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 LHD 240Z was purchased by our vendor in 2000 directly from the widow of the car’s first and only owner – Mr Lamar Smith of Santa Monica. A ‘dry-state’ California car from new; it was imported to the UK and registered during 2002. The low mileage covered has remained at just 29,570 since arrival in Britain as the car was purchased as an investment – it has now been in dry-storage (and until recently) hadn’t been driven for more than two decades. This is a rare manual transmission US-Market car, with most American ‘Z’s being specified with automatic transmission. It is in effect a one owner car, as the vendor has never driven it since purchase. However, before being offered for sale, the decision was taken to recommission the car and put it through an MOT test. A number of replacement parts were fitted including a new fuel tank and slave cylinder and the car later passed with zero advisories. Originally orange in colour, but subsequently repainted grey early in its life, this ‘Z’ features a number of desirable features including air conditioning and a heated rear windscreen!
Described as “extremely solid and highly original throughout”, MRD 730J is offered with comprehensive history including the car’s original service book, handbook, warranty card, UK and USA registration documents, together with receipts and other correspondence relating to works carried out on both sides of the pond.
