[h=2]1959-1970 Datsun 1500/1600/2000 Fairlady[/h] Source: Nissan



Before Mazda became known as the Japanese company that revived the affordable roadster, Datsun did it first. Like the Miata, the Fairlady took the elements of the classic British roadster and added Japanese reliability to it.

Priced as a cheaper alternative to MGs, Triumphs, and Austin-Healeys, the small Datsun was never quite as popular as its British rivals, but was instrumental in establishing the Datsun brand in America. Today, the car has an avid following for offering 1960s open-top fun with none of the British reliability issues — even if it’s still overshadowed by its replacement, the Datsun 240Z.