Faults:

Blew the head gasket (though didn't know it until later) VERY early on, but not the car's fault... 118 mph might have had something to do with it.

The original car (purchased 3/68) died before it was 4 years old, but you wouldn't believe how bad I thrashed the poor thing.

Actual mileage on the original car is unknown.

General Comments:

The RL version of Datsun's 411/Bluebird model (1964-1967) had the same engine as the roadster (R-16), and was the original 'rice-rocket' IMHO.

Fun as hell to drive, screams at highway speed (really screams - literally - if it's an automatic because of low gearing).

I drove that car up to 118mph (really), and threw it around on mountain roads like the crazy kid I was at the time (17).

It's been said it rides like an oxcart, and that's not an unfair comparison. But it's still a very fun car to drive, GOOD visibility, riding high, stately. In fact my current running 411, 'Grace', is named for that quality, plus she's grey.

I currently own seven 411's (plus a 410), including a '67 RL411 1600 with automatic ('Grace'), a '67.5 RL411 SSS wagon with auto, a '67.5 RL411 SSS sedan with stick, and a '67 PL411 (J-13 engine) with stick.

For more information see:

http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/EarlyDatsunClub/