DATSUN 2000 SPORTS

The Japanese were masterful at taking other car-makers’ designs and improving upon them, sometimes to devastating effect. This Datsun is a perfect example, beginning life as a 1.5-litre rival to the MGB and called the Fairlady. No old iron here though, because the underdone Datsun soon grew flared mudguards, a five-speed gearbox and brawny 2.0-litre engine. 2000s delivered the grunt to win production sports car races around the world but were expensive when new and a lot dearer today. If you can find one. This rare early car was a show winner and well worth its $20k.