Finding Z-Cars by VIN number possible?

[Wick Humble]

I purchased HLS0003547 from Calmbach Motor Co. in San Antonio TX in July of 1970. I was a soon to be ETS'd SP5 at the Medical Field Service School (read about it in the novel M.A.S.H.!) and heading home to CA and grad school. Married, my wife and I drove it 91K miles until 1984, and began a complete restoration for my book "How to Restore Your Datsun Z-Car", California Bill's Auto Books, Tucson AZ. This has been in print for twenty years now, and brings me about a buck a day, still! We showed the car locally for a number of years, but back then a Japanese car didn't pack much punch at concours!

In about 1997 we had a financial crisis, and I had to sell 3547 back to Nissan USA ($12,000) for a display car while they were getting together their repop Z's to sell as new cars. It went to several auto shows, then was retired to their offices in Carson CA. Pete Brock told me that the green car had been sold to a private party about 2007, but I don't know who.

I'd like very much to find out where the car is now, and in whose hands. Nissan didn't notify me of it's availability or I might have tried to buy it back; it is a big piece of our family history! Is there any way to locate this particular Z-Car? Is there a Z Club member who has information about it's story after released by Nissan?

I'm building a silver '71 (the color I ordered -- if that can be what it was called in early 1970! -- in the first place; green was my second choice!) for the street but not as a pure stocker! My last big project before retiring from teaching.

I hope this qualifies as a Z-Car History topic!

[Arne]

Welcome to CZCC.com, Wick!

Any of us who have (or had) a copy of your book are familiar with that car - in print. Tracking it down might be tough, but it's possible that some of the members here may have a lead or two. Best of luck!

[mgmoreau]

Hi Wick,

Do you know Carl Beck from Florida. He maintains a Z car registry at his site: http://zhome.com/ I looked but do not see your serial number listed. You might want to contact Carl as he knows a lot of the history of many early Z cars. He posts on this site. I to have a copy of your book and have referred to it many times. Thanks for taking the time to write that book.

Good luck with your search!

[TomoHawk]

The CarFax service comes to mind, but they didn't have "VINs" in 1970...

[John Coffey]

Finding Z cars by VIN is probably not possible. Your best bet is to post and monitor the main Z fan sites here in the US.

[John Coffey]

http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/showthread.php?31593-HLS30-00016-or-Wick-Humble-s-car-for-15K

[conedodger]

Wow! Hi Wick! I have worn out your book a couple times over now... Good luck in your search. What are you doing in Chico? I got the impression that you lived in Texas from your book.

[Jeff G 78]

Welcome to the forum Wick. Good luck with your search and your new build. I thoroughly enjoyed reading your book when I bought it 15+ (maybe closer to 20?) years ago.

[HS30-H]

Welcome Mr H, and thanks for your book.

I purchased HLS0003547 from Calmbach Motor Co. in San Antonio TX in July of 1970.

That would be HLS30-003547 I think.

I'm available for proofreading duties if you publish again.... ;-)

[JonnyRock]

It's been months since I've been on this board. But welcome Wick! I too have your (excellent) book and wish you luck in finding 3547 again!

[tlorber]

Somewhere on this site there is a link to an on line Excel ™ spreadsheet that lists Z's by VIN.

[jfa.series1]

Here is the link to the spreadsheet.

http://www.editgrid.com/user/mlwilliams/Z_Car_Registry

And... Mr. Humble, please accept my thanks and appreciation for your wonderful book. I've spent many hours reading it while first planning my resto project, then again many lookups during the project.

Jim