1973 Datsun 240Z: Big Daddy Datto

Today on car Rave, we’re featuring this very tastefully modified 1973 Datsun 240Z. Delicious.

Look, I’ll be honest- not a huge 240Z guy. I don’t hate them, by any means. They just never clicked with me. Give me a Skyline or 1600 any day of the week.

However, this stunning example certainly caught my eye. And now, in hindsight, I realise how stupid I was for not appreciating them more than I should. That stance. That Red and Black combination (that somehow just works). That tri-carbed L28. Those fat Watanabes. That vertical pea-shooter exhaust! It’s doing a lot of things right, and I want it.

Things I don’t like?

Those S2000 seats. God damn- get them out of here. Way, way too modern for a car like this.

The car is being offered through M1 Garage (hence the classy showroom), who have done a great job of detailing all modifications done – a must when buying any modified car.

The price, at $69k, may seem a little high. But considering the popularity of these cars and the level of modifications, it’s probably warranted. It pales in comparison to what similarly built Hakosuka would fetch, if that’s any consolation.

A very tough little Datto if you’re in the market. You can find it on Carsales here or alternatively on the M1 Garage website here.

1973 Datsun 240Z: In the dealer’s own words

History

Stunning 1973 Datsun 240z Extensively documented build using top quality components throughout with fewer than 1,000kms since completion, this car has been professionally dry stored (regularly started, warmed and checked) in a private NSW classic collection for the past year following a comprehensive bare metal paint, ceramic coat and window tint by Styling Automotive in Brisbane. An extensive build sheet details the amount of work that has gone into making this Z one of the very best, with modified 2.8L engine, adjustable suspension with coil-overs, bigger brakes and genuine Watanabe wheels. No expense has been spared in the build (paint, ceramic coat and widow tint alone $28k) and the cost to reproduce this car today, to this quality, would be circa $100k. Currently on NSW Club/Historic registration but can be sold with a NSW Blue Slip for full road registration, this is the perfect Sunday/fun day car and would be a stand-out at any classic car show or Cars’n’coffee. With the world only just waking up to the uniqueness and quality of these early Japanese classics, ownership of this stunning example will not only offer motoring enjoyment but also strong investment.

Equipment

All factory fitted items including detailed build specifications

Exterior

Kameari front spoiler • 432 rear spoiler • ZG flares • Reconditioned front and rear bumpers • Genuine 510 chrome fender mirrors

Interior

Honda S2000 sports seats • New ignition • Nardi Steering wheel • Replica leather handbrake and gear boot • Restored centre console • LED interior lights • Pioneer Bluetooth/MP3 head unit • Pioneer GM Digital Series GM-D8604 1200 watt 4-channel sound system • Pioneer 2-way component splits • New carpet throughout

Engine and transmission

Engine and driveline • L28 F54 block • P90 head • 280 duration .495 lift Wade camshaft • MSA performance valve springs • Triple 45mm SK racing carburettors on TWM manifold • Kameari heat-shield • Alloy catch can • Adjustable alternator bracket • Redline fuel pressure regulator • Lightweight flywheel (4.6kgs) • Excedy heavy duty clutch • Headers with 2.5 inch exhaust and Lukey muffler • 280ZX electronic distributor • 3 row 56mm aluminium radiator with twin 12” thermostatic fans • 280Z 5 speed manual • New clutch slave cylinder • New upper and lower thermostat housing • New lower water inlet • Chrome bolt kit • 4.1 R200 limited slip diff

Wheels, Tyres and Brakes

Suspension, Brakes and Wheels • Front and rear strut bars • Front and rear white-line sway bars • Front and rear adjustable end-links • MCA blue series coil-overs (front inverted mono tube with 5.25kg springs and rear non-inverted with 4.5kg springs) • TTT adjustable front and rear lower control arms • TTT adjustable castor rods • 260Z front hubs • 280ZX 15/16 master cylinder • Front 300mm vented and slotted RDA disks with 300ZX 4-pot aluminium calipers and braided brake lines • Rear solid RDA disks with R31 rear calipers and braided brake lines • New tie rods • New wheel bearings • Watanabe RS alloys – 16×9 front and 16×9.5 rear • Toyo Proxy T1R 225/50/16 and 245/45/16

Go to for the complete build specifications.