Evaluation: Represented as a California car since new, and with 81,510 actual miles. Good older paint and chrome that were redone at some point. There were masking issues around the windshield but that’s it. The steering wheel and door cards are worn but the interior is mostly solid. Some of the finish is cracking on the wheels. The possibly original top is a little rough, with crudely stitched up tears and a scratched rear window. Underbody looks remarkably clean, probably refinished at some point. Not restored, just got major attention when it needed it.
Bottom Line: The Datsun Roadster (known as the Fairlady in Japan) is a bit like a Far East MGB, just more sophisticated, quicker, a whole lot rarer and a little more valuable, although it doesn’t enjoy the same aftermarket support as its British doppelganger. Datsun Roadsters (available in 1500, 1600, and 2000cc versions) have a following but haven’t seen the same kind of massive leaps in price as the later, more usable, game-changing Z-Cars and other newer Japanese classics. This was a fair, somewhat modest price for a solid car and a lot of fun per dollar.
