 liter vehicles were fitted with the Competition package as standard.

Reputed as a bargain sports car, the Datsun 2000 was produced to help build the Datsun racing image up. With a lower price tag than any vehicle in its class, the 2000 won its class in C Production and D-Production, in SCCA racing on a consistent basis even after production was over. The Datsun 2000 was raced by John Morton, Bob Sharp and several others.

The Datsun 2000 was able to achieve 120 mph and redlined at precisely 7000 rpm and 140 mph in fourth gear with a 5-speed manual. The more popular Z series replaced the Datsun 2000. 1967 models featured a 'fiat dash' much like earlier models. Since '67 was the first and last year the 2000 wasn't required to meet any DOT or EPA standards the vehicle allowed for a factory option known as the Solex kit to be installed. With this kit the power was bumped up to 150 hp. Original Solex models are quite rare and sought after today. The upgrade consisted of dual Mikuni/Solex carbs, a Solex camshaft and a seven quart finned aluminum oil pan that assisted in the cooling.

The whole lineup was revamped for 1968 and received a new body that featured a taller integrated windshield with an integrated rear-view mirror, lifting door handles, a padded dashboard with non-toggle switches. New this year were engines fitted with all-new emissions controls, and the lesser 1600 continued alongside as a companion models until the end of production.

Sources:

http://www.nicoclub.com/archives/1967-datsun-roadster-article.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Datsun_Sports

by Jessican Donaldson

Introduced on March 15, 1967, the Datsun 2000 was a 2-liter roadster.

The Datsun Sports 2000 had an official model series identification of SRL311 for left hand drive cars SR311 for right hand drive cars. More commonly, the 'Sports' was dropped out of the vehicle description.

Called Fairlady in the home market, the Datsun Sports was a series of roadsters that were produced by Nissan during the 1960s. Following the Z-car in the Fairlady line, the Datsun 2000 was a cheaper alternative to the Triumph sports cars and European MG.

The SR311 used a 2.0 L U20 engine that offered a 5-speed manual transmission. The new SOHC engine had the ability to produce 135 hp.

Launched as a bargain sportscar, the vehicle was produced to build the Datsun image as a racing icon. Raced by John Morton, Paul Newman and others, the vehicle won its class in C Production and D-Production and in SCCA racing.

Beginning1959 was the 'S211', the line continued with the SP311 and SR311 line until 1970.

The original Datsun Sports model was the S211 in 1959, and utilized a 988 cc C-sesries straight-4 that was capable of producing 37 hp. A total of 20 models were constructed.

Introduced in 1960, the SPL212 was built in a larger volume with a total of 288 units produced until 1961. The vehicle came with a 1.2 E-series straight-4 engine that was able to produce 48 hp.

Drum brakes were used in the entirety of the vehicle, and the a-arm suspension with torsion bars was used in the front. A 4-speed manual transmission was specified and this was the first vehicle that bore the 'Fairlady' name.

Produced during 1961 and 1962, the SPL213 was very similar to the previous model the SPL212. The only main different being the dual-carburetor engine which now pumped out 60 hp. A total of 217 models were produced.

The original Datsun sports vehicle was the SP310 'Fairlady 1500' model produced 1963. A total of 15,000 2-liter roadsters were produced until 1970 when production ended. Nissan had a limited production of less than 1000 vehicles during its introductory model year which made the 1967 2000 a very desirable roadster model. The 2000 model also had the distinction of sharing the charm and vintage styling of the earlier low windshield and 'flat dash' roadsters.

As a factory option in the U.S., 1967 was the only year that a unique 150 hp competition kit with Solex carburetors was available.

'Original Solex' vehicles are considered to be very rare vehicles that were very much sought after. The 1967 Datsun 2000's were available in a range of seven colors, thunder black, beige gray, sora blue, off-white, Spanish red, yellow and gray. The Datsun 2000 was capable of reaching 120 mph. In 1968 a variety of significant changes were made to the Datsun 2000. The windshield height was raised two inches, the windshield mounted rear view mirror was replaced with a dash mounted mirror.

Replacing the vintage flat medal dash and toggle switches was a padded 'safety' dash with recessed gauges and push/pull switches. Fuse boxes were moved to the glove compartment from under the hood, and the rear was restyled with an indent around the license plate. Completely newly renovated body panels, cowl and floor were updated and lift up door handles replaced the original push button handles.

In 1968 the windshield was also raised to meet a DOT requirement for the area that was swept by the wipers. Vehicles will small windshield could not pas without modifications. The earliest 1967 SRL311 known to exist is thought to be the SRL311-00004. Currently owned by Bob Klemme of California, it was originally a factory-backed 'prototype' race car that was driven by Duane Feurheim in 1967.

It was also raced by Jack Scoville in 1968 until 1970.

by Jessican Donaldson

Datsun sports cars, in certain markets, were known as Fairlady. These were a series of roadsters produced in the 1960's and a predecessor to the Z car. The series designation for the Fairlady's included S212, S213, SP310, SP311, and SRL311.

In 1959 Datsun introduced a sports car, the S211, powered by 988 cc engine capable of producing just under 40 horsepower. Production was low with only 20 examples being produced. The following year the S212 was put into production outfitted with a slightly larger engine at 1.2 liter and producing nearly 50 horsepower. The S212 was the first vehicle to be adorned with the Fairlady name.

In 1961 performance was slightly increased with the adoption of a dual-carburetor, brining horsepower up to 60. Not bad for a small car. During its production lifespan lasting only two years, 217 examples were created.

The Datsun 1500 Roadster, the SP310, was introduced to the public at the 1961 Tokyo Motor Show. It was powered by a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine capable of producing 77 horsepower. In 1964 a second SU carburetor was added and the horsepower increased to 85. A final revision of the 1500 was introduced in 1965, complete with a new interior. The dash layout was redesigned and the back seat was removed.

In 1966 a 96 horsepower engine was introduced and continued in production until mid-1970. This 1.6-liter power-plant meant the name of the 1500 Roadster was changed to the 1600, SP311, to reflect the new engine displacement size.

A 135 horsepower 2 liter engine, complete with dual SU carburetors, was introduced in 1967. Vehicles outfitted with this power-plant were referred to as the 2000 roadster, or SRL311. The Datsun 2000 was built for racing with hopes of creating a sporty image for Datsun. It was raced in SCCA in the D-Production class where it had very consistent strong finishes. Paul Newman was one of the more famous of the drivers to pilot the car. Production of the 2000 roadster ceased in 1970 when Datsun introduced the famous 240-Z car.

by Dan Vaughan