Datsun 1200 Coupe - CAMS Logbooked Rally Car

When it comes to Datsuns screaming through the forest at full noise, it doesn’t take much to conjure images of the 1600, 180B SSS or perhaps the Stanza. But just as capable was the mighty Datsun 1200 Coupe (just ask anyone who was lucky enough to see Murray Coote fly around in his mid-engined sports sedan back in the day).

This particular example was purpose-built for rallying, autocross or any club-level event. Log booked as a 3C PRC car, it is evident that a lot of time and effort has gone into the build of the Datsun, with the intent to create a fast and reliable rally car.

Gone is the 1.2L A12 engine and in its place, a punchy 1.6L L16 motor with twin Dellorto carburettors that delivers strong, responsive power. To get the most from the upgraded engine, a Stanza dog leg gearbox has been installed (first bottom left, second and third in the middle) meaning that the driver has easy gear changes between second and third gears – perfect for rallying stages.

Full specification as follows:

• Datsun 1200 Coupe
• Build: December 1970
• Chassis number: B110 855147
• Engine number: L16014598A
• Motorsport Australia logbook: 20150484
• Motorsport Australia roll cage certification: 66566
• 1.6L inline 4-cylinder engine
• Twin Dellorto carburettors
• Redline manifold
• Datsun Stanza dog leg five-speed gearbox
• Disc brakes (front) and drum brakes (rear)
• Upgraded suspension with adjustable coilovers (front) and Bilstein shocks (rear)
• 13-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Kumho Ecsta rally tyres (165/80/13)

The interior of the Datsun is all business: fully stripped and race prepped, it has everything you can think of. Sparco seats with RPM five-point harnesses have been installed for both the driver and navigator who are both securely inside the comprehensive state-level cage built by Freak Motorsport Fabrications. A full set of gauges ensure that the driver is fully informed as to what is going on under the bonnet and similarly the navigator is taken care of via a Terratrip and Terraphone Clubman system.

Underbody protection is considerable with a heavy-duty bash plate and mud flaps. Importantly, the shell is rust-free and presents in excellent condition. From a spare parts perspective, included with the sale is a further three sets of wheels (with tyres) as well as components to perform a rear disc brake conversion should the new owner wish to do so.

In seven years of ownership, the Datsun has been used for one autocross. Suffice to say that as a result of a growing business, the car simply hasn’t been driven to the extent that was initially hoped when it was acquired. Thus, it is reluctantly offered for sale and ready for the next chapter of its life to be written. So if you want to “Get that Datsun Difference” and put yourself behind the wheel of a very cool rally-spec Datto, then this could be the car for you.