I used to have one and set it up for track use, but that was nearly 40 years ago. I wonder what parts availability is these days, suspecting it's both thin and expensive. I'm sure that a certain someone here will let me know :)
Photography Courtesy Richard Schnabel
The go-to small-bore vintage chassis for the GRM forum? Perhaps it’s the Datsun 1200.
Here’s your chance to join the cool kids as this 1973 Datsun 1200 is billed as race-ready and prepped to the SCCA’s GT4, GT5 and C Sedan regs. In addition to race history dating back to at least 1972, the Datsun also comes with SCCA, MCSCC and VSCDA logbooks.
Equipment includes Hoosiers on Panasports, a fresh 12A engine, a Datsun Competition dog-leg box and an Accusump.
Find this 1973 Dastun 1200 for sale on Facebook Marketplace for $13,900.
I used to have one and set it up for track use, but that was nearly 40 years ago. I wonder what parts availability is these days, suspecting it's both thin and expensive. I'm sure that a certain someone here will let me know :)
The 1200's used to be throw-away cars even though they were raced by numerous people back in the day. They are great little cars and can be hot rodded, such as installing an L18 SSS which was available in the 1980's at least. The front engine, rear-wheel drive set up and clean body lines makes them desirable in my opinion. I continually look around Craigslist to see if any pop up from time to time. I can't say that a genuine track car like the one presented isn't worth the price.
As someone racing one of these since 1989 I highly recommend them.
They only weigh 1600lbs and are sporting about 90-100 horsepower at the wheels.
If you don't car about keeping it vintage legal turbo A-series engines will put out between 175-230whp depending on what kind of maintenance intervals you want.
They are an absolute scream to drive; you can chuck them into corners with great abandon as they are really user friendly.
The other plus is you won't see a whole lot of them at track events so, if like me, you like to be a little different they check that box as well.
Should any of the hive buy it, I'd be happy to share my knowledge.
At first I thought that Datsun 1200 guy always on the forum is selling his Datsun 1200 but I see now that there are other Datsun 1200 guys racing Datsun 1200's.
Who knew about all these Datsun 1200's except for out Datsun 1200 guy Tom?
Yes, there is more than one!
Also, I have always loved those little “vents” on the rear fenders.
My biggest regret is selling my 1200 40+ years ago. It was a ICSCC C Sedan. Back in the day a SCCA C Sedan would be classed as Improved Sedan, so mine was far less modified and was streetable.
Very, very cool! 1600 lbs and rear drive pushed my buttons!
Datsun240ZGuy said:At first I thought that Datsun 1200 guy always on the forum is selling his Datsun 1200 but I see now that there are other Datsun 1200 guys racing Datsun 1200's.
Who knew about all these Datsun 1200's except for out Datsun 1200 guy Tom?
There are 4 or 5 guys on here who raced 1200s.......and they all say they regret selling theirs.
This month makes 40 years since we bought ours.
It has an awful lot of sentimental value to me now. With any luck I will be able to post on here about having it for 50 years.
CyberEric said:Very, very cool! 1600 lbs and rear drive pushed my buttons!
They are tremendous fun to drive.
This is mine on soaking wet track.......ignore the horrendous misfire. We managed to fix it later.
Displaying 1-10 of 16 commentsView all comments on the GRM forums
You'll need to log in to post.
