Datsun 2000 Roadster
The muscular final evolution of Datsun's Fairlady roadster line — and the direct predecessor to the 240Z's sports car ambitions.
The last and most powerful of Datsun's open-top Fairlady roadsters before the brand shifted its sports car ambitions to the closed-body 240Z, the 2000 paired a genuinely potent twin-carburetor engine with a traditional front-engine, rear-drive roadster layout reminiscent of contemporary British sports cars — but with Japanese reliability increasingly winning over American enthusiasts who'd grown wary of Lucas electrics.
History
Datsun's Fairlady roadster line dated back to the early 1960s, evolving through progressively larger engines as the company built toward a genuine performance sports car — the 2000, introduced for 1967, represented the final and most capable version of that lineage.
A close relationship with racing driver and importer Pete Brock (later famous for the BRE Datsun racing team) helped establish the 2000's competition credentials in American road racing during the late 1960s, building enthusiast credibility ahead of the 240Z's 1970 arrival.
Production ended in 1970 as Datsun redirected its sports car strategy entirely toward the new 240Z — a closed coupe that better suited emerging US safety expectations and offered a more modern package, effectively retiring the traditional open roadster formula the 2000 represented.
Notable Versions
2000 (SRL311)
The full-specification twin-carb, 5-speed version — the most desirable and capable Fairlady roadster built.
Competition/BRE-prepared cars
Cars associated with Pete Brock's racing efforts carry genuine period competition significance when documented.
Detachable Hardtop
An optional factory hardtop offering more weather protection while retaining the roadster's open-top character when removed.
What to Look for When Buying
Key inspection points from experienced collectors.
Rust in the floor pans and rear frame rails is common
Same era and construction concerns as the 510 — inspect thoroughly rather than trusting a glossy repaint.
Verify the 5-speed transmission is present and original
A genuinely advanced feature for the era that adds real value — confirm it hasn't been swapped for a 4-speed from an earlier Fairlady.
Parts are scarcer than for the later, higher-volume 240Z
The 2000's lower production numbers mean parts sourcing requires more specialist knowledge and patience than for a Z-car.
Check twin-carburetor tuning and condition
The dual-carb setup requires correct synchronization to run properly — confirm it's been tuned by someone who knows the car.
Be skeptical of unsubstantiated BRE or competition history
Given the collector interest in Pete Brock-associated cars, verify any claimed competition provenance against real documentation.
Quick Specs
- Engine
- 2.0L SOHC I4 (twin carburetor)
- Horsepower
- 135 hp
- Wheelbase
- 89.8 in
- Weight
- approx. 2,150 lbs
- Transmission
- 5-speed manual (unusually advanced for the era)
- 0–60
- approx. 9 seconds
Market Price Guide
Approximate USA asking prices
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