1973 Datsun 240z rally

This 1973 Datsun 240z is fully FIA approved and has been since its full restoration back in 2014. This is a fully purpose-built car, from the start of this restoration it was built to be a competitive FIA historic road and rally car.

The car was first commissioned by the current owner to have rally preparation specialists restore this car to his requirements. The car then came to us at Fourways to continue the build. Fourways received the car as a painted shell with an FIA welded in roll cage. The rest of the works were carried out in house, by the Datsun Z specialists here at Fourways. The car was finished by the team in 2014 where the owner then drove it home to Switzerland without any issues.

This Z has entered numerous rallies all over Europe, putting it through its paces in different temperatures and conditions. It has had many victories and numerous podiums. The Z is always a threat when competing. The owner has found it competitive in all conditions provided it is paired with the correct set up for the particular rally it was attending. It has thrived in both winter and summer conditions.

The owner and vehicle have competed in multiple rallies over the years such as, Hero Era (London to Lisboa), Hero Era (Historic Endurance), Winter Challenge 2016, 2018 and most recently Winter Trial 2025, Terre di Canossa and more.

Fourways have looked after this car since 2014. Making ensuring the car is maintained correctly after every rally, full inspections, services, write ups, repairs. All prep for the rallies was carried out by Fourways.

This Z started of life as a slightly modified road car that was used for car shows and local meets. The current owner then commissioned the car to have a full restoration and be built to his exact requirements in 2014.

The car has had structural support modifications made, making it more durable. These weld in strengthening plates were made to the NS/OS front chassis legs, tie rods, strut tops. After all the improvements, the car was then finished in Ferrari Rosso Fuoco and Ferrari Nero Granito (bonnet and wing tops). Built in jacking sockets were also implemented on the car x 4.

The 2.4 litre engine was removed and a built 2.8 litre engine from a 280z was then stripped and built for the Z. Significant improvements were put into this engine as it needed to be competitive as well as reliable.

Engine: Displacement – 2883 cc / Bore – 88 mm / Stroke – 79 mm / C.R 10:1 / Cylinder head 280Z Gas flowed / Springs 280ZX turbo / Pistons J.E forged custom made / J.E Supplied Rings / competition sump gasket / Camshaft American Delta Fast Road / Distributor 280Z electronic timed / Sump Pan Nismo pattern baffled / Oil pick up Nismo pattern / Lightened and balanced flywheel / Clutch AP Racing 9 ½ High torque capacity” / Exhaust manifold Zircotec coated / Stainless steel exhaust system / Upgraded engine mounts / Dual Throttle cables / Carburettor Cold Air Box and K&N air filter / Dual coils Alloy catch tank / Braided s/s fuel lines / Heat shield beneath carbs / Dual selectable fuel pumps / Aluminium Mishimoto MM RAD-DATS-70 / Dual selectable electric fans / Plenum chamber inlet

Carburettor: 3 off Weber40 DCOE side draught / Chokes 30mm / Main jet 125 / Emulsion tube F1l / Air corrector 180 / ldle Jet 45 / F9 Pump Jet 55

Suspension: Gartrac modified struts with adjustable spring seats / Springs Eibach / Bilstein dampers / Eibach Bump stops

Brakes: Front brakes – Toyota S12W callipers with vented rotors / Rear Discs brake conversion / ‘fly-off’ handbrake / Wilwood master cylinder 1 ¼” / Wilwood brake proportioning adjuster

Other mentions: R180 Qauife QDF4L limited slip / Upgraded diff mount / Balanced prop shaft / Minilite 6.0 x15 / Corbeau ProSeries System 3 – ProTeam alloy subframe / 5 speed S14 with quick shift / battery – Odyssey extreme pro PC950 / seat belts – Schroth Profi 11-6 Enduro – 6 point / Alloy sump guard / fuel tank guard

Wiring: Wiring harness by DCE electronics / Independent circuit breakers for all major circuits in navigator’s station / Provision for electric steering assist / Immobiliser – Sterling Excel / Engine kill and master power switch internal and external / High capacity alternator 105 Amp / Heated front windscreen / Heated rear screen / VDO calibratable speedometer with independent sensor / VDO rev counter / Stack oil and water temperature gauges / Stack oil pressure gauge with warning light / Fuel gauge – calibratable / Fire extinguisher release button interior and exterior / Switches for Drive and Fog lights / Upgraded wiper motor (upgraded screenwash nozzles) / Upgraded heater blower / Dual PIAA horns

Navigation: Brantz Rally Timer clock with remote / Brantz International 2 Pro trip with remote / Trip and Clock repeaters in front of driver / Sensors on front wheel and gearbox selectable / Navigator map lights x 2 / USB and lighter outlets / Footrest

Lights: H4 60/55W / PIAA Pro 80 drive lights / Hella 3000 compact fog lights / RearFog light / Reversing light / Auxiliary light mounting bracket

Fire extinguisher: Fixed – Lifeline LIF 105-225-000 Zero 360 -2.25 kg electric discharge