Nissan 280Z 260Z 280ZX

1971 Datsun Z-Series 240Z 5 speed Coil overs

1971 Datsun 240Z bare shell/ground-up hotrod build
Build took 7 years and was completed approx. 3 years ago with less than handful of miles since I purchased it earlier this year in Richmond, CA.
BODY & PAINT: Original California blue plate car stripped to a shell for paint and body. Extremely straight, solid example to begin with. Car was painted inside and out, top to bottom, including meticulous prep in the motor compartment, door jams and underside in 2 stage, Datsun Summer Yellow (Lime / Chartreuse) paint code #112. Underside was then undercoated correctly in Black. The results are as near perfection as you could possibly hope for.
MOTOR & DRIVETRAIN: Upgraded with an L28E (1981 280ZX) block, corresponding 5-speed, driveline and rear end. Fully dissected for inspection and maintenance prior to transplant. Electronic Multiport Fuel Injection was removed and replaced with rebuilt SU Carburetors and manifold. Exhaust upgrades include coated headers with 2 ½” stainless exhaust. New clutch assembly added prior to install (upgraded to a 2+2 model for strength) and a lightened flywheel. All external drivetrain components on the engine, in the engine bay, under the car and in the rear are new or rebuilt. All bushings have been replaced and or upgraded. Cooling upgraded with a 3 core aluminum radiator and dual electric fans. All wiring re-run through a heavy duty external fuse bank on the fender wall under the battery to eliminate any overheat/melting issues these Z’s are prone to. Headlights have their own dedicated relays, and all ground wires have a base block on the firewall adjacent the battery. Inside the car, the fuse panel was upgraded to a new MSA short pigtail fuse box from the Zstore for all the light duty cockpit fusing which plugs right into the original wiring connectors.
SUSPENSION & BRAKES: All 4 original strut housings have been upgrade to ride height adjustable Ground control coilovers with Tokico Illumina adjustable strut inserts. 3 point front strut bar. All 4 wheels got disc brakes, upgraded with 300ZX discs, and large 4 piston calipers. Front and rear swaybars upgraded to larger diameter units along with all new bushings. 16x8 Rota Grid Classic wheels with Dunlop Direzza 225/45’s on all 4 corners, mounted with longer race studs, open end lug nuts, and capped with custom made center caps, engineered to cover the protruding front dust covers.
INTERIOR: Many items are original and in remarkable surviving condition. The dash, remarkably is original and only showing the very beginnings of hairline cracking. A new dash cover is included to protect when the car in direct sun. All gauges are original with exception of the aftermarket RPM tach that was needed for the 5 speed upgrade, and it integrates beautifully into the existing location of the original. Early 90’s Miata seats have replaced originals for condition, comfort, and drivability with full frame functionality and range of motion as the originals. Other custom appointments include a radio delete plate with integrated power source for your phone, a long with a matching center console top and rear hatch inner cover. Short shift kit with a custom White 5 speed manual shift knob and 4 point racing belts (of which, only the bottoms are installed but the tops are included and would work well with a rear strut tower brace).
EXTERIOR: As mentioned above, the paint is exquisite. Virtually no rock/road chips, dents, dings or imperfections . All the window door and hatch seals are new and well fitting. All the original brite work, window frames, tin window trims, door handles and lenses are very nice. All the running lights, brake lights headlights and turn signal lights work, with new bulbs, seals and lenses were applicable. Custom appointments include brushed aluminum racing mirrors, correct period original front/rear spoilers and custom lightweight smoothed, front and rear bumpers.
MISC: Car has 2 sets of keys. All glass is prefect. Every external seal or molding is new where available. Rear hatch has new strut and holds nicely. New Battery. Original torpedo engine light still present and works perfectly. The only thing the car still needs is calibration of the original speedo for the updated rear end, and possibly a map light for the dash (simple item, but have not been able to source one yet).
SUMMERY: This example was put together with a lot of thought and consideration to the driving experience of an early Z. Words can’t describe the exhilaration produced from stepping on the throttle and lighting up this car on the open road. The sound is amazing, the connectivity to the road is awe inspiring, and the pleasure is immeasurable. Everything you remember from the classic S30 240Z marque….times 10!
FOR SALE BY: Me. Sole proprietor and only employee of DRD Motor Trade. Current CA registration, but sales tax still due at time of purchase to buyers taking delivery in CA.
PPI: Pre-purchase Inspection welcomed and encouraged.

• Condition: Used
• Make: Datsun
• Model: Z-Series
• SubModel: 240Z
• Trim: 240Z 5 speed Coil overs
• Year: 1971
• Mileage: 500
• VIN: HLS3032238
• Engine size: L28E
• Vehicle Title: Clean
Want to buy? Contact seller!