1972 Datsun 240Z

Registration No: FHL 616L
Chassis No: HS30011712
MOT: Exempt

• An original RHD example and UK registered in 1972
• Subject to an extensive bodywork restoration and repaint in current ownership
• Offered with a collection of invoices and old MOT certificates
• In need of recommissioning after a period of storage
• Understood to be 1 of just 1,929 240Z's sold new to Great Britain

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.

First registered on 6^th October 1972, this is an original right-hand drive example of the 240Z and is understood to be 1 of just 1,929 240Z's sold new to Great Britain. In current ownership since June 2013, little is known prior to that, however, cosmetically the 240Z has benefitted from bodywork restoration and re-paint between 2013 and 2017 with receipts on file for paint, sundries and bodywork repairs, including an £800 receipt for bodywork in 2017. December 2014 saw new door handles purchased. In October 2015, the engine bay and front running gear were cleaned and painted. Other cosmetic improvements include a Mota-Lita wood-rim steering wheel at a cost of £290, a March 2017 receipt for a set of stainless-steel Datsun 240Z bumpers at a cost of £875; new tail-lights were purchased in December 2014 and new turn signal lenses in July 2017; a 2019 Rota Shop purchase of alloy wheels at a cost of £560. Many trim parts had to be purchased from the USA and beyond and included seals, rubbers, clips, badges and trim. A new Pilkington Classics windscreen was ordered in March 2017 at a cost of £363.14.

Mechanically, an alloy radiator was purchased for £210 in September 2016; brake parts were purchased in June 2017; 2019 saw a cylinder head repair by Barton Street Engineering, Stockport; undersealing and Waxoyling; new rear brake cylinders and brake discs purchased; Bob’s Auto Electrics were used to fault-find electrics and a new starter was also fitted in April 2020; heater hose, a battery and a brake servo (at a cost of £249.95) were purchased in 2021. In need of recommissioning after a period of storage, the 240Z is offered with a large collection of invoices and notes regarding the restoration work, along with old MOT certificates and a current V5C document.

For more information, please contact:
James McWilliam
james.mcwilliam@handh.co.uk
07943 584760