The 2019 Solvang Datsun Roadster show took place on April 27. Now in its 32nd year, this event 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 in the last weekend of April an epic gathering of Datsuns!
This year I did not bring my roadster but I was able to experience it with my wife and three children (now all walking):
We keep returning to Solvang year after year to see the latest roadster builds, meet new owners and catch up with old friends……and it was a fantastic show with perfect weather and close to 100 Datsuns on First Street in downtown Solvang:
Highlights from the Show
On to the cars! Here are some highlights from the day…starting with the “Holy Grail” of Datsun Roadsters: The 1967 2000! This year there were only a handful of these rare (less than a 1000) models. Some of these cars are considered the “cream of the crop” with full restorations or OEM levels of detail like Kurt’s Sora Blue #520:
Interestingly, all of the ’67 2000 models present possessed the fabeled “rivet in the C” on their valve covers. Different body colors as well! Gary Vigil’s SRL #126 was still in the process of being completed, looking brilliant in Beige Grey Metallic:
Arnold’s SRL 485:
The sole “Thunder Black” ’67 SRL:
Stock is Good
Solvang showcases everything from pristine to highly modified examples of roadsters. These two examples are exemplary of the “high-windshield” models. John Baker’s ’69 2000: several years of intense restoration by John has resulted in one stunning, concours-level 2000. Finished in Spanish Red with plenty of engine bay details to drool over. Best part is that it is driven, even with the Bias-ply tires!
Mike Ramirez’s ’68 1600 was stored for 32 years before a full restoration in 2014…it is pristine:
There were several early 1600s with chrome-ringed gauges and classy red interiors. Alvin’s ’65 SPL was originally imported to the US by a Naval officer and he found it in a barn with 32k original miles. His goal is to take it back to Japan for a springtime tour!
Engine Swaps
Like the 510 and Z cars, the Datsun Roadster chassis can accept many engine swaps and this year the show-stopper was Eric Straw’s 1969 SRL.
We have known Eric for many years and he is a talented fabricator with a penchant for high-powered Datsuns. ZCG tuned his RB26-powered Nissan DR30 Skyline and plan on tuning this Haltech-managed SR22VET beast of a roadster.
Backing the SR22VET is a Nissan 350z 6-speed transmission, but there are so many details to be found at the surface like the factory OEM(!) Hardtop, 225 front/245 rear tires, Brembo calipers, Lotus Elise seats and more.
Eric’s fabrication skills are really displayed in this chassis with full coil-over suspension and a Watts-linkage. With guidance from Michael Spreadbury of Spriso Motorsports, the level of chassis development is mind-boggling:
More pictures in the gallery, but this masterpiece deserves its own feature!
JDM Feel
Two cars that I really like have a special “JDM” feel to them. Greg’s ‘1968 2000 finished in Gray sitting on 14″ Watanabe wheels looked just right:
Mike’s 1967.5 SPL sports 15″ Watts, a full solex-equipped U20 drivetrain, roll bar, SRL gauges and rare EMPI steering wheel:
A Break for Wine
A few roadster owners proudly offered their own vintage wine creations alongside their cars. Al’s SPL graces the label of his wine:
Vanity plates
When Sidewall is Good
This ’70 SRL not only had one of my favorite white/red color combos, the wheel/tire choice was spot on. Beefy sidewalls on the AR Libras and a nice stance looked great:
The 3-Seater: Datsun 1500s
There were only 2, three-seater 1500 roadsters. Raymond Lim’s 1963 1500 was in amazing condition considering its age. This single-carb, three-seater was remarkably preserved. Best part was watching Ray’s son show off the roadster to everyone! This is why I love the Solvang Show.
Even older than the 1500s were the SPL212s owned by Jeff Silvey:
People
People. It’s what makes the Solvang Datsun Roadster Show so much fun. Datsun folks in general are cool people and they came from all parts of the world:
The Beast Within
Corey’s ’66 SPL had a mighty stroked 1600 engine. Final displacement is 2.3L(!) courtesy of parts from Datsun-specialist Lou Mondello of Australia. We look forward to dyno-tuning this quad-motorcycle carb’d monster soon:
Non-roadsters
Don’t have a roadster but want to park and enjoy the show? The Solvang show also welcomes Japanese classics that are not roadsters. Lots of cool trucks, Z-cars and 510s joined in on the fun. Brian K drove and displayed his Nissan Patrol. He is also the man behind our Z Car Garage CV Axles. When he’s not enjoying Datsuns, Brian owns/operates KaD Models machine shop in Berkeley, CA making various parts for our cars as well.
Going the Distance
The Solvang Show draws roadster owners from all over the US, and world! We can always count on Jim and Susan to make the trek from Mexico in their ’70 SRL with matching trailer:
Adrian Christian made the long journey from New York in his ’70 SRL:
This is the actual car from Nissan’s multi-million dollar Datsun Heritage advertising campaign in the late 90’s. Check it out in this Super Bowl Ad – “The Dream Garage”.
Family Affair
Ted Heaton drove his three roadsters down from Bellvue, Washington. He had help from his son and grandson!
We love this event and hope you have enjoyed our coverage of the 2019 Solvang Datsun Roadster Show. Big thanks to the organizer Harlan Katz and SoCal crew for hosting! Please visit our picture gallery below:
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