Photos provided by the vendor

Highlights

Comprehensively restored
Full respray in Skyline Gunmetal Grey
2.4-litre (L24) conversion
Five-speed manual transmission
Extensively retrimmed leather interior
Norwegian import fees will have to be paid at the purchase.

The Appeal

As the car that proved Japan could build a mass-market sports car of a very high quality, the Z car has a long and colourful history. The Fairlady Z (known as the Datsun 240Z in other markets), went on to motorsport success both on track and in rallying, as well as being a huge sales for the firm.

Later iterations and models in the ‘Z’ range would increase the grunt with larger capacity engines and turbochargers, but the original will always be our personal favourite. Now they’re a truly sought after classic that offers gorgeous ‘cab-back’ styling, great handling and a characterful inline-six powertrain.

It’s little wonder that good examples, especially well restored ones, are in high demand. And that’s precisely what we have here – a very well restored and lightly enhanced example of the JDM Fairlady Z. Featuring the uprated 2.4-litre L24 engine (JDM cars got a 2-litre capacity engine), as well as a smartly enhanced interior, we think this lovely machine neatly bridges the gap between period restoration and ‘restomod’. In short, for any fan of this JDM hero, this is very much the sweet-spot, and not to be missed…

The History and Paperwork

Apparently bought new by a Norwegian shipping agent who was working in Tokyo
In recent years, acquired by a car restorer in Lithuania
Comprehensively restored, with the vendor telling us it has had a bare metal respray and a “nut and bolt” restoration
20,346Km on the clock (five-figure odometer)

The Interior

Bespoke leather upholstery
Period switchgear and instruments
Excellent overall condition

Whereas the original car would have had a small amount of leather present, the restorer has liberally treated vast swathes of the interior to smart, quality leather upholstery. So black leather graces the seats, dashboard, steering wheel and transmission tunnel – where it features an attractive diamond-stitch motif.

The door cards are now trimmed in dark grey, while the headlining is now a ribbed leather item, such as you’d find in a period Aston Martin or Jensen. It all presents in very good order, with no significant wear or damage to note.

The carpets are grey and look to be in fine fettle, with no threading or staining we could see. In the boot, the carpet is black and similarly neat and tidy, while the rear suspension turrets are trimmed in dark grey diamond-stitch leather.

As far as we can tell, all of the controls and instruments are genuine period items, wearing a gentle patina from use and age, and offering the cabin a welcome hint of age. The period radio-cassette system is still fitted, and the vendor reports no issues or problems with any of the cabin’s features.

The Exterior

Fully resprayed in Skyline Gunmetal Grey Metallic
Many new or refurbished trim parts
Period style Rota alloy wheels

We’re told by the vendor that the car has benefitted from a ‘bare metal’ respray, and it certainly looks to be in excellent condition externally. The paint looks smooth and well applied, with no runs, serious blemishes or marks we could identify.

Similarly, the bodywork itself shows very nicely, appearing to be straight and clean, with no damage or corrosion in evidence. Panel gaps and shutlines look nice and even, with the vendor telling us that all of the external seals and rubbers have been replaced too.

It’s clear that much work has been done on the external trim too, with the brightwork having been polished and wearing a fine lustre. We’re informed that a new JDM grille has been fitted along with new old-stock wing mirrors, a new windscreen, new triple-coated chrome bumpers and headlight covers with chrome trim. Overall, everything presents very well indeed, with no damage or issues we could discern.

Taking a look underneath, we can see that as much care has been taken in restoring the underside as the reset of the car. The floors and sills look straight and undamaged, while all of the running gear and drivetrain components look well cared for and many items have clearly been replaced or refurbished.

Neatly matching the period aesthetic of the car, the wheels are 15-inch Rota alloys. They wear a silver finish and are in good condition, with a little kerbing to the rims. They are shod in a matched set of Continental tyres that appear to be in nice condition.

The Mechanics

2.4-litre inline-six (L24) from a 240Z
Rebuilt five-speed transmission
New sports exhaust system
Comprehensively mechanically refurbished

As a JDM car this would originally have been fitted with the 2-litre inline-six. However, as part of the restoration process, the owner fitted the more powerful 2.4-litre L24 engine from the US/Europe specification 240Z. This single cam, twin-carb unit is a smooth, characterful and potent powertrain that offers a fantastic exhaust note. We’re told it has been fully rebuilt and blueprinted.

Alongside the engine, the vendor tells us that the five-speed manual transmission has been fully rebuilt. Other work we are told has been carried out includes:

New aluminium radiator (painted black) with all new coolant hoses
New suspension bushes all round
Lowered sports springs
Adjustable Koni dampers all round
Rebuilt braking system – vented front discs, new master cylinder, refurbished callipers, new rear cylinders and new brake hoses

Summary

We can’t think of many more desirable JDM cars from this period – the Fairlady Z really is in a class of its own. And this handsome restoration / restomod really does appear to have been meticulously and beautifully finished.

If you’re after a smart, usable classic sports coupe that’s also highly collectible, then look no further.

Notice to bidders

This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*

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