1970 Factory Refurbished 240Z's

[DhudsonZ]

Hi All,

Does anyone have information on the Nissan factory project of refurbished 1970 240z's? I believe the project was abandoned by Nissan sometime ago but I was wanting to get some information about the project. If anyone has any insight on the project or where I could find information on it, I would greatly appreciate it.

I believe that only certain Nissan dealerships where involved in the project.

Thanks in advance,

DhudsonZ

[DatsunZGuy]

Here's a blurb from the Texas Z Club.

Also you'll find a link below to a write-up from Les' Web site.

www.classicdatsun.com/zz/nissan.html

Happy reading!

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"Z-Store" Of The Future

- 10 Nissan Retailers Selected To Host Z-Stores -

CARSON, Calif. (November 20, 1996) - Ten Nissan retailers in the United States have been selected as homes of "Z-Stores", an innovative pilot marketing program launched today by Nissan Motor Corporation USA These Z-Stores will offer comprehensively inspected, Nissan certified, pre-owned Z-cars for retail sale in their showroom, along with authentic Z memorabilia and other items.

With only 10 official Z-Store retailers nationwide, consumers in various U.S. regions will have the opportunity to enjoy a piece of sports car history with the confidence of owning a reconditioned car at the following locations:

Jake Sutherlin Nissan, Tampa, FL

Sutherin Nissan, Marietta, GA

Esserman Nissan, Miami, FL

Coggin Nissan, Jacksonville, FL

Universal City Nissan, Los Angeles, CA

Performance Nissan, Duarte, CA

Stevens Creek Nissan, Santa Clara, CA

Bankston Nissan, Irving, TX

Courtesy Nissan, Richardson, TX

Brown’s Fairfax Nissan, Fairfax, VA

Based on their successful history of posting high volume sales of Z-cars and providing high levels of customer service, these retailers will work with Nissan to begin fully reconditioning Z-cars.

"Through our new Z-Store concept, we are partnering with select Nissan retailers to demonstrate our heritage and prove our commitment to the consumer by offering reconditioned Z-cars - a model line that is legendary in the automotive world," said Tom Orbe, vice president of marketing for Nissan and Infiniti Divisions. "We are really excited about this program because it allows us to offer consumers what they are requesting in a imaginative new way. We hope consumers and enthusiasts alike share in our excitement."

Individuals that purchase Z-cars from Z-Store retailers will receive a number of amenities including a special-edition bronze badge, decal and certificate as well as easy access to purchase Z memorabilia. This program will be implemented in two phases; the first featuring "Classic Z’s," which include 1990 to 1996 300ZX model pre-owned cars, followed by pre-owned Z-cars from the Z’s 26-year history including early model Z-cars beginning with the 240Z ("Vintage Z").

"Classic Z"

Kicking off Phase I of the Z-Store will be the offering of "Classic Z". Differentiating this program from other off-lease programs is an intensive 120-point inspection that each vehicle must pass before being offered for sale in a Z-Store. These cars will also carry Nissan’s Certified Pre-owned Limited Warranty and "Classic Z" badging.

"Vintage Z"

Cruising into Z-Stores early next year will be reconditioned "Vintage Z’s". These restored early model Z-cars will also include a limited warranty and should prove to be collector cars in the future.

Z Heritage

Japanese native, Yutaka Katayama, a.k.a. "Mr. K" and the "Father of the Z", brought the Z-car to America in 1970 after seeing the need for a sports car to match the zest for life he found in this country. He began the Z model line with the Datsun 240Z and it continued through the 1996 300ZX.

The Z not only became the fastest-selling sports car of all time, but also established itself as a classic in terms of automotive styling and performance. Additionally, the Z-car was the first Japanese-made breakthrough vehicle in the United Status for Nissan (then called Datsun), beginning a new chapter in American automotive history - a chapter Nissan plans to continue starting with the Z-Stores.

"With Z-car production for the United States recently drawing to a close, Nissan is answering the call from enthusiasts and Z-car aficionados. We are proud of our roots and are demonstrating this through our Z-Store program," stated Orbe. "Throughout the lifetime of the Z-car, we witnessed a strong commitment to the car from enthusiasts and ‘Z-Zealots’ because of its illustrious style and performance. We’re proud that we can continue this commitment."

In North America, Nissan’s operations include styling, engineering, manufacturing, sales, consumer and corporate finance, and industrial and textile equipment. Nissan in North America employs more than 20,000 people in the United States, Canada and Mexico, and generates nearly 75,000 jobs through more than 1,500 Nissan and Infiniti dealerships across the continent.

[v12horse]

I know that a lot of the cars were partially finished and that they cost a good 30k. There was an article in Road & Track magazine around the time Nissan was planning to do this. Maybe the library would have the magazines around 1997 and I am sure you would find what you are looking there. Take care.

-Ben

[v12horse]

I just came across some new and interesting information on this subject. It is out of the book titled "Datsun Z, from Fairlady Z to 280z", by Brian Long. It is an excellent book containing factory pictures and information on road cars for the home market and the exports, as well as history of the company, history of z's in racing, restoration, and vin numbers for all the Z cars and engines.

The 240z's that were destined to be restored and then sold by Nissan were hand picked by specialists. The cars were completely stripped to the bare shells and the restored to better than new condtion. There were as many as 200 cars being restored. When they were being sold the average running price was 25k. The cars had a full one year warranty, through the ten selected Nissan dealerships that would sell these cars. The cars were restored correct to the specification of the year. The only things done differently were the use of modern paint and techniques, better rust-proofing, a better radiator, Bridgestone Potenzza tyres and abestos-free clutch and brake components. Nissan claims that each car took about 300 hours to complete and that each car got around 800 new parts.

It would be awesome to get one of the cars. I am sure that they are more refined then when they came out yet still a great sports car. Take care

-Ben

[giggle]

If anyone knows where one of these cars is for sale please let me know.Thank you:)

[Inf]

They appear on ebay every so often. However, the sellers usually have a pretty high asking price.

[bonniec75209]

hey inf, is the car in your avatar yours? it is very nice.:classic:

[Inf]

It sure is bonniec75209, thanks for the compliment!