Description

The Datsun T17 Roadster was a variant of the Datsun 17 series, produced in 1938 by Nissan during the pre-World War II era. It was part of Nissan’s early lineup of light passenger vehicles under the Datsun brand and reflected the company’s intent to develop versatile, affordable automobiles for the domestic Japanese market.

The T17 Roadster shared its chassis and mechanical components with the standard Datsun 17 models, including the same 722 cc side-valve four-cylinder engine. This engine produced about 16 horsepower and was paired with a three-speed manual transmission. The car used a rear-wheel-drive layout, and its lightweight body contributed to nimble handling and relatively efficient performance for its size and power.

Designed as an open-top two-seater (sometimes with a small third jump seat at the rear), the T17 Roadster had a sporty and youthful appearance. The bodywork featured gently flowing fenders, a narrow upright grille, and a folding fabric roof. While it was simple in construction, the open body gave it a dynamic and stylish look that appealed to younger drivers and those seeking a bit more flair than the standard sedan or coupe.

The interior of the T17 Roadster was minimal but functional, with basic instrumentation and rudimentary weather protection. Comfort features were sparse, as the focus was on economy and practical motoring rather than luxury or refinement.

Due to its limited production window and the looming war effort, the T17 Roadster was made in small numbers, and very few examples are known to survive today. Its significance lies in its role as one of Nissan’s earliest attempts at offering a sporty variant of a passenger car, helping to lay the foundation for the company’s later success in producing more dynamic vehicles.

Today, the Datsun T17 Roadster is an extremely rare collector’s item, valued not only for its scarcity but also for its place in the formative years of Japan’s automotive history.