MZR perfected Datsun 240Z for sale

There are quite a few outfits these days making the very best of ’60s sports cars – think Kamm with Porsche 912s, MST’s cars, Alfaholics’ GTA – and it’s easy to see why. It was actually a high point for automotive design, without much regard for pedestrians or occupants; if it looked good, that was good enough. In many cases, the reputation of these originals was helped by some dubious-looking successors: think of what the Mustang and E-Type became in the ’70s.

The same would certainly apply to the Z car; the 260 and 280Z never really captured the imagination of the buying public like the 240. You could say the Z car never really had its moment until the 350 arrived at the turn of the 21st century. Anyway, while those cars from the ’60s still look fantastic, expectations have changed in the sixty years since; people want cars that are as durable and reliable (and fast) as new cars, with the style of a classic. That’s exactly why companies like MZR have been able to thrive – because that prospect sounds like a dream sports car.

This Z isn’t one of MZR’s 3.4-liter carbon-bodied monsters, but it’s not as expensive as either of these either. What it is, and certainly what it looks like, is a beautifully restored, tastefully upgraded and lovingly cared for Datsun 240Z. And who wouldn’t want one of those? It’s painted in MZR’s signature Heritage Green color, with a beautiful metallic fleck, perfectly accented by the minilite-style wheels and rechromed brightwork. There’s more greenery in there, including carpets, stitching and even a weekend bag, as well as new seats, Bluetooth audio and a Moto-Lita steering wheel. Maybe it’s not as extravagant as some restomod builds, but that’s all the better when you can actually use and enjoy something like this.

And you can enjoy it, thanks to a 2.8-liter version of the inline six-cylinder, linked to a five-speed manual gearbox from an S13 Silvia and a limited slip differential. A diff ratio of 3.54:1 was chosen to ‘provide an optimal balance between responsiveness and highway cruising’. There are new Eibach springs and Tokico dampers, an upgraded anti-roll bar and a new steering system. So the Z should drive as good as it looks, complete with the peace of mind that comes from a thorough restoration, from shot-blasting the suspension components to completely rebuilding the electrical (and applying the right amount of Dinitrol to protect everything).

The previous owner liked what he ordered enough to drive the Z for a few thousand miles, but now it’s up for sale. The seller thinks this is the best example they’ve ever seen, which is easy to understand. The asking price is £80,000, which is obviously quite a bit for a Z car. But considering the work that went into it, and what it would cost to repeat this as values ​​have risen in recent years, it doesn’t look crazy. A second-hand Frontline MG will cost more, not to mention what an untouched 911 or E-Type from this era might cost. And who’s to say you’d get something more desirable?