Bring a Trailer names the Roadster a "under 20k" bargain

[2mAn]

https://bringatrailer.com/2017/09/29/bo ... 0k-part-2/

Datsun Roadster 1600 & 2000 (1965 – 1970)

Much how the Bugeye Sprite repackaged the established template for British roadsters in the form of a smaller, less expensive machine, Nissan’s Fairlady Roadster adapted the same recipe–a simple front-mounted four-cylinder engine, rear-wheel drive, and neat styling–albeit with a distinctly Japanese flavor in the finer details of its engineering, construction and looks. Early cars offered 1500 fours and an interesting three-seater layout, though most will have later, base 1600 or optional 2.0 liter engines. Our ideal Roadster combines the lower windshield and metal dash of pre-1968 cars with the 2.0 liter 135 HP SOHC U20 four/5-speed drivetrain, though admittedly that’s a pretty rare mix–we haven’t seen any with this spec pass through BaT Auctions just yet, but such a car may be just out of range at $20k.

Fortunately post-facelift tall-windshield examples are still very good looking cars, and though quite a bit down on output at 95 HP, 1600/4-speed examples are still great fun to drive, especially with the top down and the revs up. Driver 1600’s start at under $10k, with the fat end of the market for both displacements and series hovering between about $12k – $16k.