1973 Datsun 240Z Samuri

Please note - This this vehicle will have a fresh MOT prior to the sale.

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 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 (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 1970s, 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.

Certified and documented as a genuine Samuri, and well known in Samuri circles, this is number 16 of the 177 produced during the 1970s, and only became available as the previous owner sadly passed away. The car was regularly seen in the Suffolk area, attending shows and events where our vendor admired it, and when it became available he added it to his private Collection. It was restored some time ago but still presents really well today. The paintwork is a slightly lighter shade of red and the bonnet was finished in Matt Black as opposed to the Samuri Bronze, however this was purely down to personal choice and could easily be reversed if required. The cabin is still in excellent condition and the epic sound track emanating from that super straight-six will keep you smiling whilst you soak up a good B-road. The car is supplied with an in-depth history file containing magazine features, old invoices and MOTs, and references to previous restoration works completed. The Samuri community still flourishes today and is a great source of information and a great help in obtaining parts when required

This fabulous Samuri represents a once in a lifetime opportunity to own one of these famous 'Z' cars, and with all of its authentication and provenance, could well represent a wortwhile investment for any potential buyer.