#48

Kats, Interesting about the Z432 numbers, just goes to prove that it must of been a very exciting time producing the early cars. About the all solid metal emblems, Michael Hollander writes in "The Complete Datsun Guide" the following wrt the early car features: "Through approximately the first 2,200 cars, these badges were completely chromed with black accents. At that point, the letter "Z" on the badge was changed to a white inlay. Other markings remained the same. Thus the very earliest cars can be spotted by the chromed-colored "Z" on the badge." Not sure how accurate this is but it would be interesting to hear from anybody with a VIN below 2,200 and see what emblems they have. BTW, love your site, Gab

26th-Z, Before I bought the car, I received the following data from someone way more knowledgeable in early Zs than I and even though this data was collected almost ten years ago, I think it illustrates my point on why I would consider my car as being assembled in 11/69. I've never been able to confirm this as I've never come across that specific kind of information on the early production of the 240Z. If you have such information, please don't hesitate to share it with everyone. BTW, My car did not have the brow. Thank you, Gab

Unkle, Greg M. was instrumental with the restoration, without him on my side I don't think I would of undertaken such a task. As for the glass, I prefer to hang on to it just in case something happens to the one on the car. Guess the repro market has expanded over the past decade which is good news for those wanting to go the extra mile. I prefer original pieces when I can get them which are getting much harder to find though. G.

Hi everyone, I'm the one selling #48 and I thought I'd jump in and answer some of the questions. First off I would like to thank Mike B. for highlighting my car and adding all the photos. Now as for the questions, here goes: -The car was originally a US cars as stated, I took off the emissions components and added the balance tube because I liked how it cleaned up the engine compartment -When I restored the car (about 8 yrs ago) I was not aware of all the early differences that I now know about. Most early items were still with car (it had a clear hatch glass but a previous owner added an after market rear window defog kit which looked awful so I put a non abused replacement (I still have the original glass) -As best as I can recall, it did not have the grey center pieces but the original ones were damaged so I replaced them -I can't recall either if it had the red dot mirror, the one with the car was pitted and foggy so I changed it (I will look thru my parts supply in case I kept the other mirror) -The rims are period correct (stamped 1969) dealer optioned American Racing Libres -As for the difference between VIN and production date, many have already alluded to the possibility that near the end of completion it was put aside to rectify a problem and was finally released a few months later. I understood this at the time I bought the car ten years ago and find it interesting that others have the same delayed production date and some cars with VIN above 500 have a production date of '69 (as per ZHome site). Years ago a friend of mine was fortunate enough to have met a man who actually worked on the line at the beginning of the 240Z run and confirmed that cars that did not meet final inspection were put aside until they had time to address any issues. He also said that it was a very busy time and they did not worry if a red dot mirror or a non red dot mirror was put on a car. They simply went to the parts bin and grabbed what they needed. It was also a transition time from suppliers and many bins would have a mix of early and later parts without any control on what went on which car. So, long story to add to the confusion of whether my car actually had (or should have) a grey center panel or not will never be conclusive. Hope that answers some of the questions and if anyone has anything else they want to know or any specific photos, please let me know. Thanks, Gab