Datsun 2000 Roadster

This Datsun 2000 owned by Tim Scott was one of about 10 lightweight race cars produced by the Japanese manufacturer for road courses. This car won the 1970 Canadian National Championship. Its 850-pound chassis is made of this steel and aluminum to save weight. The engine is built to 1960s era specifications and is coupled to an extra-close ratio gearbox. The paint scheme on the roadster is the scheme used by the Datsun factory team.

1966 Datsun 1600 Roadster

Datsun introduced its first sport roadster in 1959 with the Datsun 1000, and began importing them to the United States with the 1960 Datsun 1200. The Datsun 1500 was introduced in 1963, and in 1966 an increase in engine displacement also led to a name change and the model became the Datsun 1600. The Datsun 1600 was powered by a 96-horsepower dual-carburetor 1.6-liter overhead-valve inline 4-cylinder engine with a four-speed manual transmission.

All Datsun 1600s were sold as softtop roadsters. This well-kept and seemingly all-original example features an aftermarket removeable hardtop, turning this 1600 into an attractive two-toned coupe. I spotted it at the Amtrak depot in Vancouver, Washington, in February 2001.