This 1967 Datsun 2000 Roadster is speculated to be a rare Solex-equipped car, and though this unique distinction isn’t certain, it’s a very interesting car nonetheless. Bought new in 1968 and immediately stripped and prepped for use by a Canadian all-Datsun race team, it saw competitive use on ice ovals and in hill climbs until being retired in 1976. Afterwards it then remained parked for 17 years until the seller purchased it and began restoration in 1993. Find it here on eBay in Portland, Oregon with reserve not met.

Never street licensed prior to restoration and reversion to stock spec, the car is sold with its original sales receipt dated April 8th,1968. In addition, the seller includes a wonderfully evocative period photo of the car in race livery during a moment of rest on an ice oval as seen below. The seller describes the car’s condition upon his initial purchase as a mixed bag, with evident signs of eight years of hard track use, but also with many parts preserved essentially as-new due to their immediate removal and storage prior to race prep. The seller doesn’t believe the 108k reflected on the odometer is accurate, as the car never saw street use prior to his ownership.

During resto, the car is said to have been completely disassembled, allowing the frame to be media blasted, painted, and checked for any misalignment. Suspension components are said to be all-new and include neoprene bushings, KYB dampers, and a switch back to OEM spec rear leaf springs. During reassembly everything is said to have been cleaned, lubed, and professionally aligned, too. Bodywork and paint is said to be very high quality; starting from a stripped shell, the car had any rust correctly repaired before receiving multiple coats of what appear to be the original paint color. Special attention was paid to preserving the delicate and easily-sanded off design lines on top of the car’s front and rear fenders. A few stone chips are present after 12 years of limited use, but there is said to be no bubbling or orange peel.

The engine block is not matching numbers, but is from an early ’68 2000 – it’s said to retain all original ’67 equipment. Said to be the subject of much time and energy, the engine was tested for block damage prior to a full rebuild. Honed, fitted with new rings, cam chain, tensioner, and gears, the head is said to have been in perfect shape and required no work – in fact, the seller says his machinist discouraged him against a rebuild in the first place, but that he went ahead for the added peace of mind. It’s said to run excellently with only 1,000 miles since rebuild. Regarding its claimed 150 HP Solex pedigree, one eBay member called into question the car’s 135 HP SU engine bay plate, to which the seller replies that it is his understanding that only early Canadian market cars were thus marked – any Datsun experts care to chime in here?

Other work said to have been completed includes a fully rebuilt five-speed (with special attention paid to shift quality), new brakes, clutch, master cylinders, water pump, thermostat, re-cored radiator, new engine bay wiring harness, etc. etc. Inside, the interior is said to be a mix of well-preserved original pieces and high quality replacement pieces where necessary. Overall, then, a very interesting and well-presented 2000 Roadster with a fascinating past – whether it’s an authentic 150 HP Solex car or not, it appears to be a very nice two liter with the kind of history that can’t be faked. Real future blue chip J-tin.