Registration No: TAW 351H
Chassis No: HLS3008562
MOT: Exempt

• Recently imported from California, USA and now UK registered
• Desirable early example, ripe for a sympathetic restoration
• Starts and runs well

The launch timing of the Datsun 240Z (sold as the Nissan Fairlady Z in Japan) was impeccable. The much loved Austin-Healey 3000 had recently passed to that big garage in the sky and enthusiasts were clamouring for a spiritual replacement. On paper, the first of the Z cars was unremarkable, but the sum of its parts was good enough to achieve major success on track and stage (examples won the East African Safari Rally outright in 1971 and 1973) and become a big seller - particularly in the USA, where it was very well priced compared with rival imports. It was powered by a lusty OHC straight-six engine of 2393cc that delivered 151bhp at 5600rpm. This allowed the newcomer to rush to 60mph in around eight seconds and achieve a very creditable top speed of some 125mph. A five-speed manual gearbox was standard and the suspension was independent by MacPherson struts at the front and Chapman struts at the rear. Braking was by discs front/drums rear and steering by rack and pinion.

This left-hand drive example has recently landed on English shores and is now fully UK registered with all necessary taxes and duties paid. Described by the vendor as “a super rot-free restoration project, with only minor rust in the floors”, this notably early example features vents in the boot lid which didn’t appear on the vast majority of the production run. Started and run during our recent photography session, the car hasn’t been driven since its arrival; the vendor therefore describing the transmission and drivetrain as “unknown”. On the contrary, he describes the bodywork and engine as “good”, the paintwork as “average” and the interior trim as “poor, with some items missing”.

Offered with a significant history file spanning almost five decades; this desirable early ‘Z’ should provide the purchaser with a straight-forward and rewarding restoration project. Sporting a wonderful patina, it could also be used and enjoyed 'as-is' following an overhaul of the mechanicals.

For more information, please contact:
Adam Sykes
adam.sykes@handh.co.uk
07429 600332