History of a Bob Sharp prepared

'Salt Damaged' Datsun 2000

Datsun 2000 VIN# SRL311-04627

In 1968, following Bob Sharp's first National Championship victory for Nissan in a 1600 Roadster, Yutaka Katayama, then President of Nissan Motor Corporation, presented Bob with 5 Datsun 2000s, which were said to have suffered salt damage on their sea journey from Japan.  The following pages detail the history of one of these Bob Sharp prepared cars, the only one not to have been campaigned by Bob, which nonetheless was driven to four ARRC Runoffs.

In 1999, after 24 years in storage, this car was sold as a 'Parts Car' to Craig Carter.  Following at least a year of research, which included discussions with individuals connected with the car's years in competition, and which draws on the SCCA's own archives, Craig has unearthed the fascinating history of this important car.  This history, together with photographs, press clippings and SCCA results information, is detailed in the following pages.

The Register would like to thank Craig for making this archive available to these pages.

Rob Beddington

Specifications of SRL311-04627 in the early 1970s

(as described by Bill Kattmann's Crew Chief, Wayne Jackson)

• Harrison 3.5" oil cooler with cast ends.

• Fram racing oil filter HP-1 and Holley fuel filter.

• 1 1/8" diameter sway bar at front positioned in the A-arm channel - a Bob Sharp design.

• Rear sway bar.

• Rear panels cut and fenders widened (internally).

• Brake Supply disc brakes

• Engine:-

  • 10,000 RPM

  • Riley Cam

  • Spray bar

  • Chevrolet Sodium valves (using 3 valve springs) (Hemi & Chevy)

  • Mercedes Benz valve buttons.

• 5th and reverse lockout on transmission.

• In 1972/3 BRE worked on the car, which then featured a Tilton cylinder head and improvements to the carburettors

For details of the car's history please click on the images below
		1968-1970 - the John Coen/Dave Eagleson Years
		1971-1975 - the Bill Kattmann years
		1976-1999 - 24 years in storage, to surface as a 'Parts Car'.
		2000+? - Watch This Space.