Description
This Datsun 240z is a tastefully enhanced and restored example of the iconic classic Japanese sports coupe, benefiting from a rebuilt engine (2002), uprated powertrain, suspension upgrades, and period-style exterior modifications as well as a completely renewed interior.
It is now powered by a rebuilt 2. 8-litre ‘L28’ inline-six, mated to a 2. 4-litre ‘L24’ head and twin carburettors, driving the rear wheels via a five-speed manual transmission with a 260Z-specification R200 differential.
It has spent most of its life in California, before being imported to the UK in 2017, where it has since undergone an extensive restoration. It was first registered with the DVLA in October 2017 and recently MOT’d. The odometer indicates 32, 793 miles.
Restored over a period of 5 years and over 1250 man hours, the car benefits from £26k of new parts and specialist works, such as a bare metal respray - USA import was £13k in 2017.
The car is finished in an appealing metallic blue (Nissan Blue-Met BS7), similar to its original metallic blue, with a matte-black rear spoiler, valance and wing mirrors, over a black leather-trimmed interior, punctuated by chrome trim.
The wheels are an aftermarket set of 15-inch Rota ‘RKR’ alloy wheels (very similar to the period correct and iconic upgrade - Watanabe) finished in bronze and wrapped in Yokohama Advan Neova tyres. The original Datsun Mag wheels are present, so can be provided with the car if desired.
This 240z has been enhanced with a front chin spoiler, a ‘ducktail’ rear spoiler, S30-specific BC Racing adjustable coilover suspension, Z-Story front and rear strut braces, fast-road exhaust manifold, a performance exhaust system, a Mishimoto radiator and K&N air filters (original and restored orange filter provided with the car).
The car is accompanied by V5C, a comprehensive folder of service history, every receipt from the last 7 years, plus many from its time in the USA, photo album, two calendars featuring the car, two keys, the original alloy wheels (if desired), Datsun restoration books / Haynes manual and various miscellaneous parts and specialist tools, such as gearbox oil plug tool etc.
The photo gallery should provide a means to assess the exterior and interior condition. Given it is a California car, it is rust free - as you might hope. There was only one minor patch of welding during restoration, a rust spot beneath where the accelerator pedal is. Any other minor surface rust was treated comprehensively during restoration works, and the underbody was freshly painted with stoneship.
The paintwork (2018) was refinished with a 2 stage paint correction process (2020) to improve clarity and gloss, along with a ceramic coating. The interior was re-trimmed during restoration, including carpets, new headlining and many new or reconditioned interior panels - door cards are new.
The dashboard has some minor cracks which have been treated, and a new dash cover is included, although I personally think a re-trim would give a better result.
There are a few minor jobs that i’ve not addressed, such as the choke light remains illuminated (needs adjustment), rear heated screen not connected, though wiring is present and radio / speakers are not present (it is just a facade installed, as I just use a bluetooth speaker) and the door locks would need some fettling to get the key working correctly. None of these things were a priority for me.
Looking ahead, a future owner may contemplate the S13/ S14 Silvia gearbox upgrade, along with the Subaru diff conversion, if a more modern feel is desired. Not something I contemplated as I like the originality. The car runs and drives very well, and the sound from the Z-story exhaust system is epic. Recent swap out of the R200 differential for a Euro spec one, greatly improved the whine you can get from these diffs. The most recent MOT test was on 11 September 2024 at an indicated 32, 236 miles, which resulted in a first-time pass with no advisories.
The last maintenance was performed in May 2025 by Maple House Classic Cars, comprising an engine oil and filter change, new spark plugs, and a new fuel filter being fitted. There is a restoration thread on the UK Z Club forum - search for ‘1973 Datsun 240z (L28) US import restoration’.
In 2002, the engine was rebuilt with an L28 block, a refurbished L24 head and carburettors, alongside a later L28 gearbox and an uprated R200 differential. Other notable recent maintenance includes the carburettors being deep cleaned and rebuilt, costing £850.
This is a great example of the celebrated Japanese classic, lovingly restored, but with enough left to do if you choose, for the new owner to make it their own. A rebuilt 2. 8-litre engine, adjustable suspension, and tasteful exterior modifications and an epic sound track. Finished in an appealing colour scheme and offering an engaging analogue driving experience. After owning the car for 8 years, it’s time for me to move on to something different, having sold my everyday car and soon the sale of this, I will roll the proceeds together and get into something different.
