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Datsun Fairlady Roadster
One of the most interesting Japanese copies of European cars was the cute, compact Datsun Fairlady Roadster. Datsun, known by some as Datsun Sports, built the Fairlady Roadster from 1959 to 1970. They borrowed the design, technology and the feel from those classic British roadsters like the Triumph and MG.
However, Datsun did more than just copy the British. They gave this little roadster significant power with a 2.0-liter engine, as well as better handling and driving dynamics. Most importantly, Datsun guaranteed the quality of their cars, which is something that British car manufacturers had difficulties with at the time.
Datsun made over 40,000 of these cool little cars over an 11-year production period. They sold most of them in the USA, so they came with left-hand drive. Today, you can find a decent Fairlady Roadster for just over $15,000. For that budget-friendly price, you’ll get a cool sports convertible with better construction than anything coming from the UK.