SEMA ACTION NETWORK'S STRIKE FORCE

This 1967½ Datsun 2000 roadster has been undergoing a meticulous, frame-off restoration by Gary Vigil and friends. Fans of the marque know that this specific model is highly desirable and rare. Despite the rapidly rising interest and growing market for early imports in recent years, Gary’s purchase was based purely on passion. “I’ve wanted a Datsun roadster since I drove my buddy’s when I was in college,” he explains. “I wasn’t intending to get such a project, but my plans changed when I had a chance to get this one in 2013.”

Additional insight:

• What initially excited you about this project?
  I bought the car from its first owner. It originally came from the dealership with the optional Mikuni Solex carburetors, which increased the horsepower of the 5-speed up to 150. It was sitting in Colorado and hadn’t been on the road since the late 1980s. The whole thing was actually in rougher shape than I expected! But the price was right, so I took it.


• Where did you “debut” the finished roadster?
  As pictured above, I took my car to the 2019 Solvang Datsun Roadster Classic—the first time since 2014 when it was in “survivor” condition. This annual car show, traditionally held the last Saturday in April, brings nearly 100 Datsun roadsters to Solvang, a quaint city in Southern California. It’s a great opportunity to connect with other Datsun owners and I look forward to it every year.


• What prior experiences led to this build?
  I began working for SEMA in 1994 and had never been involved with a vehicle restoration. Finally, I felt that I had to “get in the game” and become a classic car owner in 2013. This has been quite a project, but I’ve had some great help and coaching along the way.


• Any automotive project(s) in the future?
  Although the vehicle appears complete, it lacks the interior and still needs the exterior trim to be installed. Once it’s complete, I plan to drive and enjoy the car before I consider any new projects.


• Why is the SEMA Action Network (SAN) important?
  The SAN is fighting the good fight on behalf of the automotive aftermarket industry and car hobbyists. They help to keep me informed on the issues and make it very easy for me to contact legislators and be heard. The SAN is essential to SEMA’s success in protecting the vehicle hobby.