The emblems could be valuable. I wonder if they are solid metal cast or hollow metal cast. If you decide to remove them, be careful not to break the mounting pins!

BTW, that hatch is toast.

Very cool find! Regardless of what part of Z history it's from, i'm sure it has one of it's own - and hopefully a new owner to create one with. Please don't part it!

Looks quite restore-able!

I looked at that one a while ago and talked to the owner but passed as they could not send better photos.

Good buy!

the hatch is toast I guess I'll just part it out. Not sure about the emblems they are original.

Shouldn't there be a throttle lever next to the choke lever on the center console.

No. The whole throttle lever arrangement was never supposed to be on the HLS30U imports. We've had long conversations about this one and the federal laws prohibited the hand throttle feature (similarly the headlight covers). Supposedly, several of the early, early cars made it through import preparation (different from 'dealer preparation') and were sold with hand throttles as they were originally equipped, however it is quite rare to see a true original. Most of the hand throttles you see today were parts purchased in Japan and installed by the owner.

  Bonzi Lon said:

There is a possibility that HLS30-00076 has been restored.

I will find out more information on this VIN in May or June. Bonzi Lon

You heard correctly, Lonnie! HLS30-00076 is owned by Bill Edens of Louisville KY.

To say she is merely a gorgeous red car with black interior would be a gross under-

statement. For this car NOT TO WIN best-in-show would be a rare "accomplishment."

All Z Best,...................................Kathy & Rick

Yes, Bill is a good friend of mine. The running joke since he bought it was it was NOT going to be original red, he hates red (sports thing). Last year at Branson Z-Fest he said it would be done for BZF 2012, and red. Yet kidding, I replied 'bet you don't', just so he would get it done.

I know it will be of top quality just like the silver one & the orange one, always 'Best of Show' winners.

Bonzi Lon

  Bonzi Lon said:

There is a possibility that HLS30-00076 has been restored.

Hi Bonzi:

Yes - Bill sent me pictures of the #76 car in Jan. 2010. Then we talked at the 40th Anniversary Celebration at Nissan HQ in Nashville, when we stopped by his Orange 70.

While it is listed as one of the 39 remaining first 100 in the list posted above - I had forgot to remove it from the "totalled" list at the bottom. Sorry if that caused some confusion..:stupid:

Left to Right:

Mr. Matsuoka, Bill Edens, Mr. Matsuo, Todd Wagner - with Bill's Orange 1970 240Z.

BTW - the latest update is as of 12 Apr. 2012 - and shows 176 cars found so far. Pretty amazing that 32% of them are still in existence some 43 years later.

FWIW,

Carl B.

Edited April 16, 201212 yr by Carl Beck

If you have decided to part it out, sure it's a shame that another series 1 will die, but at least it will die with honor of helping the others live.

From a sheer historical perspective, it might be worth restoring. Looks like there may be alot of rust on the bottom side, floors pans etc., it might be worth a second look before parting it out. Just my 2 cents.