1968 Datsun Fairlady 1600

Although legend has it that it was designed as a copy of the MGB, in actual fact the Datsun model was launched several months prior to the MGB and therefore, any design resemblance is a coincidence. Nevertheless, the car’s main competitors were considered to be the offerings of MG, Triumph and Fiat. The Datsun roadster was extremely popular, with over 40,000 being built over its 11 years of production by Nissan in Hiratsuka, Kanagawa, Japan. It was, however, considerably less expensive and more reliable than some of its European peers.

In 1964, many upgrades were incorporated, engendered partly by Count Albrecht Goertz, and the new SP311 and SPL311 models were launched at the Tokyo Motor Show. With a new and more powerful 1,600-cc engine supplanting the 1,500-cc engine, and a top speed of 106 mph, the revisions were noteworthy. In the United States, the new, more-desirable roadster was marketed as the Datsun Sports 1600.

This beautiful example of the very popular Datsun Fairlady finished in yellow not only shows off the chiselled lines of this incredibly desirable model but one could be forgiven for thinking that this was a car with European roots. Having had two New Zealand owners both enthusiasts, this car is now ready for a new custodian and some summer motoring.

Please contact us for further information and photos. Viewing is by appointment only in our North Canterbury based Motor House.