1975 Datsun 200L Laurel C130

Highlights

• Believed to be one of only six remaining on UK roads
• Top 20 award winner at the Ohsoretro show in Margate
• Comprehensive recent mechanical work, including a braking system rebuild
• Solid bodyshell with no rust holes
• Originally registered in Norway; now on UK plates

The Appeal

The C130-generation Datsun Laurel may not be a household name in the UK, but it undoubtedly deserves to be. With its distinctive front-end styling and elegant proportions, the 200L offered a more refined alternative to its better-known siblings, with some American-inspired styling cues lending a muscular silhouette to what was, at heart, a deeply refined, comfortable cruiser. This 1975 example is believed to be one of just six remaining on UK roads.

Imported from Norway in 2023 and now registered on UK plates, this Laurel has been garage-stored by its current owner and has received considerable recent mechanical attention. The vendor states the car runs and drives well, starts on the key, and rarely misses a beat. Inside, the interior retains much of its original character, with a fabulous age-commensurate patina throughout. This Laurel has already proven its appeal at events, having attended Players Classic at Goodwood and taken a top 20 award at the Ohsoretro show in Margate.
It's a fabulous thing, and one that deserves plenty of attention at auction.

Key Information

• Mileage: 90,800 km (indicated)
• Country of registration: United Kingdom (originally registered in Norway)
• Technical inspection status: MOT exempt
• Technical specs: 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder petrol, four-speed manual
• Paperwork: Limited paperwork available

The Detail

• Braking system overhauled with a new master cylinder, new hard and flexi lines, and callipers stripped and rebuilt with new pistons
• New water pump and auxiliary belt fitted, along with a radiator flush
• New distributor cap and HT leads fitted
• All oils changed
• New custom stainless steel exhaust fabricated and tucked up for clearance
• New propshaft centre bearing fitted
• Lowered on lowering springs at the front and axle lowering blocks at the rear
• The vendor notes slight smoking from the exhaust since the oil change, though the engine is reported to still pull well
• The vendor suggests the car could benefit from new front suspension, ideally coilovers if kept lowered
• Bodyshell and panels noted by the vendor to be free of perforating corrosion
• Very little welding reportedly needed throughout ownership
• Paintwork on the right-hand roof had broken away and has been sprayed over in a non-matching shade of blue to protect the metal beneath
• Slight corrosion damage on the lower right-hand front wing
• Small dent on the rear lower quarter panel, which the vendor notes could be pushed out
• All chrome work is present and in good condition, with slight pitting on the rear bumper
• Interior is mostly original; the original carpet has been removed and requires replacement
• Vinyl on the driver's seat base sides is torn, along with the tops of the door cards
• Fabric on the remaining seats is reported to be in good condition
• Fitted with a Pioneer sound system and period-correct rebuilt Pioneer TS-X6 box speakers
• Pineapple brand steering wheel fitted; original steering wheel included in the sale
• Aftermarket 'Tulip' ashtray fitted
• Garage stored since purchase in 2023

BEFORE YOU BUY

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