Datsun Fairlady 1500 (SP310) roadster was launced in 1962. In Japan the car was known as Datsun Fairlady 1500, while in America it was called Datsun 1500. Datsun had unveiled its first roadster in 1959. However, the Datsun 1500 was the first Datsun roadster which had performance to match its sporty exterior. Therefore it can be considered the first Datsun sports car. Datsun 1500 was powered by a 1488cc engine. The first cars had a single carburettor engine which produced 77 horsepower. A twin carb engine was fitted in 1964-65 models, which offered 85 horsepower. Datsun 1500 had a four-speed gearbox with synchromesh on top 3 gears. With a strong chassis and stiff suspension settings, it offered sporty driving dynamics.
Datsun 1500 was well equipped as standard. It came with a tachometer, racing steering wheel, tonneau cover, roll-up windows, transistor push button radio, plush pile carpets, clock, heater, locking-doors and white sidewall tyres. In 1965 the Datsun Fairlady 1500 was replaced by the upgraded Datsun Fairlady 1600.
