Jay Leno's Garage: Datsun 1600 Restomod & More About Datsun Sports | DRO4CARS

 Purpose Built Motors’ Datsun 1600 Restomod on Jay Leno's Garage

A video episode of Jay Leno’s Garage (video at the end) about a red-colored, fully restored Datsun 1600 Restomod and modified to 300 hp to the wheels by Purpose Built Motors’ sounds like a good story.  I’d like to give you more information about the Datsun Sports (Fairlady) before the video episode of Jay Leno’s Garage: Datsun 1600 Restomod.

This is the 1966 -1969 pre-face Datsun 1600. This model has so many names like the Datsun Sports, the Datsun Fairlady. | Image: Image: Bill Abbott; Collage: Dro4Cars.com

The Datsun Sports S211, The SPL212, and the SPL213 – First Generation

 

The Datsun Sports model was in production from 1959 to April 1970. The first generation Datsun Sports S211 with a 988 cc with 36 hp. In 1960, the Datsun Sports SPL212 and the Datsun Sports SPL213 are introduced. Here, the L letter stands for the left-hand drive version as originally the Datsun models are manufactured by Nissan and the models are designed for the Japanese and other right-hand driving markets. However, the Datsun Sports SPL212 uses a 1.2-liter engine that produces 47 hp. The Datsun SPL213 has the dual-carburetor “E-1” engine and the power is increased to 59 hp. The SPL213 is in production in 1961 and 1962 as only 217 units are built. The Datsun Sports SPL212 and the Datsun SPL213 models have a good investment perspective. In 1996 a set of unrestored SPL212 models is sold for US$ 100,000.

The first generation Datsun Sports S211 is produced in 20 units only. | Image: Tennen-Gas

The Datsun Sports S211 with side curtains. | Image: Tennen-Gas

The Datsun Sports SPL212 and the Datsun SPL213 models have are produced in 495 units. | Image: 天然ガス. 

The Datsun 1500, the Datsun 1600, and the Datsun 2000 Roadster- Second Generation

 

The 1963 Datsun SP310 is also called the Fairlady 1500. It’s the very first sports car of Datsun. The 1963 SP 310 is a right-hand drive model and the Datsun SPL310 is the left-hand version. On the US market, the Datsun SPL310 is sold as the Datsun 1500. The 1963 Datsun SP310 is based on the Datsun Bluebird 310, 311, and 312 Series. The 1963 Datsun Bluebird is available in sedan and station wagon. The model names depend on the year of production: the Datsun  Bluebird 310 was in production in 1960; the Datsun Bluebird 311 – was in production in 1961; the Datsun Bluebird 312 – was in production from ’62 to ’63.

 

1962 Datsun SP310 also called Datsun Fairlady, Datsun 1500, Datsun Sports 1500. | Image: Mytho88

1962 Datsun SP310 - rearview. | Image: Mytho88

1963 Datsun Bluebird – Sedan.  First-generation Datsun Bluebird 1200 (310 series Type P311). | Image: Tennen-Gas |

1963 Datsun Bluebird – Station Wagon. | Image: Jeremy

The Datsun SP310 and the SPL310 use a 1.5L engine with a single SU-carburetor with a max power of 76 hp. A dual SU-carb is used for the SPL310 in 1964 and 1965. All versions use a 4-speed automatic gearbox with a non-Syncro’d first gear.

The Datsun SP310 and the SPL310 have very good equipment like a transistor radio, tonneau cover, map lights, and a clock. The very first SP310, in production from 1963 to 1964, are 3-seater models with a unique transverse single seat in the rear. In 1965, the 1500 model has a completely redesigned and sports interior. The rear seat is removed.

The Datsun SP311 and the SPL311 come with a new 1.6L engine even though the 1.5L SP310 production continued through January. The production of the Datsun SP311 and the SPL311 started in March 1965. The Datsun 1600 SPL 311 engine has dual SU-carburetors with 95 hp and 4-speed synchromesh manual transmission.

The Datsun 1600 SPL 311 (pre-facelift model) engine has dual SU-carburetors with 95 hp and 4-speed synchromesh manual transmission. | Image: Bill Abbott

1969 Datsun 1600 Fairlady - facelift model. | Image: AlfvanBeem

The Datsun 2000 or the Datsun SR311/SRL311 or Fairlady/Sports 2000 is in production from March 1967 to April 1970. In the first years of the production of the Datsun 2000 / SR311 / SRL311, less than 1000 units are produced that’s why these early-production models are so wanted. Moreover, in 1968 the SR311/SRL311 received emission and safety changes.

 

The 1967-68 Datsun 2000  or the Datsun SR311/SRL311 or Fairlady/Sports 2000. | Image: 160SX

Caption: In the first years of the production of the Datsun 2000 / SR311 / SRL311, less than 1000 units are produced that’s why these early-production models are so wanted.

The Datsun 2000 / SR311 / SRL311 has a 2.0L engine and 5-speed manual gearbox. The max power is 135 hp and the engine is in production from 1968 to 1970.

The optionally available competition package includes Mikuni/Solex carburetors and a special B model camshaft. Thus the max power is increased to 150 hp.

The Datsun SR311/SRL311 facelift model is introduced in 1968. The SR311/SRL311 has a taller windshield with an integrated rear-view mirror, a padded dashboard with non-toggle switches, built-in headrests, and lifting door handles. The facelifted SR311/SRL311 is developed to cover the updated back then Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. The engines for the US market also covered the updated emission control. For example, Australia had no such emission controls. The Datsun 1600 is part of the model line till the end of the production. The successor of the Datsun 2000 or the Datsun SR311/SRL311 or Fairlady/Sports 2000 is the Nissan Z-Car that will be part of another article till that moment you can see The 2023 Nissan Z.

Purpose Built Motors’ Datsun 1600 Restomod | Jay Leno's Garage

 

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