1966 - ENTER THE 1600 (& THE FAIRLADY S)

The 1966 event was the inaugural meeting for the new Fuji Circuit. Nissan, competing with the new Fairlady 1600, had something altogether more special on show. 

THE WINNING FAIRLADY 1600

The 1600 competed in the GT-II Class and qualified well.  The 'Works' car, No. 22, qualified nearly 5 seconds faster than the nearest Lotus, 12 seconds faster than the nearest Porsche 911 and 59 seconds faster than the only MG (last on the grid). The race proper was initially a close affair, with Fairladies (Nos. 20 & 21) eventually completing a convincing 1-2, some 40 seconds ahead of the 3rd place Porsche 911.  The winning driver was Motoharu Kurosawa.

The 1600s were more powerful than their production equivalents. The standard Hitachi-SUcarbs were replaced by Mikuni-Solex items similar to those used on production 150hp 2000s a year later. In addition, a competition camshaft and other engine modifications helped the 1600 produce an estimated 140hp (against the production car's 96hp).

S THE FAIRLADY 'S' THE 1966 FAIRLADY 'S' A FAIRLADY 'S' CAM  COVER In the GP-II Class, competing against the likes of the newly unveiled Toyota 2000 GT  and the Cobra Daytona Coupe, Nissan revealed an exciting variation on the Fairlady theme.  The Datsun Fairlady 'S' boasted a twin overhead cam, 6 cylinder, 12 spark plug, twin distributor, 2-litre engine, a whole year ahead of the launch of the single overhead 4-cylinder 2000. The takeover of Prince, with all the OHC expertise that PMC brought with them, undoubtedly influenced the development of this 'UY' engined prototype, not to mention the production Nissan/Datsun OHC engines that followed. As well as the prototype engine, the car featured lighter vented body panels, streamlined panels under the chassis, and Minilight style wheels.  The doors had no handles and were opened from a recess in the door jamb. The rear arches were also cut away and flared to accommodate the alloy wheels. The 'S' still retained drum brakes at the rear. The Fairlady 'S' qualified a remarkable 1st on the grid, much to the excitement of the crew and surprise of the crowds.  In the race proper, she competed well, until ignition problems caused her to retire after 36 laps of the 60 lap race. She was sadly never to race again, although the entry was a sign of Nissan's serious approach to track competition. At the time of writing, a Japanese SROC member owned the remains of a 'UY' spec. prototype engine, a truly rare piece of Nissan competition history.

FAIRLADY DIE-CAST - 1966 GP
1/43rd EBBRO 1966 G P Winner - note incorrect 2000 grille

FROM THE ARCHIVE

CAR GRAPHIC 7/66

1963 GP	JAPAN GRAND PRIX - MAIN PAGE	1967 GP