67-70 Datsun 2000 Sport Roadster: A front and rear charmer

You know how people can be front and rear charmers.  Oh, let’s not get into that right now, but rather focus on something that is just as interesting from my point of view – Cars!

Today, the Nissan 370Z offers a less expensive but very performance competitive alternative to the Porsche 911.  In the 60s the Datsun 2000 Sport Roadster offered a less expensive but very performance competitive alternative to the MG and Triumph roadsters. 

So what does the classic 67-70 Datsun 2000 Sport Roadster have to offer?

The car was first seen at the Tokyo Motor Show in 1961 and first sold in the U.S. with the 2000 engine in 1967.

The 2000 Sport was raced by the legendary drivers John Morton, Paul Newman, Peter Brock and others. The 2000 Sport won its class in C and D Production as well as SCCA racing.   

Of note is that the car’s platform went on to be used for the Z cars.

The engine is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder providing 133 hp and 132 ft. lb. of torque (the dual carbureted engine delivers 150 hp and 152 ft. lb. of torque).  The transmission is a five-speed manual gearbox (the unit’s synchronizers were reportedly licensed from Porsche). This Datsun does 0-60 mph in 8.4 seconds and depending on the horsepower of the engine, the car’s top speed is 108 to 140 mph. 

On the exterior the Datsun 2000 Sport has crisp lines and an abundance of front and back end character.

At the front this Datsun has a tall windshield that is slightly canted back (of note is that the 67 2000 Roadster had a two-inch lower windshield). The hood is long and sleek with a raised air intake in the center.  The two large round headlights cap off the rounded front fenders.  The all chrome grille has a nice rectangular shape.  The bumper is a thin chrome piece that wraps into the front fenders.

From the side the car sits low.  The front fenders are rounded at the top and the rear fenders are squared off.  The edges of the fenders are faired out slightly at the edges.  There is a chrome strip positioned just under the door handle.

At the rear this Datsun has a flat trunk lid.  The rear fender edges are raised above the trunk. A small round chrome lamp caps off the edge of the fender.  Two larger round taillight lamps sit directly below the fender lamps.  Other chrome pieces include the gas cap, license plate light holders and the chrome bumper.    

On the interior the 2000 Sport includes full instrumentation. There is a central tachometer with the speedometer on the left and water temperature, oil pressure, voltage and fuel readings on the right. The front bucket seats are comfortable and because it is a two seater, there is good legroom.  The dash is not very deep thus adding the feeling of some openness in the cozy interior.  The radio is housed vertically above the distinctive center console.     .

The brakes are discs at the front and drums at the rear.  Updating the brake system to discs at all four corners is a fairly inexpensive prospect.

The suspension at the front consists of a torsion bar, coil springs and double action dampers.  At the back the setup includes semi-elliptical leaf springs and double action dampers.      

The fuel rating for the Datsun 2000 Sport Roadster is 30 mpg on the highway.

On the road this Datsun provides good acceleration, pure feedback from the steering wheel as well as rewarding shift action from its manual gearbox.  The car holds the road well and is especially rewarding on twisty back roads.  Last, but not least, its ride quality is quite good for a sports car of its vintage (1967-1970).  The 2000 Sport was available in the U.S. from 1967 until 1970.       

Have I gone off the deep end and head over heels on the Datsun 2000 Sport Roadster?  You might indeed think so, however, an owner had this to say about the car, “Have had my 2000 for the last 15 years, never a day goes by when driving that someone doesn’t give me a thumbs up or comments on it.  Classic good looks and fun as heck to drive!  It’s a keeper.”

And this is indeed exactly why I have brought this classic roadster to your attention!        

Kyle Busch is the author of “Drive the Best for the Price: How to Buy a Used Automobile, Sport-Utility Vehicle, or Minivan and Save Money.” His automotive site: drivethebestbook.com includes an exclusive article just for you, additional car articles, information about Kyle Busch and his 510,000 mile car, and you can even submit your automotive questions and get expert answers.  Follow Kyle on Facebook and Twitter.