1971 Datsun 240Z Coupe

The Nissan Motor Company was formed in 1933 and marketed most of its exported products as Datsun's until the latter name was dropped in 1983. Datsun introduced their 240Z to the press in October of 1969 and made its public appearance a few days later at the Tokyo Motor Show. This was the first Japanese-made sports car to achieve worldwide recognition. The 240Z was designed at Nissan by a team headed by Yoshiko Matsuo, with input from consultant Count Albrecht Goertz, stylist of the BMW 503 and 507.

Power was from a 2.4-liter overhead-camshaft six-cylinder engine backed by a five-speed manual (or optional three-speed automatic). It had an independent suspension, a top speed of 125 mph, and a zero-to-sixty time of eight seconds.

Along with commercial success, the Datsun 240Z enjoyed a successful career in motorsports, particularly in club racing in the United States and on the world rally stage. The 240Z won outright at the Safari Rally in 1971, 1972, and 1973. Leading drivers included Edgar Hermann, Rauno Aaltonen, Harry Kallstrom, Shekhar Mehta and Tony Fall.

This particular example has been stored for the last 14 years. It was given a repaint in 2002, and the engine and interior were redone. It has a stock AM/FM radio and air conditioning.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2016