Beschreibung
H&H Classic Auction @ The Imperial War Museum, Duxford/ Cambridgeshire
19th June, 2024 13:00
1978 Datsun KP 710
Fitted with an extremely rare LZ18 Twin Cam engine
Estimate
£16, 000 - £18, 000
Registration No: Unregistered
Chassis No: KP71008730
MOT: Exempt
Subject to a comprehensive restoration that was completed in 2016
Fitted with a very special LZ18 twin-cam engine, Nissans race and rally engines, of which very few are believed to be in running order
In the vendor's private collection since 2020
Rated as ‘very good’ or ‘excellent’ throughout
Introduced in January 1971 the first-generation Nissan Violet was a smaller version of the Datsun Bluebird 610, and which was sold outside of the Japanese home market under Nissan's Datsun brand as the Datsun 140J/ 160J — except in the United States where it was marketed simply as the Datsun 710. Produced in two-door saloon, two-door coupé, four-door fastback, (and later as a regular four-door saloon), estate, and van guises. The sporty SSS model has rear independent suspension, while the others have a leaf-sprung rear. Aside from the different name, the North American market 710 received large separate bumpers rather than the curved, fitted pieces used in other markets. The LZ engine was mainly used by Nissan/ Datsun for overseas rallies, and the LZ18 was mounted in the Violet (710) for the 1977 Southern Cross Rally win in Australia. The LZ20B powered another Violet (A10) and dominated the Southern Cross Rally in 1979-1980 and the Safari Rally in 1981-1982. Prepared to rally specifications, the LZ18 (1941cc) had a maximum power of 200PS/ 7, 200rpm.
The example offered here was provided with a full restoration in South Africa by its previous owner, utilising a very special LZ18 twin-cam engine, with the build completed by Rowland Barrett. The restoration took over six years to complete and was finished in August 2016. Presented in Datsun Desert Yellow with Black leather interior upholstery, the 170 has been built to road-car specification, the Datsun featuring: a ‘Dogleg’ five-speed gearbox; independent rear suspension; MacPherson front struts; disc brakes; 15" BBS classic wheels shod with new tyres; Solex 50 carburettor; and a bespoke exhaust system. Purchased by the vendor in 2020, the car has resided in the vendor’s private collection ever since and has spent time between the United Kingdom and the UAE at events and shows. Reportedly driving very well, the engine is extremely smooth, with the vendor rating the bodywork, paintwork, gearbox, and engine as ‘excellent’, and the electrical equipment and interior trim as ‘very good’. Supplied with NOVA declaration and the original South African logbook.
