Datsun Sports Fairlady 1600 SP311 

Production period:	1965 to 1970
Class:	Sports car
Body versions:	Roadster
Engines:	Gasoline:1.6 litres 4 cylinders
Length:	155.65 in, 3,954 mm
Width:	58.85 in, 1,495 mm
Height:	51.40 in, 1,306 mm
Wheelbase:	89.75 in, 2,280 mm
Curb weight:	2,029 1b, 920 kg

The Datsun Sports Fairlady roadster 1600 SP311 / SPL311 type was a small roadster built from the mid-1960s to 1970 sold as the Fairlady 1600, or the Datsun Sports 1600.

History

The new model was first shown at the 1964 Tokyo Motor Show and released in May 1965 the "Fairlady 1600" (SP311 type) equipped with an in-line 4-cylinder OHV 1,595cc R-type engine (90 horsepower / 6,000 rpm). The engine, transmission, chassis, etc. are the same as the " Silvia ". There were many changes in 1965. The 1.5-liter SP310 remained in production until January, but was given the new SP311 and SPL311 models with a new Nissan water cooled R16 engine with 2 SCI-Hitachi carburettors later cars with a pair of SU carburettors Early engines with 3 crankshaft bearings in later SPL311 had an improved 5 main bearings both with cast iron cylinder block and cylinder head. 

PERFORMANCE

• Engine capacity: 97.33 cu in, 1,595 cu cm
• Fuel consumption: 27.4 m/imp gal, 22.8 m/US gal, 10.31 x 100 km
• Max speed: 106 mph, 170.7 kmlh
• Max power (SAE): 96 hp at 6,000 rpm
• Max torque (SAE): 104 1b ft, 14.3 kg m at 4,000 rpm
• Max engine rpm: 6,000
• Specific power: 60.2 hp/l
• Power-weight ratio: 21.2 lb/hp, 9.6 kg/hp
• Acceleration: standing 1/4 mile 17.6 sec
• Max speeds: 34 mph, 54.7 km/h in 1st gear; 53 mph, 85.3 km/h in 2nd gear; 81 mph, 130.4 km/h in 3rd gear; 106 mph, 170.7 km/h in 4th gear

The new Fairlady 1600 had 14 "wheels and small exterior changes. The chassis of box-type ladder frame, with X reinforcements. The front suspension as independent with wishbones, coil springs, anti-roll bar, and telescopic dampers at the rear rigid axle, semi-elliptic leaf springs with telescopic dampers. The new engine produced 96 bhp (71 kW). The front brake was changed from a drum brake (two-leading type) to disc brakes now with a total of 140.65 sq. in, 907.19 sq. cm linings for stopping power and the fully synchromesh gearbox was also strengthened. Distribution of weight was 56% at front axle and 44% to rear axle. It was also built as Nissan Silvia and was even the first car with Nissan's new R engine, a further development of the G-engine with 1,488cc. Considering the speed increase, small-diameter wheels and a low-floor frame were adopted to lower the centre of gravity.

Later in 1966 the Fairlady S equipped with a special B680X engine (in-line 6-cylinder DOHC 1,992cc, 190 horsepower / 7,600 rpm) in the "4th Clubman Race" (preliminary race for the Japanese Grand Prix) (Treated as a prototype machine) entered the race (Driver: Kenjiro Tanaka) and took pole position, but retired (winner was the Toyota RTX, which was also a first-time entry, a prototype of the later 1600GT). In the GT II class, the Fairlady 1600 wins.

In November 1967 changes include increased windshield screen, adoption of collapsible steering shaft for the first time in Japanese cars, addition of dash pad and headrest, 3-point seat belt, door outer handle, switch, shape of protrusions such as rear-view mirror changed to comply with North American safety standards (Motor Vehicle Safety Standard). Models from May 1965 to October 1967 are called "low windscreens", and models after November 1967 are called "high windscreens" to distinguish them.

The SP311 remained in production until April 1970.