1968 Datsun SPL311

[Weasel73240Z]

I've located a 1968 Datsun SPL311 Roadster about 200 miles from me, and I'm thinking about buying it. Actually, I'm trying to put together a trade for a 1974 Triumph Bonneville 750 that I have. The guy with the Datsun seems interested so far.

My question is, what are these cars worth? Its running, but overheats. It needs some body work, and the interior is a bit dirty, but overall based on pics only, it looks like a pretty solid little car to start my next project.

Also, are parts still available for them?

Thanks.

[SteveJ]

Worth? That depends upon the condition and the desire of the buyer. From the amout of a description you gave, that's about as accurate as anybody can get.

Many parts are still available. Search for Roadster websites. There is an active online presence. I have links at home. I'll try to remember to post them.

[ChrisZ]

311s.org

Enjoy

Chris

[mgmoreau]

Hi Paul,

There is a Roadster Club in Massachusetts. They had 4 roadsters at last years Japanese Auto day at Larz Anderson museum. I have one of the members cards at home and will get you the website address.

I too have been watching the roadsters online. Ones that are restored and in great shape seem to command $8 to $14 K. Ones that need work seem to go for anything less than $6 K. It really depends on the condition.

Edited April 24, 2009 by mgmoreau

[Bruce Palmer]

When discussing parts prices, visualize the balls on a camel.......

[motorman7]

I love these cars! I had a 1967 1600 for about 10 years. Traded it in for the family van :-( , and wish I would have kept it. I still monitor them on e-bay, and a co-worker here is fully restoring one. The overheating is most likely a bad head gasket or warped head. The space between the waterjackets is narrow and a common point of failure. The head fix is pretty easy on these, though.

In looking at a roadster, I always look to see if the original chrome is in place, especially the rails on the side of the car. That's worth about a grand right there. The back portion of the front fenders is always a pain for rust.

I'm 6'3", so I had to modify the seat. I put spacers under the front mounts to get leg support for long drives.

There are quite a few of these on the west coast, especially the Oregon Washington area.

The SU's are very similar to the Z's and adjust in much the same way.

Keep us informed.

Best Regards,

Rich

[Weasel73240Z]

I just heard back from the guy w/ the Roadster. He's interested in the trade, so I asked for more pics/info about the Datsun. I only have about $1,300 into the Triumph, so that's what I would be "paying" if I were to swap straight up. I would guess $1,300 is a pretty good price if the Roadster isn't a basket-case.

When I hear back with more info and pics, I'll update you guys to get your opinions. Thanks.

[Stickerman]

In looking at a roadster, I always look to see if the original chrome is in place, especially the rails on the side of the car. That's worth about a grand right there.

Not any more. Most of us Roadster guys have a pile of it in the garage.

The Mass. club site is www.drone-club.com

Parts are out there, some expensive, some free. Just like any other car buying the best one instead of a project is the better way to go. The main thing if you get it is get it running and drive it before deciding to take it apart and "restore" it. Many Roadsters get driven home and immediately taken to pieces only to be sold as "projects" 2 years later.

There are also bad Roadster sellers as there are bad Z sellers. Where is the Roadster located?

Photos would help of course, but the main issues are rust and brakes. If the brakes are bad it will cost about $600 to get them right, not bad on a $10K Roadster but a bit much on a $1300 one...

[Weasel73240Z]

The car is in New Hampshire. Way up north in New Hampshire about 3-1/2 hours from me.

The owner just emailed me again, says the car is solid and intact. No major rust or even bubbles (according to him). Some "stress cracks" in the trunk that he says are from the fuel tank mounting straps (sound right?). From the pics, it looks like a lot of the chrome has surface rust, but its all there.

He sent me this pic of the engine compartment, but thats about it for now.

[Bonzi Lon]

I got mine a year ago this month, what a fun little car. I paid about 20% more than your trade, and I consider I got a good deal. Not many antique Japanese sports cars in this area. I agree with driving it before doing anything major. The stares and comments are great. The most common word I hear is "cute".

I haven't noticed any stress cracks in the trunk area. The 2 volume "The Datsun Roadster Book" will be very valuable for info and part numbers, $88 and worth every penny. This Datsun is not a unibody, it sits on a very heavy frame so you can do a 'body off frame' restoration.

The smile begins when you first lay eyes on it, once you drive it, forget about it.

Bonzi Lon

[Stickerman]

The stress cracks are because the gas tank straps hook into the floor and the weight pulls on the trunk. The hooks that go into the trunk floor can be turned 180 degrees and hook into the frame which solves the issue, which I recommend for Bonzi.....

It is a 1600 which is a fairly bulletproof motor but it sounds like it might need a head gasket, but that is a simple job. Again the issue is how much of a project do you want? You could have $4500 in this one fairly quickly and still have a car that needs work, or you can just buy a nicer one for the $4500

[Weasel73240Z]

Well after a few days of back-and-forth, it looks like the Roadster isn't in the cards for me. If anyone's interested, you can find it on Craigslist New Hampshire. Just search Datsun.