Dear Zcarblog readers, this is my 2016 Solvang Datsun Roadster Show report. Although long overdue, it serves as a reminder that the 30th Annual 2017 Solvang Datsun Roadster Show is just around the corner. So mark those calendars for April 22!  Enjoy.

-Alvin

The 2016 Solvang Datsun Roadster show took place on April 23. Now in its 29th year, this gathering continues a tradition of uniting owners from all parts of the world in a little town just outside of Santa Barbara. There is something for everyone here: shopping, food, wine-tasting, outdoor activities, and the last weekend of every April a huge gathering of Datsuns. I did not drive my roadster this year but I still enjoyed the show with my family!

On to the cars! Here are some highlights from the day…there were only a handful of 1967 2000 roadsters this year. Some of these cars are considered the “cream of the crop” with full restorations or OEM levels of detail like Mike Young’s SRL #266 and Rodney N’s SRL #485:

 

Winning best of show was SRL #233 completely frame-off restored by Kevin of KRD:

  

Speaking of attention to detail…fully restored factory gauges artfully assembled by Jon Frampton could be seen on multiple cars. The gauges are truly little jewels that give owners a range of options with lighting, lettering and even inner workings all without going to aftermarket gauges.

Left: Factory mechanical gauges behind Corey’s R20 stroker powered SPL

Right: Factory gauges converted to electronic behind Harlan’s SR20DE-powered SPL

While were on interiors, check out this cool Datsun Competion (by Kaemeri) steering wheel looking great in Corey’s SPL:

 

At the other end of the spectrum and far from stock is Shannon’s ’69 SRL. Modern gauges and A/C vents adorn the dash with a touch screen in the center console:
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One coolest shows on the west coast, as far as classic Datsuns are concerned, is taking place once again in Solvang, CA at the end of April.  I know it’s mainly a Roadster event but there is a category in the show for other Datsuns (Zs, 510s, etc.)  It is definitely something you should check out if you are into Nissan’s heritage and the ZCG faithful will be out in force to show off their prized possessions.

This show is very much a get together of old friends and enthusiasts alike and I would strongly encourage those who have never been to give it shot.  The area around Solvang is beautiful this time of year and who better to enjoy it with than a couple hundred of you closest Datsun friends.

For more information make sure you check out the main web page for this event at SolvangShow.com.  There are a ton of pictures from years past as well as event information and a history of the show and is definitely worth looking at.

Long Live the Z, but Roadsters are pretty cool too.

Thanks for the heads up Alvin.