Happy 3/11 day to all Datsun Roadster owners across the globe! Give your Fairlady a hug and get out and drive! Here are a few memorable roadsters that have been at Z Car Garage over the years. Of course, Eric Straw’s SR20VET-powered beauty is high on our list:

 

 

Rob and myself have been Enjoying The Ride in our roadsters. His 1967 Datsun 2000 and my 1967.5 SPL:

 

More roadster-related content HERE

 

Our Z Car Garage-built Datsun Roadster is featured on the latest episode of Hoonigan Autofocus! with Larry Chen Photo. Enjoy! #DoItInADatsun

Every 2nd Saturday of the month there is a Cars & Coffee gathering in San Jose, only 1-mile from our house!  My neighbor invited me to this event held at the Starbucks on Hillsdale Ave yesterday. We left together with the roadster and his Barracuda:

 

I was surprised at the turnout and sheer number of Hot Rods and Muscle cars from every era. Here are a few of my favorites with more in the gallery below.

Mopar or No Car

1st, 2nd and 3rd gen ‘Cudas and Belvederes:

 

 

Modified Formula S Barracuda:

 

Killer paint colors and graphics from Plymouth and on this 2nd gen Roadrunner:

 

J-Tin!

Always happy to see Japanese classics:

 

Triple tail lights Check:

 

GM

Impalas, Camaro, ‘Vette, Chevelle, Nova and more:

 

 

Wild Riviera:

 

Ford

’32 Hot Rods, Thunderbirds, Mustangs and more

 

Ford Firetruck with a late-model diesel drivetain:

 

Two of my favorites, a 70’s Disco-themed GM Van (see video below) and track-prepped Pantera:

 

 

I spotted a few British cars as well including a Triumph Herald, Spitfire, Silver Cloud Rolls and Mini

 

We had a blast and my family even got to enjoy the show. If you are in the area and love Classic American cars this is the spot. Free donuts and coffee is also a plus!

Enjoy the picture gallery!
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On Sunday I joined 6 other roadsters for a drive in the North Bay. I left San Jose ~7:45am and it was very foggy. On the freeway it was actually quite wet like rain, not a good sign as I thought the weather would be worse heading North.

 

As I approached San Francisco the fog disappeared, revealing the city Skyline and iconic Golden Gate Bridge. I was excited to see everyone and do some driving.

Meeting point: Fort Baker 9am

I arrived to see 6 roadsters already lined up against the GG Bridge and clear sky. It was really fortunate that weather was amazing….usually this time of year the GG bridge is shrouded in fog!

 

We chatted for a bit and I consulted with Jerry about staging the cars for quick photoshoot. He’s a talented photographer and you can see his positioning and composition created some spectacular shots.

The cars:

Dan’s 1970 1600. Dan owns three roadsters and this one is completely stock:

 

Mike’s 1967 2000. This is considered one of the most sought-after models (#0072 out reportedly 1000) sporting a 5-speed transmission, 150hp twin-Mikuni carb 2L engine, 160mph speedo/8krpm tach…all stuff other cars dreamed of in 1967:

 

Andy’s 1969 1600, looking great on stock wheels and whitewall tires:

 

Pat’s 1969 1600. Pat has swapped in a 2L/5-speed drivetrain from the 2000 model. Note the factory roll-bar:

 

Jerry’s 1969 2000. This SRL caught my attention as soon as Jerry started the fire-breathing Solex-carb’d U20. Make sure you watch the video below to hear it rev. Note the pretty Longchamp XR-4 wheels:

 

Scott’s 1967 1600. I met Scott back in Aprril at the 2019 Solvang Datsun Roadster Show and admired this full frame-off restoration. Stunning paint and a nice interior with carbon fiber touches. Power is from a modified 1600 engine now displacing 2L…powerful! Note the full stainless exhaust (and hear it in the video below!)

 

We got each owner next to their roadster and a nice group photo. Big thanks to Jerry for the camera work.

 

Our leader Dano was anxious to get moving to avoid tourist traffic so we rolled out. We were also joined by fellow roadster owners Eric (in his NA Miata) and Will (in his E30 M3). The next 4 hours was a mix of ever-changing scenery that was new to me. From Downtown Sausalito to twisty HWY1, ribbons of road winding through forest and coastline it was fun!

 

Stop #1: Limatour Beach

Quick stop close to the coastline and back through the forest…

 

Stop #2: Lunch at Tony’s Seafood Restaurant in Marshall:

 

After lunch, some parted ways while Dano, Pat, Will and myself headed to Nicasio Reservoir back to 101. Pat and I rode together for a stretch of freeway heading home.

 

I had a blast driving with everyone, here is a video of the sights and sounds, enjoy!

 

Stay tuned for our next Fun Run!

 

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We are stoked to see our friend Eric Straw and his 1969 Datsun Roadster featured in Speedhunters. Check out the article HERE.

 

We loved tuning Eric’s RB26DETT powered DR30 Skyline, so look for a dyno report soon as we tune the Haltech ECU on this SR22VET powered beauty!