1973 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 were 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, 240Zs were hot property everywhere, and given that the car's drivetrain was heavily based on the 510 saloon used widely in motorsport, it was only a matter of time before Zs (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 turnkey 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 in 1973, it wasn't long before the Z 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 very rare original Super Samuri built by Spike Anderson, one of just 75 built. First registered in May 1973 the car shortly after found its way into Spike Anderson's workshop to be subjected to his tuning magic. A recent barn find, its previous owner had laid the car up for many years. Once discovered and authenticated as an original Super Samuri by Spike Anderson the car was entrusted to the team at the Z Farm.

Now regarded as one of the finest examples in the UK, the car took over a year to complete the nut and bolt restoration and, as one would expect, no stone was left unturned and all mechanical parts are either new or reconditioned. A detailed photographic history is present showing each stage of the comprehensive restoration. There are receipts in the file for all the work carried out and a copy of the all important authentication from Spike Anderson. With zero miles since completion, it will require running-in before it can be driven with great gusto.

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 seventies when men had long hair, flared trousers, and drove rorty, bright, 'look at me', Japanese sports cars.