Prepared for Historic rallying
1972 Datsun 240Z 2.8-Litre Rally Coupé

• Iconic Japanese classic
• Rebuilt to MSA Historic specification in 2014/2015
• Rebuilt FIA-specification 280Z engine
• Present ownership since 2022

Formed in 1933, the Nissan Motor Company marketed most of its exported products as Datsuns until the latter name was dropped in 1983. There had been Datsun sports cars before the 240Z, most notably the Fairlady series of the 1960s, but with the Big Z's arrival in 1969 the Japanese firm established itself as a major force to be reckoned with in the sports/GT market. Although designed at Nissan by a team headed by Yoshiko Matsuo, with input from consultant Count Albrecht Goertz, stylist of the BMW 503 and 507, the 240Z looked every inch a European product.

Boasting a 2.4-litre overhead-camshaft six-cylinder engine, five-speed manual (or three-speed automatic) transmission, independent suspension all round and a generous equipment level as standard, the keenly priced 240Z proved an outstanding success in the all-important North American market, taking sales from MG, Triumph and Jaguar.

In addition to its commercial success, the 240Z was immediately successful in motor sport, particularly in club racing in the USA and on the world rally stage. Factory prepared and run rally cars quickly gained a reputation for durability on long distance events, especially the Safari Rally where the 240Z won outright in 1971,'72 and '73. Leading drivers included Edgar Hermann, Rauno Aaltonen, Harry Kallstrom, Shekhar Mehta and Tony Fall.

This rally-prepared 240Z was rebuilt by David Alcock in 2014/2015 to MSA Historic specification using a bodyshell imported from California, USA. MSA Historic papers were granted in 2016 and the car was used by Ricky Proffitt on a number of UK Historic events over the next four years. Sold in 2020, it was used for display events and various track days before passing to the current vendor in 2022. It was our vendor's intention to enter some display events; however, he is still rallying another classic car and the Datsun has not been used competitively for lack of time; storage space has now been lost and so the 'Z' is offered for sale.

Although built to MSA Historic specification, the car now has a close-ratio gearbox, limited-slip differential, Bilstein suspension and disc brakes all round. The rear drums will need to be reinstated for Historic competition. The engine has been rebuilt to FIA specification and now produces approximately 250bhp. Accompanying documentation consists of a V5C Registration Certificate and a small history file. A second set of wheels and a spare gearbox are included in the sale