1968 Datsun 2000

Description

To the uniformed, Datsun roadsters (the collective nickname for all models in the U.S.) are just Japanese MGB copies, but Datsun actually pre-dated the introduction of the MGB by several months, so any styling similarities are coincidental. And whereas the performance of the MGB began to slide downward post-1967, it was just the opposite for Datsun.

Produced by Nissan, Datsun roadsters are more “cute” than they are handsome, with a small hood scoop and stacked taillights. And while the majority of them out there are the smaller displacement 1500 and 1600 models, the 2000 become available in mid-1967 — and the difference was pronounced. Where the 1600’s 1.6-liter (1600cc) inline-four engine provided around 90 horsepower, the 2000’s robust 2.0-liter mill, designated as the U20, offered 135 horses out of the box, and more could be had with a factory tuning kit. It was a legitimate stoplight sleeper.

In addition to its larger engine, the 1969 Datsun 2000 (known in Japan as the Datsun Fairlady 2000) featured a five-speed manual transmission, a rarity among the four-speed sports cars of the era. 

Highlights 

• Refinished in turquoise blue paint over original black vinyl bucket seats 

• Powered by a 2.0-liter inline-four engine with the B cam and Solex carburetors rated at 150 horsepower 

• Five-speed manual transmission

• Recent upgrades/maintenance: 

  • Replaced windshield 

  • New master cylinder  

  • Turned brake drums 

  • New brake pads and shoes, front and rear 

  • New stainless steel brake lines 

  • New slave cylinder for clutch 

  • New water pump 

  • New alternator 

  • Dash cap and glove box cap 

  • New cylinder head 

  • Kumho Power Star 758 175/70R14 84T tires (driven about 2000 miles) 

• Additional upgrades during current ownership: 

  • Highly desirable Solex carbs with velocity stacks 

  • High-performance B cam and 4-into-1 headers 

  • Competition front lowering springs 

  • Koni shocks all around 

  • Repo Momo steering wheel  

  • H4 headlights with LED bulbs 

  • Bumper-mounted fog lights 

  • 15-inch Panasport wheels  

• The chassis number (SRL31104519) decodes as: 

  • S – Datsun Sports 

  • R – 2.0-liter U20 engine 

  • L – Left-hand drive 

  • 311 – 2000 Roadster 

  • 04519 – Sequential production number 

Features 

• Hood scoop 

• Quad taillights 

• 160 mph speedometer/odometer, 8000 rpm tachometer, and gauges for water temperature, oil pressure, amps, and fuel 

• Vertical AM radio 

• Analog clock 

• 14-inch steel wheels with chrome hubcaps 

Known Imperfections 

• Small tear on the driver’s seat (bottom of the left side bolster) 

• Couple of rust blisters forming on bottom of fender and rocker panel 

• Convertible top is worn 

• Radio does not work 

• Clock does not work 

• Window washer reservoir and pump need to be installed (original parts included) 

Included 

• Pint of original matching paint 

• Original Solex air filter ($900) 

• Original steering wheel 

• Original shift knob 

• Extra driver’s side door glass 

• Extra starter motor  

• Extra pair of window cranks 

• Extra weather stripping 

Ownership History 

The North Carolina owner of this 1968 Datsun 2000 bought it in June 2015; the car’s previous owner had it for 12 years. “It’s not a show car, but it is in very good to excellent condition and draws a lot of interest.”