30 years ago today...

[Bonzi Lon]

some friends and I were riding around in my 4X4 rocking out to Boston's first album blasting from the Craig Power Play 8-track, when we noticed some loud clacking noises from the engine. The oil light did not come on. Three quarts of oil and 2 cans of STP later, got it quieted enough to trade it in, TODAY. Went by a used car lot and out of the corner of my eye I spotted what I knew was the nose of a blue 1973 Saab Sonnett type III. I had test drove one in 1973, and really liked the looks of it. I pulled in and took a closer look only to see it was a 240Z. It looked great and we test drove it. Leaving the lot I punched it and was amaized from the power and sound it made. All I could scream was "Bonzi!" (thus the name) I had to have it, so did the loan with my bank over the phone and brought it home.

In 1980 it needed a paint job so I let a friend talk me into doing it for a loan he owed me. After a while he just gave up on it and I gave up on him. I pushed it into the back room of the garage and just let it sit for the next 26 years. The avitar shows it the day it came out of the garage with all the dust still on it. It has been slow going as I still need to get it painted, cash flow problems. Hopefully will try to have it painted and put back together by the time it is an "official" antique vehicle next year. 35 years for the state of Kansas, also you can register your "antique" vehicle with a license plate from the same year as the car was manufactured. That makes any antique vehicle look from its time.

Over the years I've had several chances to sell it but could not even think about that. There is something about these Z-Cars that you just can't explain. It might be love over money.

Bonzi Lon

[bigoak]

Can't wait to see the progress...good luck with the project...

[jayhawk]

Have fun on you project. I finally got my '73 240Z (I bought it new in '73) in the garage after 10 years in my utility yard. Gonna take a long time to get it back in proper shape. Should be a lot of fun, though!

--jayhawk

Orginal owner, 1973 240Z HLS30-125678

[Mr Camouflage]

All I could scream was "Bonzi!"

Did you mean "Banzai" or do really like little trees?

[Alfadog]

Bonzi

Bansai

Banzai!

I think you mean banzai! hehe. Great story and good luck to you.

[Jack D]

WOW, i just left Kingman, KS the first of March, wish id know it was in your garage, would of loved to seen it.

[KDMatt]

Bonzi

Bansai

Banzai!

I think you mean banzai! hehe. Great story and good luck to you.

You're my hero.

Seriously, great story Lon. I wish you the best of luck sir. BANZAII!!!

[Bonzi Lon]

It is misspelled on pourpose because my nic-name at the time was Bones and I got a personal plate for it and it had to have a Z in it. Besides, today's kids misspell everything, so it is up to date. And I do like the little trees.

Bonzi Lon

[Mr Camouflage]

Bansai

Even Alfa gets it wrong. The trees are Bonsai. Bansai is a misspelling of Bonsai I believe.

One of the karate kid movies, I think the first one, had Mr Miyagi correcting Danial-san when he was saying Bonsai instead of Banzai (not referring to the trees, but used as a cheer of enthusiasm or triumph).

Anyway back to your car, Got any photos of it after you washed all the dirt and dust off it?

[sblake01]

Even Alfa gets it wrong. The trees are Bonsai. Bansai is a misspelling of Bonsai I believe.

Well, I used to get his name wrong when refering to him until I understood that is has to do with the automobile and not the first letter of the Greek 'alpha'bet.

[vercingetorix]

I kinda like the grape ape