Fairlady Restomod: 1969 Datsun 2000 Roadster – NOW $12,900

May 7, 2021 Update – we confirmed the seller of this Datsun “Classifind” deleted their listing, so we’re now able to call this one “SOLD!” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call Rudy directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

April 14, 2021 Update – The private seller of Datsun restomod just lowered their asking price from $13,400 to $12,900.

March 20, 2021 Update – We just came across a new listing for this unique Datsun restomod.  The description, pictures, and price all remain the same.

Say the term “Restomod” these days and many enthusiasts immediately think of vintage American iron sporting modern powertrains and suspensions.  However, for many classic cars, the unavailability of replacement parts makes them great candidates for a different style of Restomod.  That’s exactly what we have here with this 1969 Datsun 2000 Roadster we came across for sale originally in March 2021 on Craigslist in New Port Richie, Florida. For the firm price of $13,400, you’re getting a car benefitting from a seven-year-old restoration that now features a Toyota 2.4 Liter 22R inline-four mates to an eighties vintage Supra five-speed manual.  Comparing that price against the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool for a stock example confirms the private seller has their Fairlady priced $500 higher than guide’s #3 “Good” estimate of $14,000.

Here’s the Hagerty Insurance synopsis of these cars from their Valuation Tool:

“To the uninformed, the Datsun roadsters (the collective nickname for all models in the U.S. They’re known as the Fairlady in Japan) are just Japanese MGB copies, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. In point of fact, the Datsun pre-dated the introduction of the MGB by several months, and any styling similarities are coincidental. Whereas the performance of the MGB began to slide downward post-1967, it was just the opposite for the Datsun.

Datsun roadsters are pleasant-looking with more of a bias toward “cute” than handsome, the small hood scoop and stacked taillights are unique features. The majority of cars out there are the smaller displacement 1500 and 1600 models. 2000 didn’t become available until mid-1967. The difference was pronounced, however. Where the 1600 had around 90 hp, the 2000 had 135 hp out of the box and more could be had with a factory tuning kit. The 2000 was a legitimate stoplight sleeper and the mid-year 1967 version is rare and desirable with a better-looking dash (pre-1968 cars had a handsome steel dash with toggle switches) and a short windshield.

Datsun roadsters raced successfully in SCCA matches and continue to be good vintage racers. They’re more durable than most of their British rivals but far less well supported in the parts world. Just a fraction of what is available for an MGB is sourceable for a Datsun roadster, an important consideration if you’re restoring a car.”

We like the Everyday Driver YouTube Channe’s test of a similar vintage Datsun Roadster that gives you a flavor for what these sports cars are like to drive:

Based on the pictures provided and the detailed description below, there is a lot here to love for the asking price.  Seven years following the restoration, it’s safe to say any of the teething problems of sorting a restomod have long since been worked out.

Here’s the seller’s description:

“1969 Datsun 2000 Roadster restomod. It went through a body off RESTORATION about 7 years ago, tastefully modified, stored in a humidity-controlled garage ever since, and always covered. It’s been used only on sunny cool days, about 300 miles a year. It’s never been raced or abused. Runs great and strong. It has no top by design and no side glass. The original tops didn’t do a good job of keeping out water. They were very prone to rust. This car has no rust issues because it’s never in the rain and stays in my garage.
INTERIOR: completely redone in cognac/saddlebag. The bulky heavy dash is gone, in its place a simple functional panel of new gauges. Shaved door handles (now a very clean and functional push button ). Also has a push-button start, kill switch, Black carpet.
SUSPENSION: Suspension has many new/newer parts…brand new tires, ball joints, springs, bearings, bushings, newer KYB shocks, front disc brakes, etc).
ENGINE: professionally replaced with a mid ’80s 2.4 liter Toyota 22r for reliability, durability, torque, and very low maintenance. Upgraded electronic ignition, Weber 38 Carb, fuel pressure regulator, K&N filter, stainless LCE header, custom exhaust w/2″ pipe throughout and magnaflow muffler, electric fan, new clutch, new master cylinders, aluminum radiator, etc.
TRANSMISSION: upgraded to a 5 speed manual from a Toyota Supra. Perfectly matched gearing for the car. BODY: painted a Ford Highland racing dark green, custom pinstripes, custom dual fairings, roll bar behind headrests for safety (completely out of the way), all original lights and lenses. Undercarriage has undercoating.
OTHER INFO: upgraded headlights (German-made sealed beam halogen, bright and white), gas tank and fuel lines flushed, tank professionally cleaned and sealed, brand new tires, front end aligned, custom floor mats, brand new cranking battery, and much more.

There isn’t another car around like this. When you go to car shows or drive anywhere, it gets far more attention than Mustangs, Camaros, Corvettes, etc. It’s a BLAST TO DRIVE, good handling, sounds incredible, and all the work has been done. It is a small car though so if you are over 6′ tall, or have long legs, it will probably be too small for you to comfortably drive. Plenty of room on the passenger side though.
This car needs little to nothing, although some Panasport Rims would look incredible. It is very clean inside, outside, and underneath. Think twice before buying a project car which will drain you of time and money. Spend a little more for a car that is done, where the owner spared no expense.
This is a resto-mod, done in the likes of Italian GT cars. Original restored cars sell for $20k to $35k. I have over $20,000 invested. Perfect car for fall, winter, and spring in FL. I would go about anywhere in it. Obviously not a daily driver, but great road car for fair weather cruising, weekends, car shows, car clubs, and even vintage car autocrossing (with wife, grandson/daughter, nephew/niece, etc). Includes a car cover.

I’m only thinking about selling since it’s too small to fit my entire family. I might consider a trade but I’m picky. I would consider a larger classic (preferably a convertible), anything 59-71, resto-mod, or something unique. Maybe even a nice electric late model fast golf cart.
Low ballers need not inquire. If the ad is up, it’s still for sale. If you want to talk, email me your # and I’ll call you.
Thanks for looking.“

Show or go: what would you do with this Datsun restomod?  Comment below and let us know!