Readers' Photos # 96: Datsun 240Z

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Whether you're a Mitsubishi, Mazda, Honda or Toyota person, it'd be hard to argue that the Datsun 240Z didn't mark Japan's arrival as a serious builder of sports cars.  Sure, Toyota's sublime 2000 GT was a shock and awe opening salvo, even managing to secure a starring role in James Bond's You Only Live Twice but, magnificent as they were, they never quite captured the public imagination nor achieved the mega-sales of their Datsun cousin.    


With early Z-cars (that's pronounced zed, by the way!) now well into their early 50s, they still command a significant - cult-like, would be more accurate - following, with many, many clubs throughout the world dedicated to their preservation and enjoyment.  There are also several companies that specialise in rebuilding them to better than original spec, such as the UK's MZR Roadsports - who source relatively rust-free ex-Californian cars, convert them to right hand drive and totally resto-mod them to perfection - and The Z Farm, also British-based, who do restorations and prepare and modify Zs for motorsports.


My personal favourite resto-modded 240Z was built by an Aussie bloke, the eponymous Jeff of You-Tube's Home Built by Jeff.  His entire rebuild is captured, in full, on his channel and is highly recommended to anyone who dreams of restoring and enhancing a classic car from scratch.  The series runs to over 100 episodes but there is an abridged version, available via this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWMERIbh948&list=PLnidW9Wb_DjzNJfHSlLKkhsFrInWNhXeD.  WARNING:  IT IS SERIOUSLY ADDICTIVE!


Today's Zed - immaculate in orange - was captured by the Canberra Correspondent.  It looks to be straight and rust free and has just enough mods to really, really excite me with some cool race-style mirrors, Wattanabe / Superlight style wheels and a tidy set of Bride race seats.  It does, however, retain its original Z steering wheel and is that tiny bit nicer for doing so!  I've got no issues with fitting cars like this with bolt-on flares and front and rear spoilers but, in keeping with the original steering wheel, I think this particular car's better for not having any exterior accessories to detract from its wonderful lines.







U M P H

(uppermiddlepetrolhead.blogspot.com.au.)

Images by the Canberra Correspondent.

Coming soon ...

Joseph's genuine Alfetta Sportiva;

A classic Mercedes from Zimbabwe (although it was almost certainly a Rhodesia-era car);

A host of classics from south east Queensland, including a Jensen CV8; and

Many, many more beautiful and interesting cars ...

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