August 18 2008
Rare: 1970 Datsun Fairlady Roadster
Although these cars were never officially brought out in the UK, among enthousiasts the interest in this particular little roadster seems to be growing. The rumour goes it was based on the MGB, but in our opinion the person who started this little myth needs more than a set of new spectacles.
That is because this little Datsun was brought out the year before the MGB made its first appearance. And although it never made it to the British shores, it did make it to various European countries amongst which Belgium (where this one is for sale) where it scooped many awards in the sixties for build quality and design.
This car is a SPL311 version with a 1600cc engine, running a single carb. The seller says it is running fine. The body looks in a pretty decent state, judging by the pictures, although the front edge of the bonnet seems to need a bit of fixing. It seems the soft top has seen better days too.
We like the rear lights on these cars, they are unlike any other rear light unit. We like the way the car looks with the white-walled tyres but might swap them for something a bit more sporty. The stance on the rear wheels looks a bit too low. The car is for sale in Antwerp, Belgium from this seller. He is asking €11,000 which might be negotiable given the little bits that need sorting.
