UrCar

1968 Datsun 2000 Roadster

Sold on Hagerty Marketplace · 1968 Datsun Roadster Sports · 53,200 miles · Ann Arbor, MI

Final bid
$10,501
Sold for $10,501
Ended Sep 24, 2026

OFFERED AT NO RESERVE The Datsun Sports (called Fairlady in the Japanese and Australian markets) is a two-seat roadster that was a predecessor to the Z-car line and designed to compete with MG, Triumph, Fiat, and Alfa Romeo sports cars. The second-generation, released in 1961, received a more potent powerplant with dual side-draft carburetors paired with a five-speed manual transmission. While famous for driving a Datsun 510, actor Paul Newman learned to drive and trained with a Datsun 2000 at Bob Sharp Racing, shaping his love for Japanese sports cars. This ‘68 example wears a metallic red finish with a black soft top over black vinyl upholstery, and it is powered by a replacement 1,982cc U20 overhead cam inline-four that was factory rated at 135 horsepower. Additional details include a five-speed manual transmission, a roll bar, 15” Panasport-style wheels, front disc brakes, and an AM/FM radio This 1968 Datsun 2000 Roadster is now offered by the seller at no reserve Michigan title in the seller’s name listing it as a 1969 model. Highlights Metallic red with black soft top Black upholstery Roll bar 15” VTO Classic 8 wheels Front disc brakes Element fire extinguisher Factory Equipment 1,982cc U20 inline-four Dual SU side-draft carburetors Five-speed manual transmission AM/FM radio Modifications Roll bar 15” VTO Classic 8 wheels Servicing Photos of compression test results are viewable in the gallery, and the following statements are from the seller regarding service: The engine was swapped out with the same U20 model as the original at some point in the past. Engine compression tests out at ~180 psi for all four cylinders. In 2020, the previous owner installed the VTO wheels and tires and replaced the upper timing chain, exhaust system, windshield, and front bumper. In 2022, a heavy duty Exedy clutch and fly wheel were installed and the water pump, alternator, fuel pump, temp sender, thermostat, rear brake hardware, brake master cylinder, clutch master cylinder, radiator fan clutch, shocks, spark plugs, and ignition wires were replaced. Known Imperfections Oil leak present Fog lights not hooked up Ownership History The car was acquired approximately four years ago by the seller, who notes they have driven the car about 2,000 miles since acquiring. Additional Information From the seller: “This is not a flawless, restored show car, but a well-preserved survivor. After resolving the initial mechanical issues, it's been a fun, very reliable driver and keeps up with modern traffic with no problem. The convertible top is newer but only used for winter storage. The radio is linked to the original single 3-ohm speaker. All gauges are functional, including the clock, cigarette lighter, and map light.”

Specification

PlatformHagerty Marketplace
Year1968
Make / modelDatsun Roadster Sports
Miles53,200
ColorMetallic Red
VIN•••••105768
Full VIN is on the platform listing
Engine1,982cc U20 Inline-Four
TransmissionManual
DrivetrainRWD
Body styleConvertible
ExteriorMetallic Red
InteriorBlack
Listing startedSep 22, 2026
Last checked9/27/2026, 10:50:17 PM

From the listing

Listing details

Offered at no reserve, Black soft top, Replacement 1,982cc U20 overhead-cam inline-four (factory rated at 135 horsepower), Dual SU side-draft carburetors, Five-speed manual transmission, Front disc brakes, AM/FM radio, Element fire extinguisher, Michigan title in seller’s name listing it as a 1969 model, Radio linked to the original single 3-ohm speaker, All gauges are functional, including the clock, cigarette lighter, and map light, Seller states the convertible top is newer and only used for winter storage, Compression test results shown in photos (~180 psi on all four cylinders per seller)

Known flaws

Oil leak present, Fog lights not hooked up

Modifications

Roll bar, 15” VTO Classic 8 wheels

Recent service history

Engine swapped at some point in the past with the same U20 model as original (per seller), 2020: VTO wheels and tires installed, 2020: Upper timing chain replaced, 2020: Exhaust system replaced, 2020: Windshield replaced, 2020: Front bumper replaced, 2022: Heavy duty Exedy clutch and flywheel installed, 2022: Water pump replaced, 2022: Alternator replaced, 2022: Fuel pump replaced, 2022: Temp sender replaced, 2022: Thermostat replaced, 2022: Rear brake hardware replaced, 2022: Brake master cylinder replaced, 2022: Clutch master cylinder replaced, 2022: Radiator fan clutch replaced, 2022: Shocks replaced, 2022: Spark plugs replaced, 2022: Ignition wires replaced

Listing details are provided by the platform; UrCar is not the seller. Bid and buy on the platform.

History by VIN

Checking dealer, auction and UrCar records for this car…