Lot 198 - 1971 Datsun 240Z

It soon became apparent during its creation, that the Datsun 240Z represented all the requirements of sports-minded drivers by fulfilling their desires for superb styling, power and safety whilst providing them with the most thrilling and enjoyable ride available in any car at that time. Reporting 151bhp and 146lb/ft of torque at just 4,400rpm, Car & Driver said; ‘A brilliantly conceived car with twice as much thought having gone into it when compared to the big Healey, MGC, Lotus Elan, Porsches and Corvettes’. Offering a 125mph top-speed and the 0-60mph dash in a shade under eight seconds, the well-spaced five-speed gear ratios made the most of the engine’s torque whilst retaining the ability to achieve in excess of 30mpg, this was to put the ‘Z’ ahead of many of its contemporaries and on a par with Porsche 911’s of the time. Very impressive, by anyone’s standards. Although Datsun didn’t invent the overhead-cam engine, disc brakes or all-round independent suspension, the 240Z incorporated all of these systems into a brilliantly conceived car. It was no surprise therefore, that for many years the Datsun 240Z was heralded as the most successful sportscar of all time and was very successful in rallying also.

This Datsun was imported into the UK and presents in very good condition. The striking yellow coachwork is in good order as is the black interior. On 25th March 1994 the engine was upgraded to a 280Z engine which is mated to a five-speed gearbox, this was carried out in Idaho in the U.S. at a cost of $1,300. These uncomplicated cars of the period are exceptionally reliable yet offer brisk performance. Supplied with a V5 registration document, this MoT exempt vehicle comes with a host of invoices going back to the 1970’s. Japanese sports cars from this era are becoming highly sought after and this Datsun 240Z would grace any collection.