The last time we drooled over a Datsun 240Z it was a very rare UK model that had been restored to showroom condition by Nissan itself. This time, the car was likely sourced in North America and is intended to dramatically exceed the level of quality that was achieved by its maker the first time around. And that’s because this one has enjoyed the full attention of MZR Roadsports, the Bradford-based tuner which has made restomodding the 240Z very much its business.
Datsun’s ’70s rear-drive sports car is an acutely good choice for such treatment. For one thing, it is very pretty in that delicate way that no modern car manages to be. For another, it already ensures a cult following in this country and is relatively numerous overseas. Having found a likely subject, MZR submits them to a familiar process: each is stripped down to bare metal, dipped in epoxy primer, stitch-welded, liberally strengthened and introduced to some sound deadening.
It is then painted in-house and treated to the kind of underbody protection programme you’d expect from people taking it very seriously, using a polyurethane two-component waterproof and scratch-resistant coating, followed by the application of Dinitrol wax in all those hard-to-reach places. Then MZR reassembles the car, typically with a new limited-slip diff, six-speed manual ‘box, 30-way manually adjustable damping, bespoke suspension, a motorsport-spec steering rack, custom-made exhaust and a new fuel tank.
Then, assuming you’ve gone for the Sport-Design package, you get a choice of heavily upgraded 2.9- or 3.1-litre straight-six motors (this example gets the former) which, thanks to electronic fuel injection and individual throttle bodies, ups the 240Z’s output to 250hp. This probably sounds pretty good piped through stainless steel, and with little more than a tonne to push, probably goes pretty well, too.
We can be absolutely positive that it looks the part. This one went from Oslo Blue to Porsche-borrowed Bahama Yellow - a decision we wholeheartedly endorse - and continues the theme inside with brown leather and slate carpets, alongside yellow stitching and basket-weave leather on the door cards and seat inserts. As tends to be the case with expensive restomods, this one is obviously the result of much time and no little effort spent on getting the spec right.
Factor in a newly integrated air con system and the DAB tuner and Bluetooth connectivity essential to life in 2024, and you’ve got yourself the perfect marriage of ‘70s style and modern-day convenience. Precisely how much it will cost is concealed behind the usual POA barrier, but for reference, a freshly restored Sport-Design 240Z starts at around £100k. This one is said to have only covered 2,650 miles since it was recommissioned and is ready for a new owner right now. Tempted? We are.
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