Really, really cute car!
We (brothers John & Dan) purchased the car in 2003 from the original owner. The Datsun had been dead in the barn for over 10 years with fuel issues. After cleaning the clay out of the gas tank and rebuilding the carbs it ran great. We spent the next two years doing the body work and painting it. Neither one of us had done body work before, so it was a learning curve. Here are the main changes we made to the car: -Pertronics ignition conversion -eliminated the side markers, antenna and luggage rack for a more clean look -eliminated the bumpers and made a valance across the rear to cover the void -installed 4 piston Volvo calipers -competition sway bar -competition front springs -Koni shocks -replaced the bushings with poly -Super Trapp exhaust -roll bar -Kirky race seat & 5 point belts -relocated the battery to the trunk -electrical cut-off switch -4.10 rear gear set from a Datsun pickup We restored the car with the intent to auto-cross it; it does very well and is a blast to drive. We typically compete with Mazda Miatas, Rx-7s, and Z cars. It is a lot of fun being able to be competitive with our vintage car at the local events. We also have gone to the ECTA (East Coast Timing Association) events in Maxton, NC twice. We have gone 106 mph in the standing mile run while trying to break the record of 114 mph in our class. The event is a standing start and race for one mile down an airstrip. The speed is measured in the 132 foot speed trap at the end of the mile. We determined that we were running too short of a rear gear to maximize our speed in a mile. We hit 6,000 rpm in 5th gear going through the timing traps. Our next attempt will be with a different cam and different carbs to try to increase the HP and a little taller gear to maximize top speed. Our Datsun is also known to show up at the local Vintage racing events as we work corners. There is nothing better than having a “Fair Lady” in the paddock area at a vintage event. We use the name BRE for Brother Racing Enterprise (please don’t be offended Pete Brock).
Really, really cute car!
The car looks even better in person! I've had a lot of fun chasing this little beast around the autocross courses, and Dan and John are both really nice guys. Congrats guys!!! :)
Alright guys, you've motivated me to get off my arse and do something with the video from the last race. One clip of the Datsun, followed by a clip of your Vette. Enjoy. :) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNh7jgpJ2_I&feature=youtube_gdata
I saw this car in person at the MSU autocross this summer. Really nice car and a couple of nice guys. Congrats on making it into GRM. This is the "internet rod of the month" right? If not, it should be!
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