1969 Datsun Fairlady

The Datsun Sports SP310, (also known as the Fairlady) was launched at the 1961 Tokyo Motor Show. It followed the SP211, SP212 and SP213 convertibles of 1959 to 1961, which combined 1950s colours with rounded bodies. The car was compared almost at once to the MGB, and bears a passing resemblance to the Fiat 124 Spider.

Today the 1962 to 1964 1500 (SPL 310), the 1965 to 1970 1600 (SPL 311) and 1967 to 1970 2000 (SRL 311) are usually described collectively as Datsun roadsters. They were conventional sports cars, but evolved into class-leaders in performance and features. The 1600cc 4-cylinder generated 96hp - on par with an MGB - but the 2000 had a 135hp, 2-litre, SOHC engine which could give a Triumph TR6 or a BMW 2002 a run for their money. Sprints from 0-60mph took about 10 seconds.

A dealer-installed competition kit provided even better performance, with dual-choke side draft Solexes, a finned sump and a high-lift camshaft. A 2000 so equipped boasted 150hp and would do 125mph, with acceleration on a par with an E-Type. Though English sports cars used Laycock overdrive units, the Datsun 2000 had a 5-speed, all-synchromesh gearbox, designed by Porsche.

While the MGB featured unibody construction, the Datsun clung to a separate ladder chassis, with independent front suspension, a live rear axle, leaf springs and disc/drum brakes. Ride quality and handling was basic vintage sports car and the styling broke no new ground, but at least it wasn’t comical, like some Japanese cars of the period. The raised bonnet and recessed headlights gave a crisp frontal aspect, though some consider the stacked taillights to be clumsy.

Dimensionally, the Datsun was close to the MGB, though noticeably narrower. Early interiors resembled an Alfa Romeo Duetto, with painted dash, toggle switches and handsome gauges. Post-1967 cars got higher windscreens and nondescript, vacuum-formed plastic dashes, somewhat similar to Datsun's 240Z. Roadster enthusiasts reckon the rare 1967 2000 to be the most desirable, as it has the early dash as well as the lower windscreen without the 'top hat' look of later cars.

Rust proofing was very limited so be very careful to examine the bodywork of any Datsun roadster. Many of the 49,296 built ended up in the U.S. where they remain relatively affordable, and 'dry climate' imports may be attractive. Since they weren’t sold in the UK, the alternative choice is a Japanese RHD import.

Mechanically, the Datsun is similar to contemporary British sports cars, but with fewer headaches. The twin Hitachi license-built S.U. carburettors will look familiar to the average British car mechanic, but the Datsun never suffered from the electrical woes that beset MGs or Triumphs. The only weak spot seems to be the timing chain tensioner – if the chain jumps, the results can be catastrophic.

Datsun roadster parts are not easy to find, especially in the UK. However, there are specialist suppliers based in Japan and the U.S. who can provide most needs, although prices tend to be higher than for an equivalent British car.

Period alternatives to the Datsun Roadster include the MGB, Triumph Stag, Alfa Romeo Spider and Fiat 124 Spider.