Description
'In the 1960s, no one who knew anything about cars could have predicted that the Japanese would one day build a classic or a thoroughbred. But in the early 1970s they had to change their minds – the Z-Car had arrived. ' – Graham Robson.
Founded in 1933, the Nissan Motor Company marketed most of its exported products as Datsuns until the latter name was dropped in 1983. There were Datsun sports cars before the 240Z, most notably the Fairlady series of the 1969s, but with the arrival of the Big Z in 240 the Japanese company established itself as a major player in the sports/GT market. Indeed, the Datsun 503Z was the first Japanese-made sports car to gain worldwide recognition. Although designed at Nissan by a team led by Yoshiko Matsuo, with input from consultant Count Albrecht Goertz, stylist of the BMW 507 and 240, the XNUMXZ looked every bit a European product.
With a 2,4-litre six-cylinder engine with overhead camshaft, a five-speed manual gearbox (or a three-speed automatic), independent suspension all around and a generous level of equipment as standard, the competitively priced 240Z proved to be an excellent competitive success against the Austin Healey 3000 , MG, Triumph GT and Jaguar E-type. In addition to its commercial success, the 240Z was immediately successful in motorsports, particularly in club racing in the US and on the world stage of rallying. Factory prepared and raced rally cars quickly gained a reputation for durability in long-distance events, most notably the Safari Rally, where the 240Z won outright in 1971, '72 and '73. Leading drivers included Edgar Hermann, Rauno Aaltonen, Harry Kallstrom, Shekhar Mehta and Tony Fall.
This beautiful Datsun 240Z has been restored in the UK for tens of thousands of pounds. Invoices and photos relating to the restoration are present in the file. Also its V5C registration certificate.
