Classic Japanese Sports Cars: 1965 Datsun 1500 vs 1979 Mazda RX-7

Welcome back! Today we’re spending a few more imaginary dollars, but I think you’ll agree that it’s worth it. I’ve got two very cool classic Japanese imports to show you. Neither one is perfect, but either one could be the perfect fun car for the right buyer.

I didn’t know what to expect yesterday; I thought maybe the BMW would run away with it despite its weird paint job and soul-sucking automatic. But as it turns out, the vote was nearly a tie. The Infinifi M30 took the win by a mere three votes. Clearly, you all had a tough time deciding between these two.

I would have a tough time, too. The Infinti would be the nicer car to own, true, but it doesn’t really do anything for me. It’s interesting because it’s rare, but otherwise it’s dull. Also, I cut my automotive teeth on old German cars, but I haven’t owned one in about thirty years. I get the itch for another one every so often. That particular BMW is probably not what I would choose, but it appeals to me more.

All right, let’s up the ante a bit. These two are both around seven grand, which is still pretty cheap for a good-running fun car these days. And they’re not the same stuff you see all the time. You’ll also be happy to know that after yesterday’s slushboxes, I took pity on you and chose two manuals. Let’s check them out.

1965 Datsun 1500 Sports – $7,000

Engine/drivetrain: 1.5-liter overhead valve inline 4, four-speed manual, RWD

Location: San Rafael, CA

Odometer reading: 29,000 miles

Operational status: Runs and drives well, but needs a little brake work

If you’re looking at this car and thinking, “Datsun? Surely not; that’s an MGB if I ever saw one,” you could be forgiven. British sports cars were at the top of their game in the 1960s, and Nissan had a long history with British engineering already. It had been building Austin engines under license since the 1930s. I’m certain that the MGB was a benchmark when designing this car, the second-generation Datsun roadster.

Its 1.5 liter engine is not a direct copy of the BMC-Austin B-series, but it certainly is a similar design, right down to its twin SU-style carburetors. It makes 85 horsepower, plenty for a lightweight little roadster like this, at least back in the 1960s. This car has only 29,000 original miles on it, and the seller says it runs and drives “wonderfully.” It has recently developed a leaky rear brake wheel cylinder, but the seller includes a rebuild kit, so if you’re handy, you can have it sorted out in no time.

Inside, it has one modification, but I’m sure it’s an improvement: the original seats have been replaced by Recaro seats from a Volkswagen GTI. The original seats are included, but it sounds like you’d have to have them redone if you wanted to put them back in. The rest of the interior looks a little sun-beaten, and the dash has some cracks, but it’s all functional. It also includes a tonneau cover, which probably doesn’t fit over the VW seats, and a factory hard top, which might.

It’s all original outside, and obviously has been well cared-for. Old paint that has been waxed dozens of times has a luster to it that you can’t get any other way. Sure, it has some chips and scrapes, but it would be a sin to have it repainted. If it were me, though, I might remove the road-rally decal. If it were on the door, it would be cool, but it looks weird on the front fender.

1979 Mazda RX-7 – $6,500

Engine/drivetrain: 1.2-liter two-rotor Wankel rotary, five-speed manual, RWD

Location: San Leandro, CA

Odometer reading: 21,000 miles (might have rolled over)

Operational status: Runs and drives well

Once upon a time, the Wankel rotary engine was going to be the engine of the future. NSU produced a version for its RO-80 sedan, General Motors was developing one, and AMC had plans to power its Pacer with one. But only one company really picked up the idea of a rotary engine and ran with it: Mazda. Everything from luxury coupes to pickup trucks to a passenger bus (yes, really) were powered by Mazda’s magical spinning triangles at one time. But by the late 1970s, Mazda had figured out that the high-revving, low-torque Wankel was really best suited for sports cars, like its new RX-7.

This early RX-7 is powered by a 12A rotary engine, displacing 1146 cubic centimeters. It’s fed by an aftermarket Weber side-draft carburetor, and has a Racing Beat performance exhaust. I’m guessing that its characteristic rotary “braaaaap” noise is a bit louder than stock. It also has been upgraded to disc brakes in the rear, and has a limited-slip rear differential. The seller says it runs and drives well, though the carb “could use a cleaning.” I have heard that these Weber carbs can be a little fussy to tune; there’s a chance it’s just out of adjustment. Then again, it’s on non-op registration, so maybe it just needs a little exercise.

The odometer reads only 21,000 miles, but I have a feeling it has rolled over, looking at the interior. It’s not badly worn, but that driver’s seat has seen more than 21,000 miles. Overall, though, it looks good. I wish we had more than this one photo of the inside, but I have come to expect disappointment from the photos in online ads. They’ll show you everything you don’t care about, and nothing you want to see.

Outside, it’s got shiny paint and a nice set of Panasport wheels with new tires. It looks like there might be a little discoloration in the paint, but it might just be a reflection. You’d have to see it in person to find out.

Cheap cars are a lot of fun, but there is something to be said for spending a little bit more and getting something that’s really nice. Both of these still need a little tinkering, so it’s not like there’s nothing to do, but you’re not starting with a barn find or a basket case. These two, you could show off the first weekend you get them, and feel good about it. Which one suits you better?