Purpose Built Motors’ Datsun 1600 Restomod | Jay Leno's Garage

แชร์
ฝัง
  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 8 พ.ค. 2022
  • Mike Spagnola tastefully restored and modified this Datsun 1600 which makes 300 horsepower to the wheels!
    » Subscribe: bit.ly/JLGSubscribe
    » Visit the Official Site: bit.ly/JLGOfficialSite
    THE BEST OF JAY LENO'S GARAGE
    » Exclusive First Looks: bit.ly/JLGExclusives
    » Ultra Rare Supercars: bit.ly/JLGSupercars
    » Jay's Book Club: bit.ly/JLGBookClub
    JAY LENO'S GARAGE ON SOCIAL
    Facebook: / jaylenosgarage
    Twitter: / lenosgarage
    Instagram: / jaylenosgarage
    TikTok: / jaylenosgarag. .
    ABOUT JAY LENO'S GARAGE
    A new video every Monday! Visit Jay Leno's Garage, the Emmy-winning series where Jay Leno gives car reviews, motorcycle reviews, compares cars, and shares his passion and expertise on anything that rolls, explodes, and makes noise. Classic cars, restomods, super cars like the McLaren P1, sports cars like Porsche 918 Spyder and Camaro Z28, cafe racers, vintage cars, and much, much more.
    NBC ON SOCIAL:
    TH-cam: / nbc
    Twitter: / nbc
    Facebook: / nbc
    Instagram: / nbc
  • แนวปฏิบัติและการใช้ชีวิต

ความคิดเห็น • 897

  • @RA-uj3nm
    @RA-uj3nm 2 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    "How do you know what's behind you?"......"The shine of the chrome". Best answer ever. 😀👍👍

  • @SirVic42
    @SirVic42 2 ปีที่แล้ว +133

    12:50 That glove compartment door covered with race badges increased Jay's interest 100x. Jay loves a car with a story, and those badges tell a wonderful story of this sports car's life.

    • @leegoddard2618
      @leegoddard2618 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Yes, every car has a story. Nice to know this ones. Cool he kept it.

    • @harryballzack
      @harryballzack 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      I enjoyed that as well! Smart guy to save that history!!

    • @harryballzack
      @harryballzack 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Think I would’ve left it on the dash though…personal opinion. 😎

    • @toomanyhobbies2011
      @toomanyhobbies2011 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@harryballzack Yeah, I think that's a great idea, but it probably would have got stolen in LA.

    • @BadBlonde-CarHistory
      @BadBlonde-CarHistory 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      100%!

  • @desmo750f1
    @desmo750f1 2 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    Great rapport between you, a friendly conversation rather than an interview. Great car too, of course.

  • @Rickmakes
    @Rickmakes 2 ปีที่แล้ว +20

    I like that Mike was interviewing Jay. Love this type of video. Jay is just a genuine car guy.

  • @bjnuma01
    @bjnuma01 2 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    As the owner of a Datsun 1600 sports which is in bits in the garage, this is the episode I’ve been waiting for. Love the car!!

  • @williamwinslowhansen
    @williamwinslowhansen 2 ปีที่แล้ว +15

    That’s about the nicest 1600 I’ve ever seen . Just a perfect stance and the right amount of power. Absolutely love the lines of these and everything he’s done accents them . So nice

  • @dicknodnfs
    @dicknodnfs 2 ปีที่แล้ว +107

    I love when you give younger people to shine with their builds. Like the kid with the Model T. Thanks.

    • @ericwildman6198
      @ericwildman6198 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      I to enjoy watching Jay bring the younger crowd. Especially the kid with the Mustang he had on a few months ago.

    • @annavariumful
      @annavariumful 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      That episode is one of my favourite! I think he knew more about T's than Jay, and that's saying something :)

    • @BadBlonde-CarHistory
      @BadBlonde-CarHistory 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Love these!

    • @adrianpowell3924
      @adrianpowell3924 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Awesome watch forsure smart young man

  • @davidostrom9324
    @davidostrom9324 2 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    I loved the show featuring a 1600 Datsun sports car. It is the era of the car my wife and I rented during my R&R from Vietnam in early 1968. We had little money so did not visit other islands. We spent much time on the roads in Oahu completely exploring nearly every road and location. eating in inexpensive places and getting the full pleasure of driving that car until it was time for me to go back.

    • @pete1729
      @pete1729 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Welcome home!

    • @gyrene_asea4133
      @gyrene_asea4133 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Really relate to that little slice of life. Simple and rings so true for many who where young and in that part of the world. Glad you made it back!

  • @Mike-lh1rq
    @Mike-lh1rq 2 ปีที่แล้ว +112

    Jay's a great guy, I always like how humble he is and the variety of cars he has on the show. He can appreciate all the hard work the owners put into restoring these different cars and talking to the enthusiastic owners like this man. He's appreciates all types of cars from different era's and is very knowledgeable on their technologies. I'm glad to see most owners let him drive their cars, as he seems to be a expert driver. A excellent show Jay, keep up the great work on your channel.

  • @bshingledecker
    @bshingledecker 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Beautiful. Well done. Restore our faith in the future of car enthusiasts, and builders. Maybe it is me, but I see a Zappa resemblance in his appearance, and personality. Wisdom beyond his years.

  • @52komatsu
    @52komatsu 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Back in the day here in CT. Bob Sharpe Racing had Paul Newman driving for him. They had Datsun 2000s that they ran on the track. I owned one of their 2000s that they sold thru their Datsun dealership. What a great car.

  • @philipdubuque9596
    @philipdubuque9596 2 ปีที่แล้ว +21

    As a kid from Lynn, MA (graduated in '67) I can completely relate to the line: "...anything with less than four doors might as well have been a Farrari." This young man is right in the spirit of the restomod hobby. Great video!

  • @shareurtube
    @shareurtube 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    God I loved this segment. I owned a 68 Datsun 2000. It was Canary yellow and had a hard top that creak like crazy. To this day I would love to have that car and do what Mike did to his 1600. I have to say his swap makes so much sense and would love to do something like that. Great show Jay.

    • @curbozerboomer1773
      @curbozerboomer1773 ปีที่แล้ว

      If you had a 2000--that was power enough!...those engines were very lively!

  • @jlwilliams
    @jlwilliams 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    02:30 Somehow even before he answered the question, I knew he was going to say “SR20DET.” One of those engines that has its own fan club!

  • @D70SF
    @D70SF 2 ปีที่แล้ว +24

    Mike Spagnola is a gent. Really knows these cars and great to see this.

  • @watsontcbc
    @watsontcbc 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    That’s a beauty! Takes me back to the dreams I had for a ‘70 1600 that I bought for $150 in the late ‘80s and did a low-budget fix-up on the body and got it running. Wanted to do something like this but lacked the money and time. It was one of my favorite cars along with a ‘03 Mazda Protege5 hatchback. So much fun in the canyons!

    • @tommurphy4307
      @tommurphy4307 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      that is a rare car today- most roadster owners opted for the 2000 in 1970

  • @brianhomka290
    @brianhomka290 2 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Datsun 1600...my first car! Incredible car...was very "used" when I got it, but stood up very well for a teenager learning to drive, and putting it through the paces. The car was so light, it was very quick with only about 100hp. I can't imagine 300hp in this baby beast!
    Thank you for the video, brought back so many memories.

  • @AHobbistChannel
    @AHobbistChannel 2 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    I'm just now looking into TSD rallying in southern Arizona (if I could only find others who are interested.) The Braille Rallies are something I hadn't heard about before. My neighbor is a deaf/hearing translator at the local blind/deaf school. I'll have to talk to her about them! Love the car stories Jay! Keep inviting (young) everyday owners to the show. These are the best episodes!!

  • @bobschenkel7921
    @bobschenkel7921 2 ปีที่แล้ว +63

    It was cool that he kept it Nissan as much as possible, keeping it true to it's origins. And it looked like he did real good work. Congratulations on an excellent restoration. And no mention of the McLaren P1 by Mr. Leno.

    • @therealsnow
      @therealsnow 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Nice thing about Datsuns is a lot of Nissan parts from other vehicles will bolt right in, they have a lot of interchangeably.

    • @toyotanerd2269
      @toyotanerd2269 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      I was surprised we didn't mention the F1 when they showed the gold hood lineing

    • @pete1729
      @pete1729 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@toyotanerd2269 On the McLaren it's an actual sheet of real gold.

    • @wmhhealth2018
      @wmhhealth2018 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      The SR 20 is a great engine. I had a 1992 Sentra SER with that engine. Absolutely bulletproof.

    • @BadBlonde-CarHistory
      @BadBlonde-CarHistory 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      yes!

  • @ajay-xjs
    @ajay-xjs 2 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    Beautiful car. I loved the originals but this is a fabulous looking restomod. Preservation in any format is to be encouraged. This chap saved a shell from the wreckers and brought it back to a wonderful new life. Much respect.

    • @tommurphy4307
      @tommurphy4307 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      people STILL throw these things away building race cars out of em. i used to have parts scavengers grab the all the 2000 body stuff i used to leave out for the trash man when i used to build DP cars for nelson or summit point.

  • @08Barclay
    @08Barclay 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    My second car was a 1967 Datsun 1600 short windshield roadster. I loved it, and wish I still had it. Lots of fun in that little rig!

  • @tmzcuadros1971
    @tmzcuadros1971 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Jay is an American treasure, so knowledgeable of the auto industry, and industrial era. I love how he talks with his guests never acting like he knows more or is better. He has great car stories. I wish his car collection open to the public, maybe one day one could hope. He will be sorely missed when he's gone. We love you Jay!

    • @tommurphy4307
      @tommurphy4307 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      first you have to out-live him.....then you can make that comment.

  • @jamesa702
    @jamesa702 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    This vid brought lots of memories of my 2000 back. drove it 129 mph which almost unseated the convertible top. Took some hair pin turns at hair raising speed on the way to Toad Hall. Fortunately my Angels kept me safe. Had the 2000 for a year and then the head got warped and an episode of daffy exploits ended with no casualties. Now I play vid games and see how far I can go with terminal cancer. Thanks very much for your beautiful presentation. The adventure never ends...

    • @Adel_Volks
      @Adel_Volks 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Sorry, brother. I can’t imagine going though that. God bless you.

  • @michaellawrence5492
    @michaellawrence5492 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Had in 1974 to 1976 a used stock 1969 SPL311 1600cc 14 inch wheels Datsun Roadster. It could eat MGB's 1800 cc and 1500cc Spitfires all day long. That motor was really strong and tight having an aluminum head twin SU carbs four bolt main carried crank that would torque up or drag down gearing relentlessly to your flavors of performance. It always made me think of the Triumph Harold front end having a Mercedes back end with those tail lights, it was like me a mutt breed with heart. Sure glad I have a collection of pictures of it right up to totaling it by a 1 and half barrow roll starting from the driver side and resting on a collapsed windshield. It dump me on the first half of the roll never used the stock seat belts "fools sometimes pull it off" which was more like a flip when snapping off the rear wheel at the axle from drifting into a curb. It continued on until rest only knocking the wind out of me and a bruised inner leg from the large steering dragging over it as I separated from the car. One of many cars that made memories for me still rolling but a little slower, Ha!

  • @lexus_offroad_adventures
    @lexus_offroad_adventures 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Yes Mike! This is so awesome 👏

  • @Xaltar_
    @Xaltar_ 2 ปีที่แล้ว +37

    So well put together. I love that he kept the chrome and styling almost stock, everything he added fits well with the aesthetic of the original car. I would absolutely buy one of these in this configuration.

    • @kopronko
      @kopronko 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Amennn !!! ! !!! :-) :-) :-)

    • @raygor2366
      @raygor2366 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I agree, very clean car.

    • @tommurphy4307
      @tommurphy4307 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      a real datsun roadster fan wouldn't even give it a second look- the roadster to have is the '67 SRL311- with a complete dealer-installed solex kit.

  • @billboomhower9242
    @billboomhower9242 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I had a 1968 Datsun 2000 back in 1973 when I was going to college always loved it wish I'd kept it.

  • @stuffhappens5681
    @stuffhappens5681 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I had a ‘68 Datsun Roadster. Was great fun. Nice to see young people enjoying it too.

  • @doublel7337
    @doublel7337 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I love these old Datsun roadsters. I can remember the motorcycle shop I worked at becoming the Datsun dealership around 1969. We got in a Datsun 1600 and a Datsun 2000S and as much as I liked the 240 z. , I wish I would have bought that 2000S. Those were great days. Jay Leno came to our small town to open up a restore movie theater a couple years ago. There are many fine Italian restaurants here, but Jay wanted to go to a Hardee's. He let people take their pictures with him, and everyone who was there said Jay is the real deal. Great video !!

  • @darwinbeloate2978
    @darwinbeloate2978 2 ปีที่แล้ว +46

    Always liked the Datsun roadsters and I like that Spagnola kept is all Datsun/Nissan components. Spagnola seems like a genuinely nice guy. Enjoyed his questions to Jay about Jay's roadster back in the day.

    • @BadBlonde-CarHistory
      @BadBlonde-CarHistory 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Same!

    • @tommurphy4307
      @tommurphy4307 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      do you suppose the guy who designed the front of the datsun roadster actually knew the guy who designed the rear??

  • @Orbit_Corona
    @Orbit_Corona 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    OMG I am IN LOVE with that sports car ! Datsun FTW !

  • @BullittGT40
    @BullittGT40 2 ปีที่แล้ว +28

    As somebody who is restoring a 73 Opel GT I appreciate these odd little sports cars of that era. This is a great example with a cool owner.

    • @clutchcarabelli8054
      @clutchcarabelli8054 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      My dad had a red Opal GT in the '70s when I was a kid with slotted wheels and fat tires, it was the coolest thing in the world to me, he had trouble with the motor though had to rebuild it twice and then gave up. I have a red C6 Z06 now thats ok but it would be way cooler if it had a headlight flipping handle :)

    • @perry92964
      @perry92964 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      great looking cars did you see when gas monkey crushed two of them cause he couldnt give them away? broke my heart

    • @ralphsmith2683
      @ralphsmith2683 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      what SWAPS have been done to the GT's ?

    • @tommurphy4307
      @tommurphy4307 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      boy, if that ain't the pot calling the kettle 'black'

  • @richb313
    @richb313 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Thanks Jay experience commenting of youthful exuberance and the results are great.

  • @lcypher5579
    @lcypher5579 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Being up in years, it's so refreshing to see the younger generations getting into the "hobby" and doing it so well. The fact that my first "new" car I bought was a '76 280Z doesn't hurt either. Great job Mike! 👏

  • @coachgeo
    @coachgeo 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    had both 1600 and 2000.. they handled well for sure. Still love these Fairlady's

  • @danasmith3288
    @danasmith3288 2 ปีที่แล้ว +62

    These are the presentations I appreciate from Jay. A young man with a knowledgeable passion about four wheels and an internal combustion engine.

    • @basstrammel1322
      @basstrammel1322 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      I can kinda feel in my bones that Jay wants to work with him in the future. Tightly.

    • @BadBlonde-CarHistory
      @BadBlonde-CarHistory 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Agreed!

  • @outinthebackyard7579
    @outinthebackyard7579 2 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    The old Datsun roadsters are quite possibly my favorite chassis that one day I hope to own

    • @kopronko
      @kopronko 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      +++
      :-)

    • @tommurphy4307
      @tommurphy4307 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      who will be the first to build a roadster EV?!

    • @outinthebackyard7579
      @outinthebackyard7579 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@tommurphy4307 it will not be me I don’t have anything against that but part of the experience for me is the sound and manners of a combustion engine.

  • @murdocmcoy1806
    @murdocmcoy1806 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    This is one of my favorite Jay Leno episodes

  • @scottimusgarrett15
    @scottimusgarrett15 2 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    When you pulled out of the garage, the back of the car (with the flares) almost looked like a Cobra! I love this thing! It looks super go-carty and fun to drive. Kudos to the sound guys for making this episode listenable! That must've been a hassle!
    Thank you to Jay for featuring another really cool vehicle, and thanks to the crew for another great episode! As good (if not better) than what you get on cable!✌️❤️🙂🇨🇦

  • @stevenmaxfield6103
    @stevenmaxfield6103 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I had a '69 Datsun 2000 Roadster back in '74. I loved that car. Thanks for this episode. 👍

  • @Moto_Plus
    @Moto_Plus 2 ปีที่แล้ว +79

    I really enjoyed this video, especially when Jay tells the story of the brand and what experience he had. I feel those are more value added stories than just talking about the car and how it rides.
    Also big shoutout to asking more about Jay and what he drove vs talking about the car.

    • @OMGWTFLOLSMH
      @OMGWTFLOLSMH 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Unfortunately, Jay's story about the brand is not accurate, from what I could discern.
      en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Datsun#Datsun_in_the_American_market

    • @BadBlonde-CarHistory
      @BadBlonde-CarHistory 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Love that too!

    • @tommurphy4307
      @tommurphy4307 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@OMGWTFLOLSMH its got to be hard to know a lot about every marque in the world, but Jay does a good job of faking it....

  • @---Avalon---Sky---
    @---Avalon---Sky--- 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Glad to see Nicolas Cages, cousin is reviving this classic,great color,great handling and awesome fun
    Another great episode Mr.Leno.,Thank you for some COVID relief,🕯️🙏🕊️👍

  • @murrayspiffy2815
    @murrayspiffy2815 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    My college roommate had a Datsun 2000 - I've loved them now for more than 40 years. This episode was a fun watch.

  • @brocluno01
    @brocluno01 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    When I was first in college (1967) I belonged to the sports car club. And we did AutoX and Gymkhana in the upper lot about once a month. Two cars that stole the show: 1.) 327 FI 4-speed split window Vette (yellow w white walls), and 2.) new with the paper dealer plate baby blue Fairlady that just ripped the course. That Fairlady made everyone of us a believer !!

  • @luisestebanr6311
    @luisestebanr6311 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    It looks great, I see a lot of future here! Thks for masify it Mr Leno!

  • @jeremypearson6852
    @jeremypearson6852 2 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    You have to admire the enthusiasm that Jay gets from the younger guys he has on the show. I feel like he’s always willing to share his experiences and provide some history. He never comes across as knowing everything and isn’t afraid to admit his mistakes, class act.

    • @tommurphy4307
      @tommurphy4307 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      gift-of-gab = good bullshitter

    • @lynch42o
      @lynch42o 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      easy when you're born into it.

  • @Daniel-fd3wp
    @Daniel-fd3wp 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Wow you could see the excitement in his face great car.👍

  • @chattingwithauthors740
    @chattingwithauthors740 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I had a 1964 Datsun 1500 (Fairlady) back in the late '60s and ran sports car rallies in SoCal too! Eventually, I replaced the 1500 with a 1600 engine and had to replace the rear end because the old rear end couldn't handle the extra HP. Fun car - I miss it. (I still have a couple of dash plaques from those days!

  • @lprince3884
    @lprince3884 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Gosh that is beautiful, wish I could turn my beater datsun to look like that.

  • @zerotoux
    @zerotoux 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Cool guy, seems like somebody I'd like to just grab a few beers with, and I don't even drink!

  • @shanetyler9391
    @shanetyler9391 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Its awesome to see a Datsun on Jay Leno Garage again thanks Jay :)

  • @Popsaircraftdetail
    @Popsaircraftdetail 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Great job very cool little car

  • @raygunn1083
    @raygunn1083 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Had a 1966 datsun 1600 with a posi r/e when I was a kid. It had been sitting up for many years when my dad bought it for me. We rebuilt it at the Navy hobbie shop. It was the best car I ever owned and the best thing my dad ever did for me.

  • @wileecoyote5749
    @wileecoyote5749 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Kind of miss my 73 Datsun 510 2 door sedan I sold 10 years ago.

  • @HypocriticYT
    @HypocriticYT 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Amazing, that’s a ton of work literally

  • @ClassicTrialsChannel
    @ClassicTrialsChannel 2 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    It's great to see someone asking Jay the questions for once

  • @culturecapitalist
    @culturecapitalist 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    best conversation so far

  • @zymmer4
    @zymmer4 2 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Jay..you have it , sir..The young man in this show is all about things that tick all the boxes you talk about..Congrats for finding this young man and showcasing everything that he stands for..honesty, perseverence, dedication..all great tags for a good life.

    • @kopronko
      @kopronko 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Amen :-)

  • @timhitt9541
    @timhitt9541 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    A friend of mine had 1 in the late 70's.It was a blast to drive.

  • @markmonroe7330
    @markmonroe7330 2 ปีที่แล้ว +64

    Jay is always giving back and helping support car people. Absolutely love this.

    • @ianmangham4570
      @ianmangham4570 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Great humanitarian, doesn't go looking for a cameran when helping us folk out.

    • @BadBlonde-CarHistory
      @BadBlonde-CarHistory 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Agreed!

    • @lynch42o
      @lynch42o 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      kid grew up racing, and already owns a car business, and Jay knows his father, i'm sure he'll be just fine..

  • @samjoentess9168
    @samjoentess9168 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Great car....and what a likeable lad

  • @englishmaninfrance661
    @englishmaninfrance661 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I had a Datsun S800 back in the 80's . Revved to 15 -16 thousand if I remember correctly . Not really that quick though, but a nice little car . I think they called them mini E-types

  • @howardgreenman2908
    @howardgreenman2908 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Excellent video. The car, the owner and the conversation were all first class.

  • @uaetub
    @uaetub 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    My car buddies neighbor had a white 1600 in the garage. He never would sell it. It didn't run because of a blown head gasket. We just marveled how cool it was. We always built 510s and 620s. Fun cars and trucks back in the 80s. Wish we still had all the ones we went through.

  • @johnbrooks1269
    @johnbrooks1269 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    American car culture in the 60's towards Japanese autos was finally relaxing. Remember a lot of Dads had signed up in 41 to fight. But Datsun saw a niche market in a sports car that looked small compared to the Mustang. I was 14 in 1965, but American steel didn't stop me from admiring the sporty lines of the Datsun. Great episode Jay and kudos to Mike for showing what elbow grease can do for the inspired and awesome exhaust note pouring out those dual pipes!

    • @11sfr
      @11sfr 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      My grandfather fought in the Pacific in WWII, then later sold aftermarket performance auto parts from the 1950s-1980s for a bunch of big names - he hated Japanese cars, wouldn't tolerate them parking in the prime spots in front of his office building. Then, one day in 1986, he showed up at my parents' house in a new Acura Legend, raving about how great the car was and how well built it was and all that. The car he traded in was a Cadillac with an Olds 5.0 diesel, if an explanation was needed

    • @tommurphy4307
      @tommurphy4307 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@11sfr the first legends were super-reliable cars

  • @erinfreize4717
    @erinfreize4717 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    So glad you bring all these young folks on the just getting started in the business. I'm sure they really appreciate it!

  • @willierants5880
    @willierants5880 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Beautiful car.

  • @carlbeamon1343
    @carlbeamon1343 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Jay the 1600 Datsun was my first sports car after I moved to Ventura County in 1978. Like yourself I loved this Datsun mine was pearl white. Found it in Ventura sitting in a garage not running. Paid a older lady $500. took to my repair shop at the time, explaining I had no idea what was wrong with it but check it out and let me know. After a towing it there my guy called the next day saying come pick it up, he couldn’t find anything major wrong with it. I sold it 6 years later to a female friend who drove in another six years!

  • @jameshutchins3396
    @jameshutchins3396 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Absolutely beautiful

  • @questfortruth665
    @questfortruth665 2 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    I had one of these Datsuns! Red, just like this one but just stock with a hard-shell roof with a porthole! Loved that car! So did girls!

    • @gymshoe7123
      @gymshoe7123 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      About 90% of them were red.

  • @breakandrun70
    @breakandrun70 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great Build, I'm a big fan of older sports cars, had a 61 MGA-1600, 72 MG Midget, 73 240Z Datsun
    They were all fun cars, and with a little work, great cars. Really well done video, covered it all.Thanks

  • @billwoods6759
    @billwoods6759 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Jay your the best. A Lot of passion and enthusiasm from your young guest. I love it.

  • @billburkart9087
    @billburkart9087 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I really enjoyed this test drive. The car owner was really present and realized that Jay was a source of info that he may not get a chance to tap into again.

  • @donziperk
    @donziperk 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This a great build and I love that Jay is willing to show all and any cars.
    I bought one in 1976 and have been working on them ever since. I build engines for them as well as do mechanical and electrical repairs and mods. Have built a couple with KA 24 engines for customers. I have a 2000 Roadster coming in for electrical work in a couple weeks a 1600 for brakes and a 2000 Solex engine build as well. They just keep coming and it it keeps me young.
    For those that don’t know, the 2000 came with either a 130 hp or the 150 hp Solex engine 5 speed trans and front disc brakes. All that starting in 19 67 1/2 thru to 70.
    Pretty well equipped.

    • @curbozerboomer1773
      @curbozerboomer1773 ปีที่แล้ว

      Yup...those Solex carbs really set that engine off!...A friend of mine had b ought one of those cars, and when I went for a ride, the acceleration pushed me back in the seat!...I thought it was a small-block V8!

  • @mclarenscca
    @mclarenscca 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    What a cool car! That SR20DET is no joke! One of the best engines Nissan EVER produced!

  • @sickjohnson
    @sickjohnson 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Pretty easy to see Jay really liked the car and Mike, we got some extra on this one...what a bonus!
    Well done Mike.

  • @robertphillips6296
    @robertphillips6296 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Nicely Done!

  • @grifo327
    @grifo327 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    So nice to see Jay with someone with so much passion and also out on the canyon roads.

  • @johnbecay6887
    @johnbecay6887 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    nice build...beautiful engine compartment

  • @jeremyb4493
    @jeremyb4493 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great video, and I think that's the earliest I've ever heard Jay say "pulls very nicely..." right after he fires it up in the garage and eases off the clutch😄

  • @boots_n_coots
    @boots_n_coots 2 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    BIG thumbs up on this car and it’s enthusiastic creator. Jay, you sure know how to pick ‘em.

  • @dlittlester
    @dlittlester 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I'm an old retired parts dude now, but my first taste in dealerships was Datsun, and I used to get orders for parts for these once in a while. I preferred the 2000 Sport though. At the time, the 510 was taking off big time, we had 1200 fastback, and two door sedans, and 520 pickups. Oh. And the 240Z of course. Those were great times.

  • @oddshot60
    @oddshot60 2 ปีที่แล้ว +170

    Back in the 70's and 80's we used to call Japanese cars: "British cars built correctly". I think the 1600 Datsun Roadster is what the MGB should have been.

    • @user-cn8vb9hh5z
      @user-cn8vb9hh5z 2 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      It's still true looking back at these cars today.

    • @kopronko
      @kopronko 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      +++ + +++
      Amen !!! :-)

    • @oddshot60
      @oddshot60 2 ปีที่แล้ว +20

      For the record, my comments are not "off-the-cuff" observations. I bought my first MGB in 1976 ... It was a 68 roadster, which I LOVED. I have owned over 60 of them (yes, over 60 ... I owned a shop) and raced them for about 12 years. Since 1976 I have always had at least one parked in the garage. The one I own now is a 1970 GT. And every time I see the Datsun Roadster, I shake my head for what could (should) have been.

    • @solomonlynn7456
      @solomonlynn7456 2 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      Wow! Over 60 of them?!. That's time well spent. I've only owned one of each in my 50 years. Both of them I drove stock for a few years before I modified them. (Younger me is still apologizing to older me for cutting them up). As I recall, the MG suffered from a very poor electrical system and a straight cut first gear. That made the Datsun more desirable to me. Plus it had disc brakes. In the end both cars got GM drivetrains. The Datsun was a Buick aluminum 215 V8 with a 5 speed. The MGB received a Chevy 2.8 V6 with a 5 speed. Both worked well, but I've always regretted not keeping the British car British, and the Japanese car Japanese. Live and learn.

    • @timothydraper3687
      @timothydraper3687 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      I'm a Brit and I agree with this.

  • @jimpinkowski3394
    @jimpinkowski3394 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    We had a Datsun 2000 set up for autocross when we were in college; tons of fun in a well balanced car!

    • @tommurphy4307
      @tommurphy4307 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      sounds like fun- good for you and your school buds!

  • @dizzolve
    @dizzolve 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    this one came out real nice. Great job. Love it

  • @billsherer9815
    @billsherer9815 2 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Beautiful job on his project. Great discussion between him and Jay. This young man is the car future. Super segment.

    • @kopronko
      @kopronko 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Amen :-) :-) :-)

    • @lynch42o
      @lynch42o 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      easy when you're born into it.

  • @Nvt13
    @Nvt13 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Great build. Great episode.

  • @KurtTank392
    @KurtTank392 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Mike does a good job of engaging Jay in Dialogue.

  • @twoblacklabs904
    @twoblacklabs904 2 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    It looks like a fun car to whip through winding turns with. Vintage resto mods is where the hobby is right now, and there’s more than a few great ideas taken from that car. I only wished we could’ve seen the suspension under it by seeing it on the lift.

    • @BadBlonde-CarHistory
      @BadBlonde-CarHistory 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Agreed!

    • @tommurphy4307
      @tommurphy4307 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      the driveline is nothing exciting in these cars- its leaf springs and a pickup truck axle

  • @windronner1
    @windronner1 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    This is the type of resto mod that should be parked nest to Jay’s 2x Lotus Elan’s. What a great build. Loved when I was a kid. Especially when 2000 arrived.

  • @MarkSeibold
    @MarkSeibold 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Really beautiful review of this classic Datsun. At 18 and a half years of age, not quite a year out of high school in March 1973, I found a last model they built - a 1970 and a half. [The new Datsun 240Z, first new model came out in the same 70 and a half year.]
    I was literally shocked to see it on a Friday night in the classified ads of the newspaper, and that it was just up the street not even a half a mile away at a used car lot at a Lincoln Mercury dealer. The Classified ad indicated the car had only 29,000 miles on it and they were only asking $1,495. I asked my father to drive me up the next day on a Saturday and I couldn't believe it was still sitting there in the lot. It literally looked brand new. Silver with a black vinyl interior. The young lady was trading it in on a brand new yellow Mercury Capri.
    And she had just returned as I got out of my father's like new 1966 Impala. She was dropping off the original convertible soft top and the Toneau cover. She had purchased the available hardtop for the car, which was on it when I came to look at it.
    The salesman for the Lincoln Mercury dealer walked out with the keys and asked me if I wanted to take it for a drive. I'd never driven a four speed stick shift in my life. He started up and then drove down the block into a residential neighborhood explaining how to perform the feathering of the engine revs and letting the clutch off. We stopped and switched places. The first time I let the clutch off I killed the engine. He laughed and just said put it in neutral and start it again, now shift it back to first give it a little more gas this time and have your left heel angle back slowly with your toes of your foot allowing the clutch pedal to slip up gradually, and simultaneously, as you give it a little more gas. I did it this time perfectly and then he explained quickly, as it gains speed to not quite the speed limit of 25 miles an hour heading down the street, now push the clutch in again pull the stick back to second gear and just let the clutch off this time without even giving any more throttle gas. That's all I'd ever done to learn how to drive a stick. He said, so just leave it in a second and brake slightly and keep the gas going a bit while slowing down, and as you keep running along your second gear will do okay but it will lag a little in RPMs, turn around in this cul-de-sac coming up, and then accelerate a little more this time and push the stick slightly up halfway to the right and to the upper right corner into third gear, then down the street doing the speed limit may be about 25 in the neighborhood, he said now push the clutch in again and pull the stick shift back halfway letting it fall into the neutral cross HC cross pattern and back to the lower left to second and just let the clutch off, you feel the downshift of the revs come up, and I drove back to the car lot. I thought what an excellent lesson he gave me, as I learned the whole process of shifting and downshifting in just a couple of blocks through a neighborhood, on a cloudy late winter day in March
    I put $1,000 down in cash, and I at financed $495 through Ford Motor Company which I paid off in the next several months.
    So for the next twelve years I drove this virtually brand new Datsun 1600 Roadster, fully paid for.
    As I left the lot it was just getting dark on that Saturday evening so I took the long way home and drove several extra miles. The next day on a Sunday much of the neighborhood thought I bought a brand new silver sports car that no one had ever seen before. My Monday morning I drove to art school with it and class teacher let me park it next to the art studio building, that was accessed only by small campus roads for maintenance vehicles. So the other students thought that she and I had something going on with this brand new sports car. I felt like I was reliving the movie of, I think it was called Love Story, that Ryan O'Neill drives an old MG A roadster.
    I loved learning to do my own tune-ups, and took it on my first long road trip from our home in Portland Oregon to Vancouver BC with my brother later in that year. The to Seattle in June 1976 to take my little sister from high school and her girlfriend to see Paul McCartney and Wings at the King Dome, the largest indoor concert in history on that night, with 70,000 fans indoor.
    The young lady that had the car originally also had a roll bar put in the back it had the appearance of Leica a professional metal cage struts -like shape in the roll bar. So a third person had to sit in the back on the deck where there was no seat really and hunched into a fetal position.
    I drove it for 11 years and put about 165,000 miles on it and sold it for $100 more than I bought it for, to a young guy that couldn't believe how well it still ran.
    The only modification I did to mine was I removed the what was called then the California smog pump. Increase the horsepower from 95 to maybe 105. I always enjoyed doing the tune-ups and cleaning and adjusting the dual side draft carburetors. I had taken the car up to just under a hundred miles an hour a few times over the decade I owned it.
    This is really a nice review that Jay did with this young gentleman. What a beautiful piece of work.
    I couldn't have imagined my original Datsun having 300 horsepower.]
    *I have several photographs of the car and myself sitting it next to our parents large front yard, [in my Facebook Albums.]

    • @curbozerboomer1773
      @curbozerboomer1773 ปีที่แล้ว

      Now...write "War and Peace".

    • @MarkSeibold
      @MarkSeibold ปีที่แล้ว

      @@curbozerboomer1773 ... thanks for the notification; you reminded me to correct some typos, since a year ago... War and Peace next time (-;

  • @leedufour
    @leedufour 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thanks Mike and Jay!

  • @Tmrfe0962
    @Tmrfe0962 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Had my eye on one of these back in 1989, should’ve pulled the trigger, thought parts would be tough…man, was I wrong. Great build! Beautiful application of a nice car. Thank you Jay for giving this platform to small builders.

    • @tommurphy4307
      @tommurphy4307 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      they made a buttload of em

  • @eldorado767
    @eldorado767 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    That is a very clean build. Doors sounded really solid, excellent fit and finish, nice engine compartment. Well done!

    • @tommurphy4307
      @tommurphy4307 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      steel body on full steel frame......

  • @BruceNicholas
    @BruceNicholas 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I'm just glad he didn't put an electric motor in it! My friend still has his 2000 Datsun Roadster in storage.

  • @waqarghulam3548
    @waqarghulam3548 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    A great car after a long while. Thanks mr Leno

  • @dhalbrook
    @dhalbrook 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Man, for all I know that's the same 1600 roadster I had in high school. I always wondered what happened to that car when I sold it (and sometimes wish I never had). What a cool build. SR20 DET!

  • @Marcke-tb1hb
    @Marcke-tb1hb 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Now that’s a sports car! It’s unique with bags of character, passion and soul. I’d take this over an off the shelf lambo or Ferrari any day.

  • @stefankoch9379
    @stefankoch9379 2 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Nicely done Datsun. A buddy had a 2000 when were in college. The Jaguar SS moniker originated from Swallow Sidecars, William Lyons first venture building sidecars and automotive bodies...

    • @markbennett6658
      @markbennett6658 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Yes they were SS Jaguars I believe pre war. Jaguar being the model and because of the Nazi thing the SS was dropped and Jaguar then became the brand name.

    • @dlittlester
      @dlittlester 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      I was just going to say, but you commented first.

  • @neuterspadeyourpets.6201
    @neuterspadeyourpets.6201 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I’m so happy to see all these 1950’s thru 1970’s two seater’s . Beautiful car sir. Brings back great memories. Thanks Jay.

    • @curbozerboomer1773
      @curbozerboomer1773 ปีที่แล้ว

      I wish Jay would find someone with a well-maintained Austin-Healey...those British cars were so beautiful. He has one video of an old Healey 100-6, but it is presented as some sort of Rat-rod.