1965 Datsun Fairlady 1500 Roadster
Guiding Range: TBA
Specifications
| Engine | In-line four-cylinder, 1488cc (see text) |
|---|---|
| Gearbox | 5-speed manual (see text) |
| Engine No. | R000003 |
| Chassis No. | SP310-10511 |
| Colour | Black |
| Interior | Black |
| Trim | Vinyl |
| Wheels | Cast Alloy |
| Brakes | Disc/Drum (see text) |
Auction Terms & Conditions
Buyer Fee
A buyer's premium of 5% (GST inc) is payable to Shannons by the purchaser on the final hammer price of all Auction lots purchased (cars, motorcycles, memorabilia and number plates).
Description
Introduced in 1963, the Fairlady was Datsun’s first serious attempt at building a sports car, the attractive Italianate styling coupled with some distinctly Japanese touches. Sold in both right and left-hand drive form, the Fairlady was a roadster very much in the European sports car idiom and well equipped by the standards of the day, with a clock, radio and tonneau all standard. The earliest 1500 models came with an unusual side-facing rear seat for a third passenger and had a single-carburettor version of the G15 engine lifted from the Cedric sedan, developing 77 horsepower, while the remaining mechanical components were shared with the 310 series Bluebird. On subsequent twin carburettor models built in 1963-1965, the side draught 38 HJB Hitachis boosted output to 85 horsepower at 5000 rpm. A facelifted model was announced in 1965, with the original SP310 joined by the 1.6-litre SP311 version and a Silvia Coupe derivative, while the ultimate 2000 model of March 1967 saw the Fairlady through to the end of production in 1970. By the late 1960s the rest of the world had begun to recognise the virtues of Datsun’s delightful little sports car and it enjoyed a successful career in Sports Car Club of America events, winning the C and D Production classes thanks to John Morton, Bob Sharp and others. The Fairlady proved a commercial success as well, with over 50,000 sold and inspired future generations of Datsun sports cars, including the legendary 240Z. Today the Fairlady enjoys a strong following both in Japan and abroad, including Australia where it was marketed as the “Datsun 1500 Sports” from October 1962 – obviously Nissan’s marketing gurus felt the Fairlady moniker might be a little off-putting to the average Aussie bloke in the 1960s!
History
- Improved Datsun Fairlady 1500
- Upgraded performance and cosmetics
- Great alternative to the British sports car of the era
- Offered with No Reserve
