This 1966 Datsun 1600 Roadster is powered by a 1.8L DOHC four-cylinder from an NA Mazda Miata, backed by a 5-speed manual transmission. The swap was completed in 2008, and has been thoroughly documented on the seller’s site. The seller states that the installation of the new engine required no cutting, and the complete ECU and wiring harness for the Mazda drivetrain have been retained, with a thorough wiring diagram included. Around 2,500 miles have been driven under the seller’s ownership, and the car is described as reliable despite some outstanding cosmetic needs. This Mazda twin-cam powered Datsun is sold with the seller’s documentation and a clean California title.

The red paint was redone at California West Coast Paint & Body in 2005, but quickly faded to the matte finish seen here. At that time, the braking system was overhauled, and the windscreen, weatherstripping, exterior lights, and canvas top were replaced. Stock steel wheels show some surface rust, and wear chromed center caps and Dunlop SP20FE tires.

The chrome bumpers show visible corrosion and rear taillights were replaced shortly after the seller’s purchase. Some bubbling is present on the rockers and below the belt-line trim. The windshield washer system has been removed and only one nozzle is present.

The center stack contains holes from the removal of previously installed dials and stereo equipment. The seller states that the tachometer and speedometer are not hooked up, the factory ammeter is non-functioning. All other gauges are said to be functional.

The stock Miata shifter can be seen above. Some fading can be seen in the carpeting along the transmission tunnel.

The interior of the trunk remains free of corrosion, and contains a spare wheel and two finned brake drums, which would require fabricated spacers to re-install. The seller states that the trunk floor is slightly uneven following repair from a rear-end impact that occurred under a previous owner.

The DOHC 1.8 Liter drivetrain was sourced from a OBD I 1994 NA Miata with an automatic transmission. The seller installed a 5-speed gearbox from a NB Miata, and the motor retains its full EFI system and wiring harness. Modifications to the engine and transmission case are documented on the seller’s website linked above. The car has been serviced by the seller since 2005, and most recently received new fluids last year.

A video showing driving footage can be seen above. The seller states that the car exhibits no unusual driveline noises, and pulls well in all gears.

The floorpans are noted to be rusted through in several spots, but the frame rails are said to be intact. The seller claims that no body modifications were required to accommodate the new engine and transmission. New springs and brakes were installed shortly after purchase, and have around 2,500 miles of wear at present.

The seller’s wiring diagrams and other photographs and documentation pertaining to the installation of the new engine are included.