The Datsun Sports (called Datsun Fairlady in the home market), was a series of roadsters produced by Nissan from 1959 to 1970. The line began with the S211 (1000) in 1959, SP213 (1200) in 1960, and continued from 1961 through 1970 with the SP310 (1500), SP311 (1600) and SR311 (2000) lines.
Datsun Fairlady 1500 Roadster (1961-66)
The first true Datsun sports car was the 1963 SP310 "Fairlady 1500" model (right hand drive), and the SPL310 (left hand drive). In America it was known as the Datsun 1500. The SP310 was based on a modified Bluebird 310 sedan platform. The 1500 Roadster was powered by a 1.5-liter inline four-cylinder OHV engine with a single carburetor producing 77 hp (57 kW). The 1500 was a 3-seat convertible with front buckets, and a transverse back seat. The 1964 production added a second SU carburetor and power increased to 85 horsepower (63 kW). The final revision of the 1500 model occurred in 1965 with a completely redesigned interior. This eliminated the back seat and introduced a more sporty dash layout.
Datsun 1600 Roadster (1966-70)
In 1966 engine displacement was boosted to 1.6 liters and power output to 96 hp (72 kW). This new model was given the new designation SP(L) 311. The 1600 Roadster was produced until the end of production in April 1970.
Datsun 2000 Roadster (1967-70)
The 2000 Roadster SR(L) 311 was introduced as a half-year model in 1967. Powered by the U-20 single overhead cam engine, in stock configuration of twin SU carburetors it produced 135 hp (101 kW). An optional version with twin Mikuni Solex carburetors produced 150 hp (112 kW). The optional version was only available as a factory installed setup in the US during the 1967 model year. The 2000 was also produced until 1970 when the Roadster was superseded by the 240Z.
(Photos from car-from-uk.com, zcarblog.com, petrolicious.com,
jdmchicago.com, commons.wikimedia.org, gieldaklasykow.pl)
