MZR-perfected Datsun 240Z for sale

The wait for a bespoke MZR build must be ages, and what more could you want than this?

If you’re into the world of restomodification, you’ll probably know all about MZR Roadsports. They specialise in overhauling the Datsun 240Z, in much the same way that a company like Frontline is all about the MG B and Eagle focuses on E-Types. When you think of the best those British cars can be, you think of these firms - much the same is true for MZR and Datsun’s original Z car.

There are quite a few outfits that now exist to make the very best of '60s sports cars - think of Kamm with Porsche 912s, MST’s cars, Alfaholics’ GTA - and it’s easy to see why. It was a high point for car design, really, without much concern for pedestrians or occupants; if it looked good, that was good enough. In many cases, the reputation of these originals was helped by some iffy-looking follow-ups: think of what the Mustang and E-Type became during the '70s.

Certainly the same would be true for the Z car, the 260 and 280Z never really capturing the buying public’s imagination like the 240. You might argue that the Z car never really had its moment again until the 350 arrived at the beginning of the 21st century. Whatever, while those cars of the '60s still look fabulous, expectations have moved on in the six decades since; people want cars as durable and dependable (and fast) as new cars, with the style of a classic. Which is exactly why companies like MZR have been able to flourish - because that prospect sounds like a dream sports car.

This Z isn’t one of MZR’s carbon-bodied, 3.4-litre monsters, but then nor is it as expensive as one of those either. What it is, 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 MZR’s own shade of Heritage Green, which has a lovely metallic fleck to it, set off perfectly by the minilite-style wheels and rechromed brightwork. There’s more green inside, including carpets, stitching and even a holdall, as well as new seats, Bluetooth audio and a Moto-Lita wheel. Maybe it’s not as extravagant as some restomod builds, but then that’s all the better for actually using and enjoying something like this.

And enjoy yourself you should, thanks to a 2.8-litre version of the straight-six, paired to a five-speed manual from an S13 Silvia and limited-slip diff. A 3.54:1 diff ratio was chosen to ‘offer optimal balance between responsiveness and motorway cruising.’ There are new Eibach springs and Tokico dampers, an uprated anti-roll bar and a new steering system. So the Z should drive as well as it looks, complete with the peace of mind that comes from a ground-up restoration, from shot blasting suspension components to fully rebuilding the electrics (and applying the right amount of Dinitrol to protect it all).

The previous owner was sufficiently enamoured with what they’d commissioned to drive the Z a few thousand miles, but now it’s up for sale. The seller reckons it’s the best example they’ve ever seen, which is easy to understand. The asking price is £80k, which is obviously quite a bit for a Z car. But given the work that’s gone in, and what it would cost to repeat with values having risen in recent years, it doesn’t look daft. A pre-owned Frontline MG will cost more, to say nothing of what an untouched 911 or E-Type from this era might cost. And who’s to say you’d end up with anything more desirable?

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Jamesas86

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