What was it like to meet Mr.K, Mr. Matsuo, and Katayama-san?

[v12horse]

When I thought I had seen it all, Mr. Akamatsu rolled up in his LY powered Fairlady Z (S30). This was extremely exciting for me because I have always wanted to see and hear a crossflow head. It definitely had that sexy sound that Alan and Kats have talked about so much. As Mr. Akamatsu was driving to the parking garage, Kats waved him down to stop so we could all take a look at his car. The engine was slightly different than what I had seen in the photos and the car for that matter was different. I knew of the car because it was at a previous National Z convention in Las Vegas and I had see pictures of it online. The car was all business and meant for the track. The car hinted at this from the melted racing Dunlop tires, the magnesium 15 by7j Watanabe wheels, the 4 point harness seat belts, the Recaro seats, and of course, the 2,9 liter LY engine. Kats was telling me that the 50mm Mikuni carburetors were the exact ones from the 1972 works East African Safari rally car. This is amazing, but only a piece of the pie. Mr. Akamatsu continued that it was a 2.9-liter block and that there were only about 11 of the LY heads made. He has this one and another complete LY engine at his home that is not in a car. I was very curious to how he acquired this engine and he said that during the late 1970’s he rented the engine, because private racers could rent the engines from Nissan. He bought the engine 25 years ago from Nissan for 60,000 USD! There is a red LY powered 240ZG in Japan that I was familiar with through pictures and he knew of the car.

After talking for quite some time, both Kats and Akamatsu surprised me by offering me a ride in the unicorn-like Fairlady Z. I opened the left door and slid into the racing seat and strapped on the 4-point harness seat belt that had to be adjusted due to my American stature. It was definitely a great feeling being in a RHD Z. Akamatsu then started the car and it came to life in a very dramatic way. We drove out of the circle drive and it had even a greater sound within the cockpit. I have seen one of the rally cars before, but this car sounded like one of the cars on the WRC with the backfires and the very loud engine breathing through the 50mm triple carburetors. We came out of a corner and the car felt so composed and in its element at speed. It was very fast and even though it was a quick jaunt, it is an experience that I will never forget.

I would like to thank my friend, Kats Endo for introducing me to great people and making the Z Convention 2004 an experience that I will never forget. I also want to thank the members of classiczcarclub.com for giving me inspiration and also sharing the love and knowledge they have for the early Z cars. I have a lot to learn, but with the help of members from 240z.org I hope to learn even more and share as much as I can to help keep the legacy of the S30 alive.

[Zrush]

Originally posted by MikeW

So why haven't you posted it?

Because it was taken with a regular camera. I don't have a scanner, but my father-in-law does. Maybe I can get him to scan it for me and I'll upload it later on.:classic:

Great story Ben!!!

Vicky

[kyteler]

That's an awesome story Ben, sounds like you had an absolute blast, I can only imagine the excitement of sitting in the LY powered monster I hope one day I can experience a similar level of highly dedicated Z and/or Skyline fanatics... perhaps one day.

[Fun_in_my_z]

Thats great Ben. Sounds like you had a blast. Did you beg him to sell the LY

[26th-Z]

Hi mimzey!

Here's another shot of Ben's car at the Hilton. C.David took it with his digital when Ben was out hotrodding. It's a lovely car with very tastefully unique accessories.

Wasn't Matsuo-san easy to converse with? Just one-of-the-guys standing around looking at cars! Matsuo designed a wristwatch for himself in the mid sixties and had one made. It is spring wound - typical of the technology at that time. The watch face became the clock in the S30. Ben's clock is more like the Matsuo watch. The standard S30 clock face is simplified.

I was hoping for a Japanese experience at the convention and I found more than I expected. Experiencing the different cultures of the world is a wonderful treat I discovered years ago through my travels in Europe. Now I was curious about the Japanese. One of the books we got at registration "in the goodie bag" was a book about Carlos Ghosn and how he turned Nissan around in 1999. Reading that is another insight to the Japanese culture.

The Japanese come bearing gifts. They are formal like the Europeans, but present gifts as an expression of their respect for the meeting. Mr. K gave me a Gt Racing commemorative pin. Kats had gifts. As a matter of fact, I noticed a lot of people brought gifts. I think this is a way cool idea.

There is a great amount of honor and dignity to the Japanese spirit. You notice it along with the enthusiasm and energy. Nothing stuffy - just a great amount of self respect and respect for others. I got a kick out of how social everyone seemed to be. It was one big party for days! With the attitude of; "I'll sleep on the plane"!

Of course, there was no shortage of things to do. Or people to meet. Thanks to Alan, I met Len and the Tampa crowd had a lot of fun with him. You'll find Len in the British Z car magazines and web sites. You should see the pictures of his restoration. Ten years in the making and comparitively, we Americans whine about rust.

Oh! This is important. Mr. K signs autographs on behalf of the Make a Wish Foundation and it is way NOT cool to sell anything with his signiture. Mr. K was at track day and the car show along with his wife (Okusama - honorable) Mrs. K. Although his presence seems promotional, you can tell from his enthusiasm what a good time he is having. He is quite old now, celebrating his 95th in September, yet it is remarkable to see his energy. He walked up to the stage at the awards banquette and spoke briefly to a standing audience. The man is phenomenal.

I was struck with the idea that Mr. Matsuo was 31 or so when he worked on the S30 project. When I think about what my life was like at 31, an instant realization and understanding comes over me. I have a design education and background. Before I knew it, during our evening conversation, the pens came out and we began speaking the designer's language of drawing. Matsuo is animated and fun to talk with; he got up to show me how he would work the clay and sight down the body line to get the exact look he was going for. How every prototype model was not only some new idea, but refinement of the last model. How he prefers a distinct, sharp line to the contour and fold. Ever notice how the fender line seems to follow out in to space at the headlight scoop? Matsuo. That whole detail was something that couldn't be made in metal at the time so he went out and had a stadium seat manufacturer mold it in injected fiberglass. Headlight covers over the scoop look so good because they were intended to be that way.

So what was it like? Probably like meeting any one of you out there and just immersing ourselves in 240Z for the moment. I'm still pumped. Next year's convention will be in Syracuse N.Y. with a track day at Watkins Glen and the 2006 convention will be in Dallas.

[dhoneycutt]

It makes me sad to know that I was unable to attend the festivities:disappoin and meet all the people I read about here and get knowledge and help from. But it also makes me glad cuz nobody got to see my car in it's poor shape. Soon to be driveable but it sure won't be pretty any time soon. Have to get more funds to finish it. I just can't wait until it is complete if that is ever possible, before I can enjoy it again behind the wheel:D Thanks for the write-ups. It does remind me of the one ride I had in an honest to goodness 432 Fairlady when I was stationed on Okinawa in...well a while agoLOL WHAT A RUSH!!!!!

[v12horse]

You are a lucky man dhoneycutt.

Thank you Chris for sharing some of your talk with Matsuo.

[Alfadog]

Ben, what a story!!! You must be catching up on sleep now that it's over. That was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I'm sure you know it!! Wow.. I'm so glad to see you had an awesome time, but at teh same time, I'm REALLY REALLY JEALOUS! I can only hope one day I can meet Kats from this forum, Mr. Matsuo or Mr. K.....

Chris, thankyou for your story too, when I owned my Z I spent many afternoons just looking at the car from a designer's perspective. I'm very interested in design (especially automobile design) and so your story really got me excited. The headlight scoops of the Z are amazing. I am not surprised Matsuo San likes sharp, crisp edges. The Z proves this without a doubt! It is especially evident when you see a picture of it sitting next to a modern car. The modern car makes the classic S30 look sleek, low, sharp, mean, exciting, exhilarating... pure Z!

Thankyou both for your stories!!

[CNIXZGO]

Saturday was indeed a long day for all of us. I thought the whole event was well run, but i had only a few small complaints. When we entered the parkign lot for the car show, there seemed to be a bit of confusion on where to park. I had my stock 280z to get judged by ZCAA (it didnt happen, more on that later) but no one seemed to know where the street mod and the stocks were lining up. Very obscure. I parked in like 3 diff places before finding a spot. Also I entered as a stock but i guess i should entered as a street mod because of my mag wheels. I'm used to the MSA Show where you can enter stock 280z's with aftermarket wheels.

anyway, the banquet was really fun, lot of laughs and it was great to see everybody. Mr K was very inspirational in his words and so was Matsuo-san, Very classy gentlemen. food was actually pretty decent. I thought the awards show was a bit too long at the end. EVERY sponsor had to pick up a trophy and it seemed like it went on and on and on. It was 10:15 and I told my wife "Let's sneak out." we were both exausted and still had a an hour plus ride ahead. I think the sponsor recognition should be abreviated in some way. all in all a great time for all!

Nick

[TomoHawk]

Uh Oh....

It looks like another "what's a stock car?" discussion.

Nick- it's nice to see your wife was with you. I wonder how many couples were there?

[ChrisA]

Thanks for the great reading Ben and Chris!! That LY powered car sounds like a gem. $60,000 US for the motor? 25 years ago even. Wonder what that is in todays money? SHEEEESHH!!

Chris

[Alfadog]

I was interested in that too, so I did a rough estimation to take into account US inflation - $60,000 US in 1979 should be about $170,000 US today. I think.