Number 4

[go z racer, go]

Just welcomed my 4th 240Z home tonight. I love these cars. This one is a bit more polished than I'm use but I'll get over it. The thing that sets this car apart from my previous 240s is the rich history and the meticulous records. Purchased in Japan by a service man with original purchase receipts (to include DOD loan papers), hand written service documentation (outstanding penmanship) and various vintage Datsun swag(local and national Z clubs). That along with a dash void of blemish, a recent total rebuilt drivetrain(matching numbers) and the original owners widow(whom was also active in Z clubs) has me instilled in me - a sense of responsibility...  to act as a steward. This, like so many cars here, was loved and cherished; it played a significant role for it's owner for whom took great pride in ownership.

Passion.    

[240260280]

Very cool.  (and unique) Looks like a RHD to LHD conversion happened? If so,could you take some pics of the engine compartment and firewall?  It would be great to see what was done!

[go z racer, go]

Great question 240260280 - I recall that being in my first few questions too.

Capt. Bashaw actually ordered a US spec Z from Nissan Motor Co./Donna Byler.  

*I love the first line entered on the page numbered "2" 

[Mike B]

Cool car with an interesting history.  Would be great to see more of the original documentation that came with it.  I watched the ebay listing for it when it sold last month:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1971-Datsun-Z-Series-/303131244682?_trksid=p2047675.m43663.l44720&nordt=true&rt=nc&orig_cvip=true

The rust shown in the photos and mentioned in the ad seemed a little concerning but the exterior and interior looked really good in the photos.  Do you have any documentation that the JDM fender mirrors were added at the time of purchase or later on when the stainless exhaust and spoilers were added?  It looks like the drivers door still has the holes from the stock mirror.  Did they plug those somehow? 

There was another LHD Blue 240Z that was  originally purchased in Okinawa posted on Facebook a few months ago.  I think it was a 72.  It had fender flares that someone removed from the car so I am pretty sure it was not this car. 

I have a 72 Fairlady Z-S that was also purchased in Okinawa by a Navy service member and  shipped back to the US shortly after purchase.  Interesting that you could purchase either HLS30s or S30s in Okinawa at the time.  It probably had to do with the roads being set up to drive on the right side at the time.  During the US occupation after WWII the roads were set up to drive on the right side and didn't switch back to driving on the left like the rest of Japan until 1978.

https://www.nytimes.com/1978/07/05/archives/uturn-for-okinawa-from-righthand-driving-to-left-extra-policemen.html

[Mike B]

Just reading some of the owner's notes.  Very cool that he documented everything including the purchases of the hand throttle for $7.50 with $2.50 installation and the keyed gas door lock for $3.

[go z racer, go]

Yes - It began with eBay however, the purchase was not made through eBay ;). Interestingly, I was seeking a Datsun 2000 Roadster but came across this car and was immediately drawn. It's particular global journey/story and fit mechanical condition made the decision easy for me. I live in Imperial Beach, San Diego but made the trip up to Modesto to see the car. It pulled hard and felt tight - done! As for the Roadster, maybe in few years.

Yes - it did present rust in all the areas where you would expect from operating atop rock-salted roads as this car was also stationed in Germany. That said, pretty much limited to wheel-wells. Nothing too serious so I will address them at a later date.

Yes - the exshaust (full system headers to muffler) and fender mirrors were added much later.

*Wonderful NY-Times article. I'm going to print and include that to into the records. I genuinely appreciate your posting!

 

[siteunseen]

Great looking Z! Love the documentation too.

You still own the Scion FSR?

Glad you're back. Cliff

Edited May 24, 2019 by siteunseen

[go z racer, go]

3 hours ago, siteunseen said:

Great looking Z! Love the documentation too.

You still own the Scion FSR?

Glad you're back. Cliff

Thanks!

Yes - Still own the FRS...  so now I have "Blue" and "old Blue"

[siteunseen]

Your review of the FSR made and still makes me want one. That was 2013, I believe I can afford one now.

[go z racer, go]

48 minutes ago, siteunseen said:

Your review of the FSR made and still makes me want one. That was 2013, I believe I can afford one now.

No question - the FRS is a street legal kart. Great gas mileage and a bullet proof boxer engine. My wife has a new VW GTI (e needed one practical car) but loves to drive the FRS.

Anyway, I've been staring at my 240Z off and on all day...   soooo happy.  I'll never go this long again without a 240Z again!