Was the 240z designed for America?

[Bambikiller240]

Stock Fairlady Z's in the modified class? That is :stupid:

Probably couldn't have a separate class for them though since they are so rare here. If there were a separate class, just entering one would probably guarentee a trophy, and that wouldn't be right either. Judging them on their own merits in the "Stock" 240 class would make more sense, IMO.

[Alfadog]

Agreed! How do such close-minded people get to be the judges of these events?! Of course, that doesn't include you Ben! It must have been fantastic to be a judge!! Wow, at least they're not ageist there.

Don't worry, you didn't offend me in the slightest. I love hearing everyones opinion here, that's why its a FORUM! And I'm not inferring I disgree, Ben! Wouldn't it just be fantastic to have Matsuo here too?

Also, Alan, I love your ni... stickling! The details are the most fun.

[v12horse]

I don't mean to make it out like the judges were anti- Fairlady Z, because a few of them owned or did own Fairlady Z's. It may be some National Convention rule that the car must have been imported here, which I think if it is a rule that it should definately be one to be broken. They were really nice people. I only met one judge that seemed closed minded towards the JDM cars, he was still a nice guy though. I hope I didn't sound misleading in my prevous post. However, they did make the claim that Fairlady Z's were really not part of the classes. The more I think about this, the more I think they do break the rule because Tetsu, the president of the UZCC of Japan won first with his modified FAIRLADY Z in the super modified 280ZX class. Hmm, now I have totally contradicted myself.

Being a judge had its ups and downs. I hate docking points for stuff. It is really not my type of thing. I am glad I learned more about the interior of 240z's, but I don't think I would do it again. I cann't be mean, but I had to a few times just to be fair. That part was not cool.

-Ben

[Bambikiller240]

Ben;

It's not "mean" to judge according to the rules. Anything less would be "mean" and unfair to the owners with "correct" cars as defined by the rules (even if the rules are screwed up).

But I know what you are saying about not liking to dock points, I couldn't do that job, I'm not competitive by nature.

Opinionated yes, competitive no.

[26th-Z]

Good morning everyone!

The passing planets in my sun sign coupled with the full moon has me in "electronic karma syndrome" or something. The A/C packed it up at the house two days ago and the CPU in my computer gave up last night! We sm 2 b w..k.ng Ok nw.

I had the pleasure of spending a few hours with Matsuo san during the convention. At the car show, Saturday, I was introduced to Mr. Katayama's son and Mr. Takaharu Kobayakawa (Mazda RX-7) by Brian Long. Matsuo san made some comments during the introduction causing some smiles and Brian said Matsuo's comment was something about how particular I am. I suspect we wonder what they think about us as much as they wonder what we think about them. I know the Germans wonder what we think about them. We all recognize the differences in our cultures and I am quite aware of what other societies around the world think of Americans. Frankly, we Americans could clean up our act a little bit.

I want to talk about the judging thing. I have some news. I was involved in the judging as well, not as a judge because I missed the meeting Ben refers to as I was out junking and visiting Pierre Z. Trapped in a SUV with Burt (cardogman) and our "Tampa" crowd. Over on IZCC, there is a discussion going on entitled "Concours d'elegance" about judging. Since the last e-mail I sent you, Alan. Carl Beck responded to a Ken Jones thread and Charlie Osborne, Bob Speights, Jeff Fox, Fred Jones, and Jack Saxton jumped in. We have formed a small focus group and Dan Banks has expressed interest. Although I am defending the current ZCCA rules for judged car shows, there is a move afoot to establish "concours" criteria. I think that is what you were hearing, Ben. The split that is happening between "purists" and "general appearance" groups. What the "purists" are saying is that they desire to see Datsun 240 Zs competing at the top ten Concours d'elegance events in America. They agree that the 240 Z is a "modern classic" and that the early cars could be and should be displayed and promoted in such a manner. To that end, they wish to establish and publish "as it left the factory" standards for judging in esteemed events. The premise is that the standards need to be developed so that invitations will be extended from the prestigious shows. A web site is being built and it looks like this train is leaving the station - it isn't going to stop. I used the description "Datsun 240 Z" on purpose because the group is focused on that particular model. American cars at American events. They seem to have no desire to include the Fairlady models. Rather than stand aside and criticize, I am participating with the idea that one vote is better than no vote. I would be honored to contribute comments any one of you have. I am also honored to be able to use this site as a considerable resource of accurate information. I seriously consider knowledge of the domestic cars essential for understanding the Datsun 240 Z. In that respect, I have the opportunity to enlighten American enthusiasts to the value of the domestic cars and cars exported to other parts of the world. After all, it's a world car.

Ben, the information about the prototype development and Mr. Matsuo's role is available and you just have to go looking for it. Brian Long's book; "Datsun Z - Fairlady to 280 Z" is , in my opinion, basic reading and the best of all the books. Brian Long published another book with Matsuo and Katayama; "Fairlady Z" which I am in the process of obtaining. I have no pictures I think I can copywrite post on the web, but I'll bet if you search this site, someone has put up jpgs.

Finally, some observations. I used to race in SCCA years ago and got used to the harsh reality of the rules. Judged car shows are pretty much the same way. IMHO it's all a game we play and it's supposedto be fun. That thought seems to keep me on an even keel.