Datsun 1500, 1600, 2000 Roadster
Encyclopedia
The Datsun 1500 Roadster SP(L)310, also known as the Fairlady in certain markets, made its debut at the Tokyo
Motor show in 1961, several months before the roll-out of the MGB
. The SP 310 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 hp. 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.
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.
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 The 2000 was also produced until 1970 when the Roadster was superseded by the 240Z.
The roadsters, especially the 1600 and 2000, became regular winners on the SCCA circuit, winning 10 national SCCA championships. For the full story of Nissan's involvement, the race teams, drivers and cars, visit the Datsun Roadster SCCA pages.
Tokyo
, ; officially , is one of the 47 prefectures of Japan. Tokyo is the capital of Japan, the center of the Greater Tokyo Area, and the largest metropolitan area of Japan. It is the seat of the Japanese government and the Imperial Palace, and the home of the Japanese Imperial Family...
Motor show in 1961, several months before the roll-out of the MGB
MG MGB
The MGB is a sports car launched by MG Cars in May 1962 to replace the MGA. Introduced as a four-cylinder roadster, a coupé with 2+2 seating was added in 1965...
. The SP 310 was powered by a 1.5 liter inline four cylinder OHV engine with a single carburetor
Carburetor
A carburetor , carburettor, or carburetter is a device that blends air and fuel for an internal combustion engine. It is sometimes shortened to carb in North America and the United Kingdom....
producing 77 hp
Horsepower
Horsepower is the name of several units of measurement of power. The most common definitions equal between 735.5 and 750 watts.Horsepower was originally defined to compare the output of steam engines with the power of draft horses in continuous operation. The unit was widely adopted to measure the...
(57 kW
Kw
kw or KW may refer to:* Kuwait, ISO 3166-1 country code** .kw, the country code top level domain for Kuwait* Kilowatt* Self-ionization of water Kw* Cornish language's ISO 639 code* Kitchener–Waterloo, Ontario, Canada...
). The 1500 was a 3 seat convertible
Convertible
A convertible is a type of automobile in which the roof can retract and fold away having windows which wind-down inside the doors, converting it from an enclosed to an open-air vehicle...
with front buckets, and a transverse back seat. The 1964 production added a second SU carburetor and power increased to 85 hp. 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.
In 1966 engine displacement
Engine displacement
Engine displacement is the volume swept by all the pistons inside the cylinders of an internal combustion engine in a single movement from top dead centre to bottom dead centre . It is commonly specified in cubic centimeters , litres , or cubic inches...
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.
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
Mikuni
is a leading Japanese carburettor manufacturing company that was founded in 1923 and incorporated in 1948. Their business activities are centred on carburettors, fuel injectors and other automobile related equipment...
Solex
Solex
Solex was a French manufacturer of carburetors and the powered bicycle VéloSoleX.The Solex company was founded by Marcel Mennesson and Maurice Goudard to manufacture vehicle radiators...
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.
The roadsters, especially the 1600 and 2000, became regular winners on the SCCA circuit, winning 10 national SCCA championships. For the full story of Nissan's involvement, the race teams, drivers and cars, visit the Datsun Roadster SCCA pages.