The Japanese Classic Car Show
01-05-2013, 07:35 PM
#4
I think it is great that vintage Japanese car's as a whole are finally getting the respect they deserve. Prices on many "old" Japanese vehicle's are on the rise but they still remain extremely affordable (sans 2000GT) compared to European or American contemporaries. For many this is a great way to get into the collector car hobby.
01-05-2013, 08:07 PM
#5
Funny, Automobile states the Datsun Roadster was an MGB "want-to-be" yet the SPL310 debuted earlier and was vastly superior in every way (ask Pete Brock and Bob Bondurant). The 2.0L U20 with a big cam made 150HP in 1967 in the 2000 Roadster, one of the great Japanese engines. I previously owned a 1965 SPL310 with a 1600 engine from a 1966 SPL311, tremendously fun car considering it had Drum Brakes on all four corners and 95HP !! The JCCS is on my bucket list, getting bigger and better every year. Would go just to see a Hakosuka in the flesh. 
01-06-2013, 08:47 AM
#6
Funny, Automobile states the Datsun Roadster was an MGB "want-to-be" yet the SPL310 debuted earlier and was vastly superior in every way (ask Pete Brock and Bob Bondurant). The 2.0L U20 with a big cam made 150HP in 1967 in the 2000 Roadster, one of the great Japanese engines. I previously owned a 1965 SPL310 with a 1600 engine from a 1966 SPL311, tremendously fun car considering it had Drum Brakes on all four corners and 95HP !! The JCCS is on my bucket list, getting bigger and better every year. Would go just to see a Hakosuka in the flesh.
). I looked because I thought the MGB was around even longer than that but evidently the MGA was still the model until 62.That's still close enough that it does seem odd to call the Datsun an MGB wannabe.
01-06-2013, 04:41 PM
#7
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They try to sour te brand because unlike MGs, Alfas, Fiats and Triumphs of the day the Datsun roadster was actually A: reliable and B: a better performer at lesser cost. I'd love to have a low windshield version.
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01-06-2013, 05:36 PM
#8
Originally Posted by LUV2REV' timestamp='1357448876' post='22248381
Funny, Automobile states the Datsun Roadster was an MGB "want-to-be" yet the SPL310 debuted earlier and was vastly superior in every way (ask Pete Brock and Bob Bondurant). The 2.0L U20 with a big cam made 150HP in 1967 in the 2000 Roadster, one of the great Japanese engines. I previously owned a 1965 SPL310 with a 1600 engine from a 1966 SPL311, tremendously fun car considering it had Drum Brakes on all four corners and 95HP !! The JCCS is on my bucket list, getting bigger and better every year. Would go just to see a Hakosuka in the flesh.
). I looked because I thought the MGB was around even longer than that but evidently the MGA was still the model until 62.That's still close enough that it does seem odd to call the Datsun an MGB wannabe.
01-06-2013, 05:52 PM
#9
You need to find a 67.5' 2000 Roadster. Low windshield, proper dash and the stellar U20. They are the most coveted and production numbers were low which has made them the most costly to acquire (real nice ones can still be had for under $20K however). A friend of mine paid $38K for a concours quality 67.5' 2000 in Spring 2011, beautifully restored.
The great thing about any Roadster if you do not care about originality is that the SR20DE/DET will hunker in up front making for a real performance bargain. Got to love the modern Mr. Potato Head drivetrains (SR/RB) that will fit into any number of vintage Datsun's.
01-07-2013, 06:51 AM
#10
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Thread Starter
Originally Posted by cbehney' timestamp='1357494465' post='22248945
[quote name='LUV2REV' timestamp='1357448876' post='22248381']
Funny, Automobile states the Datsun Roadster was an MGB "want-to-be" yet the SPL310 debuted earlier and was vastly superior in every way (ask Pete Brock and Bob Bondurant). The 2.0L U20 with a big cam made 150HP in 1967 in the 2000 Roadster, one of the great Japanese engines. I previously owned a 1965 SPL310 with a 1600 engine from a 1966 SPL311, tremendously fun car considering it had Drum Brakes on all four corners and 95HP !! The JCCS is on my bucket list, getting bigger and better every year. Would go just to see a Hakosuka in the flesh.
Funny, Automobile states the Datsun Roadster was an MGB "want-to-be" yet the SPL310 debuted earlier and was vastly superior in every way (ask Pete Brock and Bob Bondurant). The 2.0L U20 with a big cam made 150HP in 1967 in the 2000 Roadster, one of the great Japanese engines. I previously owned a 1965 SPL310 with a 1600 engine from a 1966 SPL311, tremendously fun car considering it had Drum Brakes on all four corners and 95HP !! The JCCS is on my bucket list, getting bigger and better every year. Would go just to see a Hakosuka in the flesh.
). I looked because I thought the MGB was around even longer than that but evidently the MGA was still the model until 62.That's still close enough that it does seem odd to call the Datsun an MGB wannabe.
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Just don't get it wet or you'll find a pile or rust on the floor of your garage the next day.