The 1971 Datsun 240Z is a foundational car in Japanese performance culture, highly prized for its lightweight design. This particular example moves far beyond the original concept. It has undergone a radical conversion to a roadster style, reportedly done by Pierre’s Z Service Center. Furthermore, a multi-year build, completed in 2018, transformed it into a custom machine. This vehicle blends the Z’s iconic lines with the uncompromising power of a modern American V8. The combination of classic sports car feel and enormous output is truly unique.
Exterior and Roadster Conversion Details
The body is finished in a single-stage black paint, providing a deep, aggressive look. The car’s conversion to a roadster style is immediately evident. Exterior details include covered headlights and a revised, low-profile windshield. Molded fender flares give the body a wide, purposeful stance. Customizing continues with shaved door handles, which operate via electronic door poppers and an included key fob. The rear bumper has been deleted, emphasizing the quad exhaust outlets. Some minor paint blemishes are noted on the rear valance and tail panel.
Advanced Suspension and Handling
The chassis received extensive reinforcement to handle the massive increase in power. The lowered suspension utilizes components from Techno Toy Tuning. This includes an adjustable front sway bar and adjustable tension control rods. Adjustable coilovers and lower control arms allow for precise tuning of the handling dynamics. The system employs a combination of polyurethane and spherical bushings for maximum feedback. The result is a setup built for serious cornering and track capability.
Braking and Wheel Specification
Bringing this powerful machine to a halt is a necessity, handled by Wilwood disc brakes. The power-assisted front and rear Wilwood kits feature slotted rotors for exceptional thermal management. Polished 17-inch HRE multi-piece forged alloy wheels anchor the build. These high-end wheels are wrapped in staggered Sumitomo tires. The massive 315/35 rear tires ensure that the vehicle has the necessary contact patch for its power output.
Custom Cockpit and Instrumentation
The interior provides a comfortable yet performance-focused environment for the occupants. Low-back bucket seats are upholstered in rich beige leather. This leather trim extends throughout the center console and door panels, creating a cohesive look. The driver interacts with a wood-rimmed MOMO Indy steering wheel. Safety is addressed with modern lap harnesses.
Instrumentation and Driver Controls
The dashboard has been heavily modified to accommodate custom Speedhut instrumentation. The gauges include a GPS-based 160-mph speedometer and an 8k-rpm tachometer. Auxiliary gauges for coolant temperature and voltage are housed above the center stack. A cue for the vehicle’s seriousness is the console-mounted electrical cut-off switch. The wood shift knob sits atop the short-throw shifter for the Tremec transmission.
Power, Engine Specs, and Performance
The performance centerpiece is the GM LSX454 V8 crate engine, a truly massive power plant. This engine utilizes FAST fuel injection and a FAST LSXR polymer intake manifold. Intake breathing is handled by a short ram air intake with a conical filter. Exhaust gases flow through long-tube headers and a custom dual exhaust system with Borla ProXS mufflers. Power is reliably channeled through a Tremec T6060 six-speed manual transmission. The engine delivers immense torque and horsepower, easily transforming the lightweight Z.
Summary of the 240Z Roadster
This 1971 Datsun 240Z Roadster is an uncompromising restomod, flawlessly blending Japanese styling with American LSX454 V8 power. The extensive modifications include the Tremec six-speed manual transmission, Wilwood disc brakes, and Techno Toy Tuning suspension. Finished in black with a beige leather interior, this custom build is highly exclusive and visually stunning. This LSX454-powered roadster provides an exhilarating and unique performance experience.
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Source: bringatrailer.com
