1968 Datsun Roadster 1600 SoCal Removable Hardtop 1 Owner

This 1968 Datsun 1600 Roadster (SPL311) is the fully documented low mileage, same owner for 41 years,  Southern California “Black Plate” sports car (rust/rot-free) with the rare original removable hardtop and also soft top.  The female owner has lived in Pomona and Murrieta, California for over 4 decades. She acquired the car when it was 1 year old with around 1,000 miles.  It has always been a Southern California car from new and the woman owner  called this roadster “her baby” and has always given it her tender loving care.  She unfortunately had to part with it because she can no longer drive a clutch and stick shift after having recent hip surgery.

This is a fully documented motorcar.  The extensive file of receipts include every light bulb, service and repair commencing in 1970 (after the warranty expired).  This file contains at least 60 receipts that document all the normal repairs, whether major or minor (see photos and videos).

It has been very nicely maintained for the past 4 decades with recent improvements including new tires with less than 100 miles, new battery, re-cored radiator for cool running, new water pump, fuel pump.  Major engine service includes professionally rebuilt clutch, distributor, starter, brakes and rebuilt carburetors.  The engine has been professionally rebuilt including pistons, rings, rod bearings, valves and resurfaced head, etc..

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8lldqmZKTA[/youtube]The woman owner started keeping receipts for all the work performed 40 years ago in a nice little wooden faux alligator box that comes with the car (see photos and videos).  It also comes with the original owner’s manual and a complete shop manual.

This roadster runs and drives well.  It is apparent that it is a low mileage example.  The odometer reads about 54,000 miles but was rendered inoperable several years ago.  From reading the service history it is estimated by us to have 60-80,000 miles since new.

Due to the low mileage the drivetrain feels exceptionally solid.  The front end, steering, suspension and engine performance are all very nice.  The cosmetics are weaker since it has a low quality repaint.  The chrome and stainless trim is in very nice condition.  The interior has been updated by the owner with non-stock seats that are far more comfortable than stock.  This car is a very strong driver that looks very sharp from 10 feet.  Although It is not a concours car , it would be nice for local car shows.

These Datsun roadsters have become rare cars even without the very rare removable hard top.  Celebrities like Nancy Sinatra were driving one of these little beauties around Hollywood during the late 60’s.  The life of these roadsters were made short when the 240Z’s replaced them leaving very few available today.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_nhEbEZ3w2U[/youtube]The early Datsun 1600 Roadsters were called MGB killers and for good reason, not only because of their good sporty looks but also because of their superior performance.  The 1600 Roadster had clean styling  and featured a 1,595cc four-cylinder with a 87,2 X 66.6mm bore and stroke of 9.0:1 compression ratio, an aluminum cylinder head and dual Hitachi HJB38W-3 carburetors built under license from SU; the results were 96hp at 5,000 rpm and 103-lbs .ft of torque at 4,000 rpm.  Braking is handled by front discs (with Dunlop Sumitomo twin-piston calipers) and rear drums behind 14X4 inch pressed-steel wheels.  The exclusive transmission for the 1600 roadster was a four-speed manual with synchromesh on all forward gears, a first for a Japanese car. The cam and lever steering system allowed a nippy 32-foot turning circle, while the front suspension’s coil springs, telescopic shocks and anti-roll bar were complemented by parallel semi-elliptic springs and telescopic shocks.

This is a rare opportunity to acquire this special 1600 Roadster.  How often does one find available on the market a  4 decade old  collector motorcar that is:

• A one owner for the last 41 years
• Southern California “Black Plate”
• Completely rot free
• Well Maintained throughout its history
• No major accidents
• Low Mileage
• Fully Documented with Assured Provenance

If you want such a motorcar this is your opportunity to purchase.  We consider this an excellent opportunity to buy one of these hard to find roadsters today.

The NADA Value Guide estimates the average value at over $8,000 to in excess of $15,000 for an excellent example.  See the following:   NADA Price Guide. We feel this is a close to excellent value because of the one owner for 41 years, Southern California “Black Plate” car with the very rare removable hard top.

Asking: Sold!

Make an offer now!