Datsun Roadster Reinvented

bedwyrbannog · Post by **bedwyrbannog** » Tue Aug 24, 2004 9:03 am

August 23, 2004
Datsun Roadster Reinvented
Have you ever wondered what a modern interpretation of the Datsun Roadster would look like? Take a look at this Japanese company's efforts to reinvent the Roadster.

http://www.ducks-garden.co.jp/015_road- ... d-lady.htm

Saw this on Datsun.org and wanted to get some first impressions and of course the word out.

nking79 · Post by **nking79** » Tue Aug 24, 2004 9:08 am

It reminds me a little of a mix between our Datsuns and an old Ford Escort... Maybe its just me though.... They lost something in there.

Post by **spl310** » Tue Aug 24, 2004 11:02 am

That is quite interesting. For some strange reason, it reminds me of an old Chrysler product though...

A new Roadster has been discussed in the past, and some interesting ideas were bandied about. I think that it could be refined more.

Just my not so humble opinion...

Redtail · Post by **Redtail** » Tue Aug 24, 2004 11:29 am

I agree, it really dosen't look right. Seems like they just slapped a raked back windshield and some fiberglass on an old R. A tastfully modified original looks better IMO.

Those wheels are really ugly though

Post by **spl310** » Tue Aug 24, 2004 12:11 pm

Now that is a sweet looking picture! It looks photoshopped though. I don't see how the wheels could be mounted (no lugs visible, no center cap lines). If I were any good with photoshop, I would work up my ideas for a current generation Roadster. It would still be old school by current standards, but it would be interesting.

So, am I the only one that sees the Chrysler Cordoba or whichever old Mopar it is in the front end of the Duck-Garden car?

sgriffin · Post by **sgriffin** » Tue Aug 24, 2004 12:21 pm

It's not nearly as aesthetically satisfying as our varios models. Interesting concept. I really like the red model above with the wide variety of modifications. Those wheels can't be real can they?

bedwyrbannog · Post by **bedwyrbannog** » Tue Aug 24, 2004 12:55 pm

When I saw the "road lady" on ducks garden it became a love/hate fasination. The front end is just not right perhaps if a 2k grill and datsun badge was added then maybe it would look better.... if the guy did a bit more research to the little touches then maybe we could say that they reinvented it.

nking79 · Post by **nking79** » Tue Aug 24, 2004 1:04 pm

I went back to look at it and I think the problem may be the lack of chrome. Its very bare. Maybe they should have chosen to work from a miata instead...

G---- · Post by **G----** » Tue Aug 24, 2004 1:09 pm

I can see where they tried to get to 311 look with the tail and headlights, but it doesn't have any of the classic lines of the original. I think the roadster shows a great balance between classy and sporty.

Post by **ppeters914** » Wed Aug 25, 2004 12:49 pm

Ha! The best part is the 'engrish' in the ad. My fav is "you can enjoy the life with this antique tasted vehicle."

Don't see the Cordoba, Sid, but those side vents scream Dodge Corona or Charger from the late '60's-early '70's.

SLOroadster · Post by **SLOroadster** » Wed Aug 25, 2004 8:57 pm

Redtails picture is rad. There are some wheels that look like that. They fit a miata. Thats sort-of the direction I will eventually go with mine.
I dig it

Will

SER240Z · Post by **SER240Z** » Thu Aug 26, 2004 2:04 pm

Those wheels on the Red picture look like some old-school Hayashi racings that my friend used to have on a 77 Celica. If they are, the lug nuts are in the black areas between the spokes.

Also that thing on top just isn't a roadster. I think you're right, it does lack something without all the chrome. It is also started from a miata, or that's what it looked like to me.

Scott

SER240Z · Post by **SER240Z** » Thu Aug 26, 2004 2:56 pm

You guys ever see one of these?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayI ... 09438&rd=1

This seems like it would be more of a revisited roadster, it's even a Nissan. Circle headlights, '69 side markers....

Scott

Redtail · Post by **Redtail** » Thu Aug 26, 2004 4:49 pm

Whoa! That Nissan Figaro is pretty cool. Not available in the U.S. though, that is for sure.

Minh · Post by **Minh** » Fri Aug 27, 2004 2:23 am

SER240Z wrote:You guys ever see one of these?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayI ... 09438&rd=1
This seems like it would be more of a revisited roadster, it's even a Nissan. Circle headlights, '69 side markers....
Scott

I have seen reference to it once a month ago. It was a JDM last I read. It's a cutie car. A fine candiate for a sleeper project.

The Redtail's photo above, is that the Datsun stock or Parrish smoothie hardtop? The car, I like it! It only needs the luggage rack to be complete. The rims are not old school looking, but I am guessing are a rare item.

I don't the know road lady looks like reinvention but is definitely missing something. I am sure the interior is the main selling point to bad there are no photos. The exterior looks like an extensive plastic surgery procedure. "Not bad... but something aint right."

BTW:Does anyone have the information of the the company that owns the old Parrish hardtop mold now. I remember reading it in a thread and seeing the webpage and everything, but I have lost it with no success.

Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

Datsun Roadster Reinvented

Datsun Roadster Reinvented

Not bad..

Updted roadster

Reinvented

lacking