Datsun 240Z MZR Roadsports Sport-Design (1973)

In the decades after the Second World War, Japan’s extensive engineering workforce turned to domestic products to pour their expertise into.

Arguably the first premium Japanese car to be marketed worldwide arrived in 1958. The Datsun Bluebird featured a 4-speed manual and in inline 4 engine driving the rear wheels, a design reminiscent of the Morris Minor.

In order to compete on the world stage, and curtailing from the marketing success of the James Bond featured Toyota 2000GT, Datsun needed a volume production, high output sports car.

Their answer - the Datsun Fairlady Z.

The Fairlady Z debuted in 1969 and brought the archetypal sportscar layout to the masses. Featuring a 2 litre inline 6 at the front, a 5 speed manual in the middle, and rear wheel drive at the back, cloaked in an iconic cab rearward body.

Less than a year later, the car was presented to the American market with a 2.4 litre inline 6 and 4 speed manual. The export car was named the 240Z, on account of its cubic displacement. It weighed a little over a ton and had over 150 horsepower, and was an almost instant success; which only grew as the 70s fuel crisis hampered the domestic large displacement V8s.

The car went on to enjoy racing success, not only in local club racing, due to its affordability, but also in the SCCA and Group 4 Touring cars, with the long-nose ‘ZG’ variant developed to aid its competitive prowess. The balanced and lightweight chassis again proved a match for the Mustangs and Camaros of the era.

Over 170,000 were built, over 90 percent of which were exported to America, which cemented Datsun and eventually Nissan as a truly global car manufacturer. With almost all the cars being exported to the USA or staying in the Japanese Domestic Market, despite the high production numbers, they have always been a rare sight on UK roads.

Please note, this vehicle is no longer for sale.

This example is a beautifully specified, restored and modified car by MZR Roadsports - the pioneers of restomod 240Z. With the ever-growing restomod market, especially towards pure driver's cars from marques such as Porsche and Alfa Romeo, the Datsun 240Z platform seems a clear-cut choice to undergo the same treatment.The donor cars are sourced from the west coast of America, due to their abundance and condition thanks to low humidity, are then acid dipped to eliminate corrosion, before being fastidiously rebuilt and tastefully upgraded in every area: from increased chassis stiffness and suspension, comprehensive powertrain and drivetrain reworking, and exceptionally high quality trim and finish.

The commissioner specified the well-suited hue of Porsche Bahama Yellow, switching from Oslo Blue after being inspired by a yellow Porsche 912. The brown leather and Slate carpets continue a Porsche theme, and feature yellow stitching, with basket-weave leather adorning door cards and seat inserts. The quality continues through the interior, with the carbon fibre chassis brace across the rear strut towers, which have exposed adjustment screws for the 30-way dampers, as well as the carbon and balsa wood shifter.

The iconic 'L6-series' inline 6 engine is comprehensively upgraded, starting with the displacement which has been enlarged from 2.4 to 2.9 litres. The electric throttle and injection, as well as individual throttle bodies and comprehensive tuning, improve linearity and response; and the sonorous 6 into 2 exhausts allow the car to produce north of 250 bhp, over 100 more than an unmodified car. Notably, the engine features disguised wiring, which masks the amount of technology visible in the engine bay.

Mated to a 6-speed gearbox and limited slip differential, the car presents in a tasteful balance of authentic restoration, and performance enhancing modification. Creature comforts such as air conditioning and the Bluetooth stereo bring the car up to date without sacrificing its elegant simplicity.

Having covered just 2,650 miles since the recommissioning, the car presents in excellent condition and provides the opportunity to own and enjoy a true and focused driver's car. It is available to view at our showrooms just outside London by appointment.

Tyres

• Front Right: Yokohama Advan Sport - 225/50 R16 - 2021 - 5mm tread
• Front Left: Yokohama Advan Sport - 225/50 R16 - 2021 - 5mm tread
• Rear Right: Yokohama Advan Sport - 225/50 R16 - 2021 - 5mm tread
• Rear Left: Yokohama Advan Sport - 225/50 R16 - 2021 - 5mm tread

*Payment within 3 working days and collection within 7 calendar days.

**DK Engineering are selling this vehicle on behalf of the private owner on a consignment basis. The usual level of DK Engineering service can be expected, and viewings are welcome, however no warranty is given or implied and the sale shall be carried out via bill of sale from private owner to buyer.