1972 Datsun 240Z – Classified of the Week

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Chris Pollitt

Honestly, would you just look at that. There are few cars that can strike a pose quite as well as the mighty Datsun Z cars of the 1970s. That seemingly endless bonnet, the short, squat cab and rear end. It’s proper sports car stuff, and you can see why some people were keen to refer to the Zs as the Japanese E Type – the big cat was quite obviously a strong influence on Datsun’s design team, led by Yoshihiki Matsuo. Little did he know that the car his team would go on to pen would be one of the best-selling sports cars of all time. 

The 240Z was also an important car for Datsun. When it was released it was priced in the US to compete with mainstay ‘import’ sports cars like the MGB GT, a car that was pretty old by the time the Z arrived. By comparison, Datsun’s machine was a step into the space age. It was exceptionally well-built, it was fast, it was incredibly handsome and it could out-handle anything in its class. It was an instant hit, both at home in Japan and in America, where Datsun was really very keen indeed to push itself out of the perception of Japanese cars being slow, dull ‘econoboxes’.

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Over here in the UK, the Datsun was also a popular choice. However, due to terrible factory rust protection combined with our somewhat moist climate, almost all UK Zs have long since been turned into bean tins. Apart from this one, which is indeed a UK car, making it exceptionally rare indeed. But how did it survive our climate? By not living here, that’s how. It was shipped to, of all places, Botswana in 1972 by the original owner. He was in the employ of the RAF, so wanted to take his car with him. And in doing so, he saved the car from a life of salt and corrosion. 

After fourteen years of ownership and use in regulation road rallies, he sold it to British ex-pat who owned it for a number of years, before bringing it back to the UK in 2006. It was then sold via auction in 2010 before being bought by the current owner in 2012. Thanks to riding out its early years in dry climates, the car is free of any serious corrosion. And having been owned by enthusiasts since its return to our shores, it’s been looked after ever since.

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Over the years, this particular 240Z has been treated to all manner of modifications. Honestly, have a look at the advert and see what’s been done. It would appear that no nut has been left unturned in the pursuit of making this old car harder, better, faster, stronger. The suspension has been considerably reworked, as has the engine, which now boasts a trio of Weber 45s. This car is the complete package, and has been built to be enjoyed both on track and on a spirited B road blast. It’s the perfect 240Z if you ask us, and once you’ve seen the exhaustive specification, we’re sure you’ll be of the same opinion. 

Is it all good? Pretty much. Though the seller states that there are some signs of surface rust on the lower wings and doors, which the new owner really should get on top of quickly. But hey, this is an old Datsun, so a couple of rust bubbles is nothing to complain about. Buy it, get the rust sorted and then either enjoy it as it is, or carry on with the 240Z’s evolution and build it into an out and out race car. Whichever way you go, you’ll be in for a treat.

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