1971 Datsun 240Z Coupé

The Datsun 240Z was unveiled to the press in October 1969 and made its public appearance a few days later at the Tokyo Motor Show. To say it was well-received would be an understatement with its stylish modernity, well set out interior and lusty six cylinder engine. It was effectively a modern Healey, virtually capturing the sports car market worldwide and eventually production at the Shatai's Hiratsuka plant could not keep up with the demand for the rakish new 240Z. Offered here is a one-owner, 56,000 miles, left-hand drive Datsun 240Z in remarkably original condition with a very evocative history from new. Finished in Monte Carlo Red with a Black interior, it was purchased new in Georgia, USA in May 1971 by its sole owner Richard Friese, following a combat tour of Vietnam. It remained in his possession, rarely leaving his hometown until arriving in the UK, having been bought directly from him in 2014. There is a fascinating letter of authenticity from him confirming the car's history and his 43 years of ownership of this rare Series 1 coupé. This faithful 240Z had accompanied him from his days as a youthful recruit at Robins Air Force Base, to his re-assignment to The Pentagon and through every aspect of his eventful life until his retirement in 1999 and beyond.The originality and ownership timeline of this early Datsun 240Z is really very special, and the interior is totally evocative of that period. One can imagine the young 'Nam Vet', with a head full of difficult memories, finding some sanctuary in his beloved Datsun and driving East on the '16' with the Sun setting behind him for a night in Savannah, with a soundtrack straight out of "Good Morning Vietnam".The car looks to be in excellent all round condition, totally commensurate with its 56,000 miles and has a current MoT.Standing squarely and still looking fresh this is an excellent example of what was a ground-breaking late sixties design with styling cues straight from the Toyota 2000GT with a sprinkling of 250GTO ... a sure-fire classic.