A Japanese MGB-
Beater
Ken Gross
To qualify as ‘modem classics; we’re choosing vehicles that are comparatIvely affordable now and that we think will Increase in value over time. These are cars that many people would love to have: head-turners, trend-setters in their time, cars that people still see that make them smile, cars that were definitive in their own right, stylish and fun to drive. We’re focusing on cars that are at least 25 years old so they can be registered and insured cheaply and aren't subject to annual Inspections.
Tastes may vary, as may peoples’ own definitions of affordable. Our theoretical limit Is $50000 for a car in good to excellent condItion, which rules out many of the traditional exotics. This month’s selection is the Datsun Sports family.
First to Market
Nissan’s celebrating Its past and reprising 2-can with a modern version, which calls to mind an earlier Datsun effort that caught the sportscar community by surprise. Datsun’s chubby little fiberglass 1959-63 Fair Lady convertible was outdated by the time it appeared. But it's successor was right on the money. At the 1961 Tokyo Motor Show, a prototype 1500 Sports (the SPL310) hinted at things to come. Some thought Datsun had simply copied the new MGB. Both cars were under development simultaneously, but Datsun actually beat MG to market: Production 1500s debuted first at the New York Auto Show In spring of 62 while road-going “Bs" didn’t arrive until that fall.
BrItain ruled the roadster class in those days, with solid, predictable offerings. Datsun followed suit with an equally conservative approach. The 1500 had a sturdy, box-section frame with a center crossmember, double A-arms and coils in front, a live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs and drum brakes all around. Its slab-sided body coincidentally resembled the MGB’S, but the Briton’s grille and deck were far more attractive than the Japanese cars fussier counterparts.
Sturdy & Stylish
Under Its square-scooped hood, Datsun supplied a sturdy 71-bhp 1500-cc four, backed by a four-speed manual. The 1500 was all through at a decorous 95 mph, so a second SU-llcensed Hitachi carburetor was soon added. More improvements followed: a 1596-cc, 95-bhp, 100-mph 1600 model (CSP311), then a five-main-bearing crankshaft, front disc brakes, an alI-synchromesh gearbox and even more refinements in the later SP311.
From the beginning, 1500s/1600s were aggressively priced and very well equipped with roll-up windows, a radio, heater and tonneau cover lncluded. The top was the usual tin-sticks-and-canvas do-lt-yourself affair, but once erected, it didn’t leak. (Thankfully, Datsun didn’t copy every British feature!) The roadsters quality was comparable to its rivals, and Americans bought ‘em
like hotcakes: When Bob Sharp won SCCA’s F-Production racing class in 1967, It firmly established Datsun as a serious sportscar maker.
As U.S. emissions laws tightened~, the 1600’s displacement increased to preserve performance. Datsun’s final offering was the speedy 2000 (SRL311), a 1982-cc, overhead-cam, 135-bhp four with a new five-speed gearbox. OfferIng 40% more power than the 1600, a heady 114-mph top speed, and priced at just $2,950, it was a terrific deal. "Road & Track" called It "...lnsigniflcantly heavier, moderately more expensive, but abundantly more powerful.” A few rare, 150-bhp, 124-mph competition-kit-equipped roadsters --- complete with a hotter cam and a pair of twin-throat Solex carbs--- were built. Modified 2000s competed handily in SCCA against the likes or Porsche 911's, AIfa T2's and Lotus Elans.
Ironically, Datsun’s hugely successful 240Z was the 1600/2000 roadster’s downfall. They were built on the same production line and Datsun needed the capacity. As both roadsters were getting a bit long in the tooth, they were dropped in 1970. We recommend the later 2000 models with bigger engines. Rust Is always a problem: check door sills, rear quarter panels and the lower edges of the fenders. The top bows were fragile, so be sure the top on your car closes tightly; replacements are hard to come by. The 2000’s one-piece rocker arms tend to wear the camshaft lobes prematurely.
Datsun’s early roadsters were rolling proof that real sportscars didn’t always come from Europe. Company Icon Mr. K could be proud of the ones in his garage. CPI (Cars of Particular Interest) values excellent 1600s from $4,500-$7,300 For 2000 models, figure on a grand more.