Annapolis Calling

[FairladySPL]

Hello from Washington, DC.

I drove my 1600 into work today from near Annapolis, and still get a major thrill from motoring along, even in commuter traffic.

I've had this '69 SPL since 1984, when I bought it from the 2nd owner. He had kept everything very original, right down to the paint, smog pump and whitewall bias ply tires, probably the second set since showing 41,000 miles.

My first sports car was a 1966 Austin-Healey Sprite that I got in high school. I moved to a 1971 Capri (German Ford) for college commutes, but missed the top-down and got my first Roadster in 1976. It was titled as a '69, but later determined it was a '68 build.

In the 32 years since then I've had six or seven examples among both 2000 and 1600 denominations, steadily trading up in condition to the one I've had since '84.

In 1980 or so, I partnered with two other friends to form the Datsun Roadster Registry, a driver's club that served the Maryland-DC-Virginia area. We had more than 30 members at its peak, and I'll eventually post some scanned snapshots on here of some major road trips we took before we let go of the club.

People always had "other plans" you know?

Now, seems like there's quite a revival, with Roadster clubs active across the country and internationally.

I'm happy to be part of your group on here, and would be delighted to share any historic knowledge that may help others.

Paul/Annapolis

[S Allen]

Hey Paul,

Nice to have you on board so to speak. I look forward to seeing some of your pictures from days gone by. It looks like you are already enjoying the ride. Welcome!!

Steve

[LI Roadster]

great story, glad to have you aboard the board !