Datsun 'Fairlady' Roadster - Fast Blast Review - Everyday Driver

The guys get a chance to experience this rare classic roadster. They discuss it in relation other roadsters and all the MX5/Miatas they recently drove.

For the 4 Generations of Miata comparison go here:

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[bobdevo]

I had one of these in the 70's. It had the Solex carbs, and I had it balanced and blueprinted, ported and polished, stainless headers. Put out 196 hp on the dyno. Weighed 2200 pounds with me in it and a full tank. Put the hurn on many a Porsche and "Vette.

[Thesoumitra]

These Guys are Just Awesome.. They let me feel the drive by their great words and expressions and they let us experience something new and Unique everytime. I just love +EverydayDriver. Thanks Guys.

[edmaguire]

I drove my 1968 Datsun 1600 Fairlady from Massachusetts to Nova Scotia & back on my honeymoon in July of 1969. Only 68 hp but you felt like you were behind the wheel of a Ferrari. It went forever on a tank of regular gas. As we use to say "only room for your ass and a gallon of gas."

[toshibavoodoo]

Love this car, wanted one couldn't find one and ended up getting a TR7 convertible in mint condition. Always Loved the look of this car.

[peteflynn]

I owned a '70 2000 roadster for eight years and loved it. My car was one of the last built and actually overlapped the 240z production. It was pretty crude by current standards. But it had the most delightful 5spd MT. I don't know what they're complaining about brakes for. Acceleration and stopping were all this car could do, but it was enough to win the DP national road racing championship for about three years running.

[davidfulginiti]

I"m 64, had three MGs, they were prehistroic look back @ what motoring was---thanks again-David Fulginti

[corinth]

My first car was a 66 Datsun 1600 Roadster. Smiled every mile and so basically simple to maintain. Restored it and unfortunately has to sell it in '85. Dang I should have kept it

[bondgabebond]

This was the first car I bought, a 1969 Datsun 2000, silver color. Being new, it did not feel unsafe, didn't rattle. I guess this is what age does to this little car. But it was nimble once I got some Pirelli tires on it. I raced it through the hills north of San Jose to Santa Cruz, up to San Francisco, just about everywhere. This little beast had a 2000cc single overhead cam engine pumping out 135 horses. It also had a 5-speed transmission where most sports cars had only a 4-speed. Too bad the 2000 model was made for only a couple of years.

[scarharting]

I drove one of these on a beautiful October day in the midwest in '77. Don't know what model year but it was a stock 1600. Little sports cars like this are tremendous fun to drive because it's such a visceral sensation. The sun and wind, how low you sit, how close the pavement is, the manual gear shift, the quart of beer between your legs (no cup holders back then), the Amish horse and buggy dead ahead as you pop over a rise at 70? 80?... The drum brakes worked just fine to haul it down and go slowly around the waving gentleman so as not to scare the horse.... One of my very fondest driving memories.

[BillLee]

LOL. Love it! My father bought a brand new red one in 1970 when I was three. He considered a 240Z, but wanted a convertible instead. It does look to me like the owner has changed the steering wheel because I remember them being huge. I remember racing a 'vette from a stop light and distinctly remember riding in the back while the top was completely removed at about 5 (things were different back then).

This car informed what I look for in a car to this day. Small, simple, sporty, convertible, lots of power versus the weight, i.e. a go-cart. I have my dream Porsche Boxster GTS 4.0 being delivered in 3 weeks and I hope to have as much fun with it as my Dad did with his little Datsun....

[YouknowmeOUdo]

Love my 70 roadster, you are supposed to feel the road in a sportscar. Best thing about it is not many folks have seen them, very unique car.

[Azmodan]

I think... i've heard of this car? But i've definitely never seen one live and in person. Love the video, guys...i always almost feel like i'm there!

[subarublue]

My father owns a mint condition 2000, won a few car shows with it... I have also driven it...
I can say this, if a chevy cruze or dodge dart feels sporty to you, this car will still feel like a slug... At the time they were pretty quick and sporty, but today... They do not compare...
They are beautiful cars and fun to drive, but these guys are over exaggerating...
And them commenting on the body panels rattling and feeling like they are going to fall off... A good restored datsun will not do that...

[ManikandanVR-VedanticStoic]

+EverydayDriver Guys you are back! This video captures the earlier candor and fun of the older Everyday Driver just like the Miata, S2000 and the Fairlady!
My God, I was hoping for this day ;)

One suggestion, can you bring back the older title music? it would make it even more wholesome

[richardpvancouver]

I have a 67 .love it! love it! love it! dont know what they expect for a 50 year old car that sold for under $2000 new.

[johnclerk]

My 1969 Fairlady ate speedometer cables about once a month. I finally quit replacing it. haha I wonder where it is today. I owned mine from 75 to about 1979. it's growly and snorty and loads of personality. I wish I could find one again, but they aren't cheap!

[Zygrene]

Nice job guys. Any plans to review an AE86 soon? Just did one for my channel.

[oliverkalamata]

I remember seeing one of these in the early 2000's for sale at a car lot for $4500. It was white and in mint condition. I should have bought it. 😢

[kenwaddle]

This isn't really a fair review. Your driving some guys worn out roadster. Drive one that has been restored and has a u20 motor.

[barrelagedcomics]

i wish they did the video with a cleaner roadster. Or even a 66 or 67 with the nice looking dash. mine is really comfortable and nice to drive.