Description
This lot will be auctioned via Iconic Auctioneers, The Iconic Sale at the NEC Classic Motor Show 2024 - Cars on Saturday the 9th of November, NEC, Birmingham, B40 1NT. The Datsun 240Z, (latterly the 260Z and 280Z) was the first generation of 'Z' two-seat coupés, produced by Nissan in Japan from 1969 to 1978. Its dramatic looks owed a considerable amount to a 1960s styling concept drawn by Count Albrecht Goertz for Datsun, presumably at a time when they were considering ways to break into the European sports car market.
The 240Z was powered by a lusty 2. 4-litre, straight-six overhead cam engine developing around 150bhp, resulting in a 0-60 time of eight seconds and a top speed of 125mph. A 5-speed manual gearbox was standard and the car featured independent suspension all round, with MacPherson struts at the front and Chapman links at the rear. Rack and pinion steering and front disc brakes meant that the 240Z was a thoroughly modern package.
On offer here is a remarkable find and is fresh to market being offered from 15 years of caring ownership by our private vendor. 444 UUR is a UK-supplied, right-hand drive example that is unrestored and in lovely original condition. It was previously owned by Datsun 240Z specialist, Andrew Turner, who was better known as 'Mr Z' at the time and our vendor purchased it from his widow. This was Andrew’s personal 240Z and he enjoyed it on the Prix des Alpes European Tours and other events, naturally maintaining it impeccably. We’re informed that it has never suffered body corrosion issues but the outside was repainted to restore the shine some 20 years ago. There are a couple of very small areas of paintwork that might benefit from a little detailing but generally it still looks fabulous today. The wheels are period-correct Minilites which suit it perfectly and they were treated to a set of new tyres in September 2024. The mileage currently stands at just over 91, 000, which is remarkable for a 52 year old car and the car is used sparingly, but regularly, on dry days. It's retains its original, UK-spec 5-speed gearbox which, unlike cars imported from the US with a 4-speed gearbox, offers more relaxed cruising at high speed, which makes a big difference and our vendor tells that he would be happy to drive it any distance. In addition to its remarkable overall condition, inside and out, the original toolkit with wheel chocks etc. is still just as it left the factory in its special compartment and the engine bay still has the fitted torch clipped to the inner wing.
The history file is excellent and, in addition to MOTs and service receipts, includes the original handbooks and manuals, plus three spare key sets and a copy of Evo magazine in which the car was featured.
Quite clearly always cherished and well looked after, this fabulous 240Z is absolutely ready for it’s next lucky custodian to drive away from the auction hall and we welcome and encourage interested parties to come to the NEC and let the car speak for itself as this really is a rare opportunity.
