1972 Datsun 240Z 'Super Samuri'

The Datsun 240Z, (latterly the 260Z and 280Z) was the first generation of 'Z' two-seat coupés, produced by Nissan in Japan from 1969 to 1978. Its dramatic looks owed a considerable amount to a 1960's styling concept drawn by Count Albrecht Goertz for Datsun, presumably at a time when they were considering ways to break into the European sports car market.

The 240Z was powered by a lusty 2.4-litre, straight six, overhead cam engine developing around 150bhp resulting in a 0-60 time of 8 seconds and a top speed of 125mph. A five-speed manual gearbox was standard and the car featured independent suspension all round with MacPherson struts at the front and Chapman links at the rear. Rack and pinion power steering and front disc brakes meant that the 240Z was a thoroughly modern package.

In the 70s, these cars were hot property everywhere, and given that the car's drivetrain was heavily based on the 510 saloons used widely in motorsport, it was only a matter of time before the 24OZ (or the 24ounce as they were frequently called) came under the scrutiny of those companies that like to modify the road going products of mass manufacturers. One of the most notable of these was the Samuri Motor Company, who in the early 70s, built modified 240 and 260Zs for sale as turn-key offerings.

One such was Spike Anderson. Having trained at Broadspeed in the 1960s working on Minis and Anglias, he went on to set up his own business called Race Head Services and one of the first cars to benefit from his experience was a humble Datsun 1200 from which he managed to extract 105bhp! This was the first car to carry the "Samuri" name, a deliberate mis-spelling as the 'Samurai' trade name was not available. Having bought a standard 240Z, it wasn't long before it was taken apart and put together faster. Very much faster. A UK car magazine published a glowing review of Spike's personal car, and the next thing he knew, the Samuri Motor Company was born, offering modified Zs and performance parts to the buying public. Spike and the Samuri name are also notable for the all-conquering, "Big Sam" 240Z full race car, but that is a story for another day.

This example is a rare original Super Samuri one of just 75 built. First registered in June 1972, the car shortly after found its way into Spike Anderson's workshop to be subjected to the transformation. Following its Samuri conversation, the car was regularly used for many years before, like so many cars of its era, it was left to languish in a corner and all but forgotten. However, the car had not been forgotten by the Samuri Register and fairly recently was re-discovered and rescued. It was now in safe hands and was then subject to a complete restoration by the team at the 'Z Farm' who have possibly restored more original Samuris then anyone else.

The complete nut and bolt restoration took over a year to complete with all mechanical parts either new or reconditioned and no stone was left unturned in finishing the rest of the car as it would have been in period. The result, as you can see, is one of the finest examples in the UK,

A detailed photographic history is present showing each stage of the comprehensive restoration, and a copy of the all-important authentication from Spike Anderson. With zero miles since completion, it will require running-in and bedding in before it can be driven in time-honoured fashion

Today, a genuine Super Samurai is highly sought after, and this is a wonderful opportunity to own a car so expertly restored and reminiscent of the those days when men had long hair, flared trousers, and drove rorty, bright, Japanese sports cars.