1963-65 1500
1500's were produced with a G15(1500)1.5 liter motor were designated SP310 right hand drive or SPL310 left hand drive. 1963 came with single SU carb. 1964-65 came with dual SU carbs. All came with a 4 speed gear box. They had drum brakes all the way around with 13" steel rims and very unique hubcaps. Unlike the later models the side molding went from the tip of the rear to the tip of the front. The fender flares were small. They were all positive ground. There were changes made in 1965 that will be discussed in their own section below.
VIN Plate
1500 hubcaps
The front grill is specific to the early 1500 model as well.
The hood has a unique emblem to the 1500.
The seats were truly low back and had a third seat right behind the passengers seat.
Battery location under third seat.
The dash was also unique to the early 1500 and painted the body color. There were no toggle switches. The washer pump used a hand pump.
The 1500 also had exterior hood hinges as well as a prominent trunk handle.
And a prominent trunk handle
Shot of the engine bay of the 1500 with dual SU carbs.
Shot of the engine bay of the 1500 with single SU carbs.
Some where around August 1965-Nissan began introducing the 1.6 liter with dual carbs, medium flares and positive ground.
Folks either love or hate the 1500's. They were prone to rusting more badly than the later roadsters. One restorer had to use several bodies to get what he considers a solid car. Some feel the car is under powered. Parts are harder to get than the later models and the G15 motor is expensive to rebuild. Costing as much if not more than doing a U20 rebuild.
I had a 65 1500 that was a real project. It had the 1600 motor, dual SU's but still had the drum brakes all the way around with 13" rims. It also had the later dash but did not have the third seat. It also had small fender flares, exterior hinges on the trunk, washer hand pump. At this point thinking the G15 had been replaced by a 1600. The body was pretty rusty so I ended up parting it out.
1965 Discussion
Here we will discuss the changes made .......... I have what I call a '65.5 1500... SPL311-00856..(Gold/website). The '65 three seater was also sold (left overs) in '65. There were around 200 two seat '65 1500s sold.(Rallye has listing) Small fender Flare ,13" wheels,drum brakes,Positive ground. Softop folds into passenger compartment (unlike '63-64) Same dash as '66-67…. But different armrest console,ashtray, and shifter boot. Also had the crash-box trans (non-sychro first) So prob August '65 the 1600 was produced. Neg ground. Medium flared. Disc brake.