Its my anniversary!!!!

[sports imports]

It was forty years ago today that I bought my first car: a 1968 Datsun SPL311-18822. I walked by it for months when I used to get off the bus going to visit a girl friend in Montreal, Quebec. A for sale sign was now stuck in the window. I come from a sports car family. In 1958, when I was born, Dad sold the 1956 TR3 in order to get a family car, a Morris Minor. In 1974, the family trip to the UK was to purchase dad's 1936 MG NB.
I mentioned to my Dad about the little Datsun. he went to the basement where he kept all his automotive magazines and consumers reports and within minutes had road tests and an evaluation by CR. The car was a California car brought up by its original owner who was doing graduate work at McGill university. Painted once from its original red to british racing green, it had 58,000 miles and a snug top hard top. The studded Michelin snow tires should have been a red flag but I was blinded by the little Datsun's appeal. I bought the car for $600.
Little did I know, this car would change my life and influence the path I followed. The next July, in 1977 I drove the car across the country to Vancouver, BC where my family had been transferred. Dad had already made the trip in his 1962 TR4 and was now heading our caravan in the family 1972 Volvo 142GL.
In Montreal, there were very few Datsuns. In Vancouver, they were everywhere. Dealerships had parts, the buy and sell newspaper listed parts and cars for sale, and there was a thriving group of owners who had already started to gather for meets and swap parts. While studying at UBC, I got a job at the local Datsun dealership, first as a delivery driver, then onto become a parts man. In 1989 I quit the now Nissan dealership to start Sports Imports.

My life path has been interwoven with Datsuns for last 40 years and its been quite a trip. A hobby turned into a business. I am hoping to one day return to the hobby so that I can restore the 1959 210, the 1960 221 and the 1961 223.
When I started the Mount Shasta meet in 1985, it was to see all the different cars. Now when I attend its to see the people first, cars second. Its been an incredible journey and I would not change any of it. Its been a privilege and honour to be part of this community and I hope I can get another 40 years of roadstering.

Ross Mullen

[spl310]

Great story!

[notoptoy]

Congratulations on your 40th Anniversary Ross!
You have been an amazing resource for the Roadster community - thanks for your help, and services. I know I have certainly benefited from your expertise and parts stash on many occasions.
Tom

[mraitch]

serious congrats - a wonderful journey.

[S Allen]

Yes-congratulations and what a story. You have been instrumental in your work and for carrying the flag so long. May you have more great years to come. A sincere thanks for all you have done and will do. Be proud Ross-very proud.

Steve

[greydog]

Congrats Ross. Lots of changes in 40 years, not the least is this medium of communication.
Your involvement has helped many of us keep these cars driving.
I second our wish for another 40 years.
Dan

[Jack Maskell]

Hi Ross, congratulations. If my memory serves me correctly I flagged you down on that cross country trip in Sudbury Ontario. I had bought a rough Roadster in 1975 and yours was the only other roadster I had ever seen. I remember the british green and if it was you then you may remember I tried to buy your car and offered to buy you a plane ticket home as part of the deal. I visited your garage in 2009 looking for a 68 shell but shipping was prohibitive. I will stop again on my next trip to the Island. It may not have been you but the coincidence is uncanny. Regards, Jack

[Toptech360]

Good story!

[cktrap]

Small world. Great story. Thanks for sharing.
Keith

[pebbles]

I shall dedicate todays drive to you my friend.

[GeoffM]

Great story Ross. Your passion for for Roadsters and the community is infectious. You're the reason quite a few of us are into these things. I know I'd probably be driving a Boxter or TR4 if it wasn't for your support and the community that orbits around you.

[sports imports]

Thank you all for your kind words. Imagine if I had sold the car to Jack, the story would have had a totally different ending, may be even no Shasta! I did wander off the path when I started collecting an MGTD, TR2-TR3-TR4 cars and parts (fatherly influences run deep). Ultimately, the little Japanese car won my heart and I have not been without one in the forty years.

Ross Mullen

[jrusso07]

Congratulations on your Anniversary Ross, we all love these little cars - thanks for helping us to keep them on the road!

[Kurt]

Cheers!