SPL212
| Production | 1960–1961 288 produced |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.2 L E I4 |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual |
| Wheelbase | 2,220 mm (87.4 in) |
| Length | 4,025 mm (158.5 in) |
| Width | 1,475 mm (58.1 in) |
| Height | 1,380 mm (54.3 in) |
| Related | Datsun 223 Pickup |
The SPL212 was introduced in 1960. This was the first Datsun sports car imported to the USA. The letter of "L" means "Left hand drive". Now with steel bodywork, it was built in slightly higher volume than the S211, with 288 produced through 1961. The SPL212 was based on the Datsun 223 truck. It had a 1.2 L (1189 cc) E-series straight-4 engine producing 48 PS (35 kW; 47 hp). A 4-speed manual transmission was specified, and an a-arm suspension with torsion bars was used in front. Drum brakes were used all around. This was the first vehicle to bear the "Fairlady" name. The badge on the trunk lid was the same badge that was used on the Datsun 223 truck. It was named in reference to the Broadway musical My Fair Lady. The SPL212 and later SPL213 were sold only on the export market; they were named for their engine displacement. In 1960, production of the Fairlady was moved from Yokohama to the Nissan Shatai plant in Hiratsuka.
These cars are quite valuable. In 1996 a set of unrestored cars (SPL212) sold for US$100,000.
Read more about this topic: Datsun Sports