In response to the vendor of right now’s Good Value or No Cube Datsun, all the things works on it aside from the clock. That appears applicable, seeing because the automobile as an entire seems caught in time. Let’s determine if we are able to find time for it at its asking.
When somebody mentions Saab, most of us image a automobile, possibly one thing just like the 2001 9-3 convertible all of us thought of yesterday. The factor is, Saab stopped constructing automobiles a decade and a half in the past. At this time, the corporate solely makes issues like kick-ass jet fighters, stealthy submarines, and different weapons of struggle. Nonetheless, while you say “Saab,” I say, “let’s drive,” and yesterday’s five-speed convertible appeared able to hit the highway at its $8,500 asking. That took residence a stable 57 % Good Value win.
Say what you’ll about Adam Carolla, the nasally-voiced comic, podcaster, and provocateur, however he does have a killer automobile assortment. For the longest time, his focus for that assortment has been to amass the automobiles as soon as campaigned by the late nice actor, racer, and humanitarian Paul Newman. That features a sequence of Bob Sharp-built Datsuns from the ’70s and ’80s, and one of the stunning of that clutch is the 1977 200SX that Newman raced in IMSA’s C Manufacturing class, profitable 19 out of twenty-two races throughout the ’78 season.
Now, I’m not saying that right now’s 1977 Datsun 200SX is the premise for a set rivaling Carolla’s, however you by no means know. And it appears nearly as good a spot to begin as any.
Nissan launched the 200SX to the U.S. market beneath its Datsun model in 1975. The corporate positioned the two-door as a rival to the Toyota Celica, and it adopted that automobile’s blueprint of a semi-sporty however cheap-to-buy-and-run coupe. Nonetheless, in contrast to the Celica, which appeared like a miniature Mustang, the first-generation 200SX featured flamboyant styling with frameless home windows, a pinched C-pillar, and exagerated wrap-around hind lights. The house market automobiles appeared bit higher with their body-hugging bumpers, however the American automobiles suffered the ignominy of heavy 5-mph battering rams on every finish.
This mannequin ran via the 1979 mannequin 12 months, after which it was changed by the second era, a bigger and extra refined automobile. 4 extra generations would comply with till Nissan kicked the automobile to the curb simply because it had carried out with the Datsun nameplate.
This 200SX sports activities simply 37,000 miles and appears prefer it has been fully obivious the years and ensuing fashions because it was constructed. Below the hood is a 2.0-liter SOHC L20B 4, making 97 horsepower and paired with that could be a five-speed handbook gearbox. Collectively, they drive a leaf-sprung stay axle within the again. Brakes are entrance disc/rear drum. All fairly normal stuff for the period.
Additionally of the period is the moss inexperienced material inside that the manufacturing facility selected to suit to the automobile. It appears like any person caught and skinned Kermit and his entire household to stitch up so garish an upholstery. The remainder of the cabin, from the door playing cards to the plasticky sprint, are much less flamboyant, however appear simply as properly preserved. Plus, have a look at all these guages!
That inside alone makes this a worthwhile traditional, however there’s rather more. The bodywork, whereas in equipment white, is in wonderful form and appears to want nothing. The automobile carries its comically styled manufacturing facility wheel covers and proudly declares its gearbox alternative with a “5SPEED” badge on the butt. Copious quantities of chrome trim abound, which additionally all look to be in stable form.
Mechanically, all the things is claimed to work aside from a finicky heart console clock, which does appear to wfunction twice a day. It is a true throwback and would make for an exquisite Vehicles & Caffeine entrant, particularly in locations the place Asian automobiles are much less frequent. The title is clear, and the value is $12,000.
What do you say? Is {that a} honest deal for a traditional Datsun in what appears to be nearly as-new situation? Or is {that a} worth solely any person like Adam Carolla would think about?
You determine!
Lengthy Island, New York, Craigslist, or go right here if the advert disappears.
H/T to Whatsupdohc for the hookup!
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