Questions :1967.5 Datsun Roaster 1600 collectability ?

I always thought those were pretty cool cars...
One of the car mags had them listed a desireable classic under 10k.

I think they walued them at 3-7k or so...

Bo

 

I think you scored big time!!!

I would have done the same.

 

Short answer - no. Unless you did the work yourself.

Just because this is a Datsun - a mechanical restoration can still get expensive. You'll likely want someone that's Nissan friendly to do the work - let's just say it's Rebello...go check their pricing on even basic work. Not "cheap" (at least relatively).

Datsuns rust mercilessly as well. That has to be considered.

These cars don't have the same value as other Datto classics (510, 240Z, etc) - figure they are worth $8-10K in solid condition. You could easily spend that getting it mechanically restored.

Good news is, they are pretty easy to work on. You could do most of the work yourself, then it's nice MGB alternative. This car looks to be in nice shape, so I'm guessing you won't need a major rework. Datsun engines are bulletproof...a little TLC and I'd bet you can get it running in no time. Then, it's worth it

 

So with all your concerns why did you even purchase the car unless it was a package deal yet you are not willing to make her a "personal project"???

Wanna trade your POS Datsun for a '99 Miata?, $3K with shipping cost included and funded by the seller.

 

He didn't purchase it. Carreaper did.

 

I stand corrected, thanks.

 

Boy that brings back memories. I was in my last year of college and one of my fraternity brothers bought one of these cars as a graduation present to himself. They were fun to drive in the day. Even brand new he had so many problems with the car. It just did not want to start and when he stopped it the motor with cough and blech for 1-2 minutes. I can remember him parking the car on the hill to get a running push to start it.

Not sure if that stuff finally got fixed by factory service bulletins. It normally does. Not sure of the value. I suspect there is a following

Good luck

Lee

 

Datsun 1600 roadsters, like everything else in the "sub 20k" price category, are valued based almost solely on condition. This one looks to be past the "survivor" point, so it's really priced more for the value of it's parts at this point.

A good 1600 67.5 shell is worth some coin largely because it shares a unique "1/2 year only" body style with the 2000. A properly restored authentic 1967 2-liter car is worth 30K+, and some restorers will swap a good 1600 body onto a genuine 2000 frame, and voila. In this case, you could make a pretty nice 2 liter clone, and that might fetch 15K when you're all done spending 30K putting it together.

 

No worries - I'm a Z-car fan anyways. Never liked the 1600 / 2000 series.

 

Yup, pretty much my point. Take the car for what it is...tinker with it, get it running, beat the snot out of it (well, as much as the 96 HP will let you), and enjoy.

They are cool cars, but they'll cost you enough to warrant against it. If I were to spend $30K on a resto'd Datto, it would be an early 240Z, and that's about it. Even then, that's pushing it.

Personally, I'm a Z-car nut, I've owned 4 of them and at one point in high school, all of my friends had them (5 of us, counting me). We learned so much about cars those years, and more so the Nissan technology of the era, that I have utmost respect and love for the Z.

1600...meh.

 

If I may there are a lot of potential owners who prefer 'Patina'. Concerning the engine/drivetrain refreshing that is the most important in my view as well as the least expensive. I think it is a fabulous car and I have personal experience (horror stories yet great learning experiences) w/carbed engines.

First and foremost I think a big "Thank You" is in order for rescuing what is in my opinion a great car, I salute you Sir!

 

That right there is a huge plus and is very rare!

 

Love the wooden bead seat cushion and (rubber?) snake on the driver's seat. I hope you kept both!

 

My Dad bought a new Datsun 2000 in 1969. And kept it. I had it completely restored by a marque expert (yes, there are a couple shops specializing in restoration of these cars) about ten years ago. On a good day, it might be a $20,000 car. Maybe.

If I hold the car for another 500 years, I might break even on the restoration.

They are fun cars, great pedal position for heel and toe, peppy motor (the 2000 at least), fine handling.

http://www.311s.org/

Parts are available, they made a lot of these little cars.

 

A friend in High School had a Datsun 2000 Roadster, it was a real blast to drive back then.
Of course all things are relative, it was faster and handled better than my Ford Pinto ;^D
Yeah, he had electrical problems with it and being in Michigan it had rust issues as well, so the one you found probably should indeed be considered a 'survivor'.

Get it running and report back!
Brian

 

I had a 2000 Roadster and a 2.0 liter Pinto at the same time--funny sca037 had a similar experience.

I have a buddy that just bought a short window 1600, and he'll be into it for about 15K with a thorough updating. I think there is a small but passionate interest base out there, but like many vehicles, restoring these is worth it only if you will enjoy the car for years, or the process of the restoration (a la an MGB) is fun for you. Certainly I wouldn't expect to make much money on the deal.

 

There are two completely different groups of people that would get involved with a project such as this. The first and mostly likely is the group who "flip cars" and the second would be the group that likes these sort of projects and is not afraid to get a bloody knuckle every once in a while, the true enthusiast imo.

 

I won't ask if the snake was OEM.

On a more serious note - the 911 looks great, and I think you'll have lots of fun in the 1600 -- enjoy your "new" cars!