1972 Datsun 240Z

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 1960s 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 eight seconds and a top speed of 125mph. A 5-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 1970s, 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 240Z was campaigned on circuits and in forests on both sides of the Atlantic. Incredibly, some 50 years later, they can still be found in historic racing and are particularly popular in rallying circles, remaining competitive in club and historic events.

Offered here is a very well-sorted Datsun 240Z rally car that has proved to be very reliable for our vendor on numerous rally events organised by Rally the Globe. The events included the Carrera Italia, Carrera Espania, Carrera Rivera, Highland Thistle and the West Country Cloverleaf where it performed effortlessly and with total reliability. Purchased by him in 2019, it was already an established rally car and had been fitted with a 2.8-litre engine, 5-speed gearbox, Quaife differential, a full roll-cage, and Minilite alloys, however our vendor commenced a recommission with reliability a very important factor.

Various invoices in the history file show the purchase of parts from the 'Z Farm' delivered to Classic Rally Services of Suffolk to start the preparation process. At the beginning of 2020, approximately £6,000 was spent which included a new differential, rear-axle rebuild, Brantz timers and clocks, new seats, extinguisher and belts. The front cross-member was strengthened together with the front wishbones and the clutch, all brake pipes and the fuel pump were replaced. Original 240Z carburettors were sourced and fitted and the dynamometer report from August 2020 shows a very healthy 199bhp at the rear wheels.

Very well-presented and impressively detailed, this dual purpose, fast road/rally Japanese classic has proved very competitive in Rally the Globe 'Class B3-Late Classic' and, perhaps more importantly, has been very reliable. It’s always better to return home under your own steam rather than on the back of a flatbed. This is a super example of a topical 1970s rally car, suitable for European Historic and Classic rallies, regularity runs or just club events here at home, and we welcome any inspection.