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.

20261018_143910 Jack Latchford.jpg 20.35 MB

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

20261018_142500 Jack Latchford.jpg 16.17 MB

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

20261018_142701 Jack Latchford.jpg 16.42 MB

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.

✓ Unless stated otherwise, you must assume that any cherished, personalised, or heritage vehicle registration is not included in the sale of a vehicle.