I am not familiar with this vehicle and would like to know any information on the engine and/or transmission. Owner is calling it a Deluxe. Are the convertibles rare?? Owner will take a look under the hood before I make an effort to drive out there and get parts. Looking for another set of SU carbs and want to know if this model has them.

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It is a sedan that has been butchered...sorry, "customized" into a Conestoga wagon wannabee. Previous owner was probably a really big Oregon Trail fan when he was a kid. Unless a GX engine was transplanted into it at some time, it has the same engine/carb setup as any other 1200. Looks like it has a tach in it, a nice front bumper and some salvageable sheet metal, which are always good pieces to have for the spares shed.

Thanks for the response. I wasnt sure if it was "customized". I read up on the Convertible information in Tech Wiki and saw a similar vehicle. The individual said it is a 4 speed. He took a picture with the hood propped open and I can't see any type of carburetion. It appears to have the A12 motor with the distributor up towards the front. May have him take another picture from the other side. Any idea what head this may have? I will see if this guy will pop the valve cover off. I bought a motor out of a 72 1200 last year and it had the GX head. Is there much value in the bumper and fenders? This yard is quite a ways from me, but if it has a GX head I would consider driving out there and pulling the front end off as well and post those parts in the classifieds. I am transforming a MG Midget with the A15 engine and 5 speed transmission and have gained an appreciation for the 1200 along the way.

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Looks like the car that was on auction about 5 years ago


Quote:The only two heads used in USA were:
* Round-port early (1970) closed chamber head
* Round-port late open chamber head

That being said, it *may* have any A-series head. They can all be used on an A12 and could have been swapped in the last 45 years

Quote:I see the air cleaner bracket for the normal 2-bbl downdraft carburetor, so it is unlikely it would have SU carburetors

Quote:All USA/Canada Datsun 1200s came with A12 single-carb engine and 4-speed manual transmssion (or automatic transmission)

Quote:All USA/Canada Datsun 1200s are Deluxe models

In other countries these models were available:
* Standard (non-chrome bumper, no roof trim, etc)
* Deluxe
* GL (featuring upgraded interior, cloth seats, etc)
* GX (featuring twin carb engine)

Quote:There were no Datsun 1200 convertibles made by Nissan. Not even in Japan. This one and all the other convertibles are one-off custom jobs

Quote:
* The front bumper looks somewhat rusty, could be worth $150
* The rear bumper is smashed, probably no one would buy it. A straighten & rechrome job is about $500 in USA
* one set new steel Fenders are for sale on the front page, for $270/set in USA
* right fender is dented
* left fender looks OK, may be worth $100

All the parts of a 1200 are worthwhile, but it may take a long time to find a buyer. But if put on eBay auction will sell right away as long as starting price is low and reasonable shipping is pre-determined
* The cowl top grilles are probably the most desirable parts, worth $150 for the pair
* Badges are imminently saleable, $40/each
* Windshield, $150 used
* tachometer, $100 if working
* Seats & headrest, seat belts
* doors look good, door panels/cards
* taillights
* Steering wheel is worth $150 if in perfect shape
* Rare aftermarket console/center armrest
* Wiper motor
* trunk lid
* Rear quarter panels
* glovebox lid
* steering column surround
* Door mirror gasket -- send it to Australia for $1 postage, there's a guy asking on the front page

Thanks DD. Sounds like a lot of work to pull all those parts. 1200's are scarce and bring good money in the US if the body is in tact. Haven't seen any in the Texas area lately. Surprised to come across this one in a salvage yard. Recently a couple of 510's in the North Texas area have sold for $4k-$5k without the engine and transmission just to give you an idea of what a Datsun can sell for in this area. They were simply a rolling chassis that required a complete restoration. And trucks from the 70's are going up in value as well. If I could get the whole car dirt cheap then it may be worthwhile to trailer it home. For my use with the MG, would be scoring another performance head, either the GX or H89. Everything else would end up In the classifieds or eBay. If I get the courage to bring it home, I will definitely post that information.