Written by M3Racer
On March 15, 1967, Datsun introduced the Datsun Sports 2000, more commonly referred to as the Datsun 2000. This 2 liter roadster came from a long line of Datsun roadsters, the first of which was built in 1932, which is when the company’s name was changed from Datson to Datsun. The official model series identification for left-hand-drive 2000’s was SRL311. Many debate over how many 2000’s were produced in the first production year. Some believe that there were only 1000 for the first year, while others claim that there were 1000 left-hand-drive models and another 1000 right-hand-drive models, bringing the total number to 2000 made in the first year, which was from March until November of 1967. Some collectors argue that the 1967 models were the most desirable. This was due to a better-looking windshield, which was two inches lower then those on all later models. 1967 models were equipped with a “flat dash” as seen on previous models. 1967 was also the first and last year the 2000 was not required to meet any DOT or EPA standards. This allowed for a factory option known as the Solex kit to be installed. With the Solex Competition kit, power was bumped to 150hp. The upgrade consisted of dual Mikuni/Solex carburetors, a Solex camshaft, and a seven quart finned aluminum oil pan for improved cooling. Original Solex models are very rare and very desirable. However, for the same reason of the uncertainty surrounding how many were produced, it is difficult to identify an original Solex model. No models in the U.S. came with 150hp ID tags, and thus, it is impossible to determine an original Solex in the U.S. without the original owner or consulting the original window sticker.
Unlike the classic American cars of the era, which had serial number plates on heads, blocks, alternators, and other mechanical parts, documentation was unimportant to Nissan, whom was still attempting to get a proper footing in the U.S. market. Because of this, numbers matching roadsters are not super desirable like American cars at the time. However, roadsters sold outside of Japan had a serial number stamped onto the block and an engine number tag. Models with the engine number and the number in the block identical are considered to be “numbers matching.” These cars demand a premium over non-matching or unstamped models.
How do I determine the paint code of my Datsun 2000?
The paint color code was stamped on a label under the hood to the left of the ID plate. However, it is not unheard of in any way for this stamp to be missing. If it is, the number can be found under the carpet on the transmission tunnel or on the inside of the firewall. Reproduction color labels can be purchased for reasonable prices once the number is determined.
How can I tell if a car is an authentic 1967 model?
Although it is very uncommon, some have converted their 1967 1600’s to 2000’s in an attempt to scam potential buyers. One way to spot a fake is by examining the ID tag. 2000’s will have a chassis code beginning with SLR311. Insure both the chassis and engine begins with this, instead of SPL311, which was for 1600’s. A very obvious way would be to examine the dash. 1600’s had 120mph speedometers and 7000rpm tachometers instead of the 2000’s, which had 160mph speedometers and an 8000rpm tachometer.
In 1968, the roadsters were changed. The DOT mandated that there be a certain area swept by the windshield wipers. Therefore, the windshield was raised two inches to meet this requirement, as well as to resolve complaints about lack of head room in larger Americans. The dash was changed to meet passenger safety regulations, which also led to the disappearance of toggle switches. The door handles were recessed due to complaints of pedestrians being injured in low speed accidents by the 1967 door handles. Additional changes included a windshield mounted rear view mirror that replaced a dash mounted mirror, new body panels, floor, and cowl. Also, the fuse box was now placed in the glove compartment instead of under the hood.
Specs for the 1969 Datsun 2000 roadster:
Engine Location: Front
Drive type: Rear wheel
Weight: 1980 lbs.
Combined MPG: 22
0-60 mph: 8.4 seconds
Top speed: 108 mph
Engine: I-4
Model: U20
Solid Valve lifters
Aspiration/Induction: Natural
Displacement: 1982.00 cc
Valvetrain: SOHC
HP: 135 HP @ 6000.00 RPM
Torque: 132 ft-lbs @4400.00 RPM
HP to weight: 14.7 LB/HP
HP / Liter: 67.5 BHP / Liter
Bore: 87.1 mm
Stroke: 83.1 mm
Compression Ration: 9.5:1
Electronics: 12-volt electrical
Fuel type: Gasoline – Petrol
Fuel feed: Two SU-type carburetors
Block: Cast-iron
Head: Aluminum
Transmission: 5-Speed Manual with synchromesh gears
Final Drive: 3.70:1
Length: 155.701 inches
Width: 58.901 inches
Height: 52.201 inches
Wheelbase: 89.901 in
