Datsun 1600 - Reader Ride

By: Cliff Chambers, Photography by: Cliff Chambers

Date: 28.03.2019

It is hard for any former ‘Datto’ owner (and there are many of us) to see a car like Shane Davis’ 1600 sedan and not feel a pang of why-did-I-ever-sell-it? envy.

Shane himself is a former 1600 owner; having had one as a second car back in the 1990s. But it was nothing like the example on display at Willowbank. "The paint is Bionic Blue and it’s got a 2.0-litre motor, twin Webers and a five speed out of a 240K," Shane revealed with the eagerness of a man who never gets tired of talking about his car. "It’s got uprated brakes out of a Commodore and we have had it on the track up at Lakeside but just for the cruise, nothing serious."

Would he consider giving the 1600 a run in its more natural environment? – the Dirt Sprint circuit located a literal stone’s throw from where the car was parked on this sunny Sunday.

"Oh no," came the quick response. "My son looks after the presentation and he wouldn’t like that at all. It isn’t a show car but we still managed to pick up a trophy for Best Japanese at a recent local display for charity so it certainly attracts attention."

Classic Australian Family Car Value Guide home page

Muscle Car Value Guide home page

Japanese Classic Car Value Guide home page

Recent auction results

Unique Cars magazine Value Guides

Sell your car for free right here