Description
Launched at the Tokyo Motor Show in October 1969, this new Nissan car was sold in the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) as the Nissan Fairlady Z and elsewhere as the Datsun 240Z.
The Z came with fully independent suspension. Braking was courtesy of discs up front and drums at the rear. In the engine bay was Nissan’s single overhead camshaft straight six. Styling-wise, the Z was inspired by the Jaguar E-type, a car that Enzo Ferrari had famously described as the most beautiful in the world.
The Z’s handsome looks, modern engineering, relatively low price and impressive performance saw it become an international best seller that did wonders for Nissan’s image.
THE CAR
Metallic blue paintwork (Nissan BS7), left hand drive, black leather upholstery with white stitching, the 4 speed box upgraded to a 5-speed from the later 280z and 15-inch rota alloys in matt bronze. Car also benefits from a period correct drivetrain upgrade from a 280z, which includes the L28 block, gearbox, shafts and R-200 diff (didn't form part of this restoration) - making it a 2. 8L, rather than the standard 2. 4L.
Imported from California, USA in 2017, the car has been lovingly restored over the last six years, including a comprehensive bare metal renovation as can be seen in the pictures - the paint maintains a beautiful deep shine with barely an imperfection in sight. The underside is fresh, as you might expect for a car coming from a dry state, with absolutely no corrosion and only a single repair, beneath the drivers pedal. The car has been dry stored in a garage during all of its life in the UK.
The restoration is fully documented with an extensive history file of both work activity and receipts; and a build thread that can be viewed on the UK Zclub Community Forum. The file also benefits from USA receipts dating back to 2001 and its former owner in California. Car has two recent MOTs, despite not needing them.
RESTORATION SNAPSHOT
Various interior trim parts | Rota wheels + Yokohama tyres | Headliner roof kit | JDM Fender mirrors | Leather seat covers and cushions | JDM rear tail lights | Carpet set | Front spoiler | Various mechanical parts | Various interior parts, rear spoiler and bolt kit | New badges | More badges and weather seals | Various interior trim parts | New front and rear bumpers | Bumper brackets | Car check over at local garage and fitting of fender mirrors | Various mechanical parts | Full prep down to metal and respray | Final painting of valance and fit new front and rear spoiler | Various mechanical parts | Large variety of mechanical parts | Various fuel tank related parts | New front windscreen | New front carpet matts | Various mechanical parts | New Mishimoto Radiator | New mishimoto worm gear clamps | New Mishimoto Radiator hoses | Professional detailing | Flat and polish body work, 2 stage paint correction and apply ceramic coating | Labinjoh Ltd - mechanical inspection, remove, paint and refit oil sump pan and oil change x3 etc | Various oil seals and other parts | BC Racing coilovers | Zstory fast road manifold, line and JDM silencer | Zstory strut braces | Universal joints and boots (half shafts) | Rack and pinion bushing | Rack and pinion boot plus brake master cylinder | MH Autos Ltd- Fitting of new headers and exhaust system plus a variety of other minor jobs | ScotCarb - SU Carb refurbishment with Ztherapy parts | Muketi lug nuts | Air intake ducts, engine mounts, decals and more | MH Autos Ltd - replace crank seal, new clutch, replace engine mounts, refit refurbished prop shaft, fix thread / bolt issue with fly wheel | new clutch | new distributor, rotor and cap | Geometry check | new brake discs and pads
HISTORY
I've owned many cars over the years, but this one will always standout. A stunning car the 240z is, with perfect lines. I bought the car not long after it had been imported, as I was looking for a project - and boy has it been a project, with many hundreds of hours spent working on it. Where I've not felt confident myself, it's been taken to local garages or specialist support sought, as you will be able to see from the comprehensive history file.
It's time that it now went to a new owner, who can take it to the next level, should they choose to.
