10. Datsun Fairlady Roadster
Everybody knows that Japanese automobiles started out as downsized copies of European and American cars. However, one of the most interesting Japanese copy of a European car was the cute and compact Datsun Fairlady Roadster. Datsun built it from 1959 to 1970 and it was also known as the Datsun Sports.
They borrowed the design, technology and feel directly from those British roadsters, especially the Triumph and MG. However, Datsun did more than just copy the British. It gave the little roadster significant power with the 2.0-liter engine. Also, it had better handling and driving dynamics.
But most importantly, they guaranteed the quality of their cars, which is something the British companies had difficulties with. Datsun made over 40,000 of those cool little cars over an 11-year production period, selling most of them in the USA. And of course, they came with a left-hand drive.