1972 Datsun Fairlady 240Z | Father & Son Garage Build

I saw this car a few months back at an event and knew we had to shoot it. It's simple, classy and sounds great with some really cool custom touches and the whole car was built by a father and son team with some exceptional welding and fabricating.
Sit back and enjoy...
Autotopia Social:
/ autotopiala
/ autotopiala
www.autotopiala.com
Paul Welsh - Videographer + Technical support: / mr.paulwelsh
Edited by Kyle Simon:
/ _kylesimon
• 1000 WHP Million Dolla...
Vehicle Owner Social:
/ migel1988
Music:
"The Streets" - Chuki Beats
• "The Streets" Classic ...
We want to hear from you. Like the music? Like the cars? Like the locations? Tell us what you’d like to see and we’ll do our best to bring it to you as we continue creating content.
Thanks for watching and help spread the word by telling your friends to check out AutotopiaLA! New episode every Tuesday and Friday at 5 pm (pst).

[@AutotopiaLA]

ATLAmerch.com/

[@Roberto-gp3yx]

I guess Nissan is the way to go for your first speeding ticket. I got mine in a 2006 Sentra going down the grapevine a month after getting it out from the dealership 😆

[@thedevilsadvocate3710]

He saved a Z from dying. He's a hero!!

[@elyon2966]

As someone who rebluit a boat with his father, this kind of experience is priceless. As an adult, beeing able to be proud of your father is a blessing.

[@evoemperor3776]

Everybody is just widebody or fender flares these days. i just want the classic lines of the original car to show and this one hits the spot

[@cartermassey2316]

Stock body ftw

[@robertc4311]

evo emperor This too cool..love the stock lines...glad he didn’t do the Japan spec fender mirrors which mess up the lines...but I would have probably had Rubello racing build the engine up to about 300hp...

[@evoemperor3776]

@@robertc4311 if money is not an object i would get the os giken built TC24-B1Z arguably the best sounding inline six

[@jordancailes8383]

I just bought one and I originally wanted to go with flairs (which were actually a factory option) but it came on some Enkei EK64s (which fits great) and the fenders/quarters are in great shape so I’m leaving it

[@louiedelatorre1667]

Fender flares were an original option on the s30..

[@hunterjones9822]

What a great car, it's not always about 1000 HP twin turbo blah blah blah. Hats off to the father and son team, nothing like building your own car!

[@AutotopiaLA]

Agreed 👊

[@240fxst]

Gosh I had a 72' painted red, black interior, blacked out emblems and bumpers, suspension tuned at far performance in san jose ca. triple webers, horizontal dual stack exhaust, black alumunum rear window louvers gold honey comb enkei wheels. Sold it to my nephew wanted to buy it back years later he sold it. I wish I kept it. Great build you and dad. Something to be proud of, enjoy it! Thanks for the ride.

[@MrStacy1974]

I'm glad you started the year with a home built car. The million dollar shop built cars are nice to look at but unattainable for most people.

[@truantray]

Ok, but there is a lot of money in this build.

[@indigoism6089]

This is still a build that most people cannot afford though.

[@krazytrinisteve]

I remember this car at my neighbor’s house in the Caribbean and it was never driven ever. Just sat there and would walk by and touch the back... drooling ..30 years ago and I still remember it damm beautiful still

[@garynordby6789]

Would love to see more father son garage builds

[@mikevanhalen1989]

“The build never ends” Miguel is dead on there. Great work man, beautiful

[@tommyfrombama4834]

Love the stance, the wheels, and how clean and simple the build is. He didn't modify things that didn't need to be modified. The timeless design is unencumbered. These old Z's are just so cool. The twin turbo 300z come out when I was just reaching driving age, and it is still a car I'd love to own. I'm a muscle car guy all the way. I own a few Mustangs. I respect all cars that done right and this car is right. Thumbs up man.

[@Photobombin]

As a guy who has a highly modified Z, I give major props to this guy and his father for such a tasteful restomod. Thanks for another great video Sean, it was good to meet you at SEMA.

[@AutotopiaLA]

I love em all and I dig that it was a father/son build kept simple and old school. And good meeting you as well

[@rodneyram5172]

Glad to hear Miguel say he will keep it. That car is lucky to be in such good hands. Beautiful Fairlady

[@nenadnedovic9246]

Best 240 by far.Nice touches and you didnt Frankenstein it. Hats iff to you guys.

[@AutotopiaLA]

Agreed. I love what he did with this Z

[@jamesmartin3533]

The metal roof work is flawless!

[@marwannabe]

The triple Webers are gorgeous and the wheels are gold! 🔥🔥🔥

[@arrivendrive6831]

That 240z is a nice clean car. My first car was a 280zx. My buddy had a 240z and it was awesome. Thumbs up for the old z cars.

[@AutotopiaLA]

Love the old 240’s too

[@6pistons]

That is a clean old skool japanese classic. And that 2.4 straight six with triple Webers sounds sweet. Nicely done.

[@AutotopiaLA]

Yeah, this is a cool old school Z

[@haroldrios4050]

Yes! Finally; No engine swap, no highly modified, no roll cage... Awesome 240Z/Fairlady. Liked!

[@scottlasater4658]

It's NOT a Fairlady

[@AutotopiaLA]

I’m with you

[@ruialmeida5755]

The Datsun Fairlady Z is an incredible car, and what Miguel and his dad did to it...hats off. Congrats for the 1st choice of the year!

[@scottlasater4658]

Again, it's not a fairlady.

[@ruialmeida5755]

@@scottlasater4658 - 1972 Fairlady 240Z-G - source : usa.nissannews.com/en-US/releases/datsun-and-nissan-fairlady-z-heritage1972 Fairlady 240Z-G The Fairlady Z was developed as the successor to the Fairlady 2000 (SR311). In late November 1969, the S30 (first-generation model) was launched (announcement: October 18). At first, only a 2,000cc model was available, but two years later, in November 1971, the 240Z was launched in Japan (announcement: October 20), powered by a 2,400cc engine. With the adoption of a closed body design, the Fairlady Z was able to offer much improved comfort and safety. And thanks to the high-performance engine and 4-wheel independent suspension, it gained a strong following in overseas markets. As a sports car, it was a rare best seller: the total number of models produced for the whole series topped 1 million units. The engine for the 240Z was the powerful L24 (2,393cc, 150PS) used in the models exported to North America. There were 3 grades available: the 240Z (1.15 million yen), the 240Z-L (1.35 million yen), and the 240Z-G (1.5 million yen). The top of the line 240ZG - with its long nose, over-fenders and rear spoiler - was the fastest Japanese car, boasting a top speed of 210km/h.

[@AutotopiaLA]

Perfect start to 2020

[@Lessk69]

I can't believe he saved that wreck of a car. That is amazing. And those wheels are gorgeous!

[@whygodrums10]

I learned how to drive manual in my dads 72 240Z when I was only 14. I loved that car. Such a great affordable classic.

[@AutotopiaLA]

I got my first speeding ticket in my moms 70. These are timeless beauties imo

[@whygodrums10]

@@AutotopiaLA like you said in the video ha!

[@615al4]

Much respect to this man and his Dad. Beautiful example of a classic 240. Manual trans is a must have in these beuties. Thanks always for the best car channel. I always have a good time. Its like i am there so to say.

[@juleswinnfield3958]

Bless this man for not throwing an LS in it, and slapping an unnecessarily wide body kit on it.

[@AutotopiaLA]

He did this one right and honored the tradition

[@allantaylor3288]

Nice 240 and the fact he’s kept it relatively stock is great, love these cars and now very collectible 👍

[@CyberDocUSA]

The pop and son build is fantastic and the roof donor... Nice that it worked out. The air bags through me off and it's a cool touch as is the brass plate.

[@skip741x3]

A 72 240z was my 1st car when I was a kid... I picked up a used one, beaten into the ground, 150,000 mi and rusted so bad that the dude had washing machine back panels used as floor boards on each side cuz without that, the floors had a hole the size of a sunroof... more classic rust around inner wheel well areas up front , frame rails underneath and hatch ect ect ... it was an east coast car... fun times in my bondo bucket! loved the engine

[@AutotopiaLA]

I’ve always had a thing for a 240Z. They are timeless to me

[@thisisgoingtofar]

This is a work of art and pure mechanical genius. Really great that it is original. The engine sounds great and the car looks beyond fabulous. Good job.

[@AutotopiaLA]

Agreed all the way with you here 👊

[@tthams73]

Beautifully done! It just drives me crazy when people rebrand the 240z to the Fairlady Z. Mr. K the visionary and legend behind the 240z would be rolling over in his grave! He fought Nissan corporate tooth and nail over the Fairlady name. In fact! The first batch of 240z’s that was delivered to the states arrived with the Fairlady badging. Mr. K personally went car to car and replaced the fairlady badging with the iconic 240z badging. Who wants a car named after the play My Fair Lady? Mr. K had it right. Beautifully done! People can name their car whatever they want. I just thought a little history around the name was just. 👍🤘🤘

[@AutotopiaLA]

Thanks for the history here. Much appreciated

[@tthams73]

@@AutotopiaLA really amazing restoration! I’m in the process of restoring my wife’s ‘72. Just amazing cars! Your’s is truly beautiful!

[@1973noxqses]

I love the high dollar cars. You always show the best ones. But what a car to start 2020 with. I'm sure it wasn't cheap to build. But it is something done at home for less than the cost of several houses. Show us more like this.

[@AdonisHarden]

I have a z31 87. Fell in love with all the Z's immediately

[@thebigboybossy4232]

Nice to see a garage built treasure on the show

[@ganjd1148]

Simplicity at its best

[@AutotopiaLA]

Yep. Love it!

[@mr.h.8363]

Cool ride and a dad that's into cars! 👍👍

[@AutotopiaLA]

Cool and cooler

[@pt_atx]

I'm not a foreign car guy but this build is outstanding. Great video and a lot of fun to watch. Congrats to him and his dad on this build. That's the dream scenario I always wanted with my dad and it never happened. Build memories, not regrets. Outstanding.

[@mikespinler5998]

nice job you and your dad did. one of my favorite cars. i had a 280z and a 350z. now running a 911 porsche.

[@AutotopiaLA]

Cool 👊

[@XionAzura1]

This is one of my favorite Z builds. It’s just so clean.

[@michaeldavid3973]

I still have my 71 daily driver with a stroker motor, 5 speed transmission and a 3.9 lsd differential very fun car to drive also have a 70 sitting and waiting for major surgery hardly any rust. With that all said great job Miguel. That’s one of the nicest builds I’ve seen on KZbin. I Also enjoy my 90 300 zx tt sunny ☀️ days only driving. I don’t plan on getting rid of my Z cars either.

[@AutotopiaLA]

Thanks for the comment and sounds like you have some great z’s 👊

[@kimosabbe50]

One of those cars I'd like to play around in all day. It's amazing how that copper plate makes those Webbers pop ... really nice touch. I think those wheels are a perfect fit as well.

[@independentcontractor1633]

Beautiful Z! I worked for a guy who competed against Paul Newman as a bou6. I cut his grass. He owned Utica Datsun, Lothar Stahlberg. He had a silver Z hust like this, only highly modified. I lusted after Z's ever since!

[@wldwst22]

Beautiful little car. Such a nice build. Love the father, and son aspect of it.

[@AutotopiaLA]

I’m with you here

[@jamesclukey7488]

Very nice job ! I had a 1979 Datsun 280ZX with the original Iron Cross wheels for over twelve years, but sold it. Had the usual parts replaced that wore out, along with a complete tune up and new wiring harness. It started to become impossible to get original parts anymore and I decided to not put anymore money into her. But they are beautiful cars !

[@AutotopiaLA]

Thanks for the story here 👊 Always cool cars imo

[@irvcuttler1365]

Beautiful!. Brought back memories of my ‘71 Alfa Spider. We used to go to Lime Rock, CT and see the Z alway best the Alfa. Did drive a Datsun Fairlady in the early ‘60’s.

[@AutotopiaLA]

Cool story. I really love these and the backstory is great on this one

[@Mattmazz77]

That Triple Weber's setup though 🥰 Plus the steering column is sick.

[@los213k]

That copper plate looks dope!

[@kr8zeivan]

Outstanding well done props to pops for showing you the way!

[@AutotopiaLA]

Pops did a hell of job on this with his son for sure!

[@KathyWeathersbeeSC]

Great build, very tastefully done. Just like THEY wanted it.

[@AutotopiaLA]

Totally agree

[@tomnekuda3818]

Miguel did one hell of a job on this beauty! I met my wife when she was going with a guy with a 280Z......she took me and my Cosworth Vega over the Datsun dude.....score one for me! Love, love, love the red.....I, too, went with 42 DCOE Webers on my Cosworth....sweet carbs and the moan when you hammer them is fantastic! That was 41 years ago. P.S. Everything is just SO right on this car......normally, I don't like 'em sagged and bagged but on the one the stance is perfect.

[@christophermarechal5017]

What a blast, father and son build, saved a rust bucket. Great job!!💯💯💯

[@jmsantia1]

Awesome ride! It's like I always say, KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid). Nothing like a classy ride mostly stock/original with subtle mods/upgrades. It's basically timeless, 10 years from now it'll still look good and not outdated.

[@AutotopiaLA]

Totally agree with you 👊

[@fan2lexus]

The Ferrari Dyno in the garage looks cool too ! 👍😊

[@jamesclukey7488]

Yeah ! I was eyeballing that DINO myself. Very Hot !

[@AutotopiaLA]

Sexy car

[@ferguscasey5301]

Beautiful car. Doesn't need the big arches like many 240z, looks great the way it is.

[@turbo6598]

Like you said Sean from the high end to the working man's build 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@winstonpratt604]

The cammed L24-28 engines sound so good and unique especially with a 2.5" flowby and the diesel idle 😀 solid build my guy

[@Sticks-of-TNT-tf1tn]

When he said “first video of the new year” he had no idea how crappy 2020 was going to be. That aside, that kid and his dad built a PHENOMENAL Z -car! He better hang on to it. It sounds like he has a great relationship with his father but as the years pass he will realize more and more how special the experience of working on this project with his father was. As an old guy myself, I know he would kick himself over and over down the road if he ever let that great car go.🧨

[@AutotopiaLA]

That’s for sure! No idea what was coming in 2020!!

[@RobS32]

“Down to earth”. Love it pal 👍 respect to your old man great job. Great vid mate thanks for filming it 👌

[@hmackprotection1]

A great build. Well Done Fellas

[@AutotopiaLA]

Yeah, they did a great job on this Z

[@mr.pritchard67]

Another bad ass car guys! I like these builds as well because it's something that most people could do.

[@winstonpratt604]

Those cannon intakes are super dope...😉

[@hac73]

Very nice car, and very nice color choice. One of the small things that impressed me were the mirrors. THANK YOU for not mounting them on the fenders. Only my opinion, but I think they look so stupid there. You have them in the right place!

[@AutotopiaLA]

He did everything right here. I think it’s a killer Z

[@erbonprzi2502]

Dream car @ the moment..240z w vr30ddtt..& a Ford 50s pickup.. done 🔥🤝

[@joelirag3718]

OMG. You guys pieced the Z together like Frankenstein, but it looks perfect. Great job!!!

[@Chuckles9191991]

Doesn’t get much better than an old Z.

[@rawdyrider]

Man oh man!I could kill for a 280Z!

[@AutotopiaLA]

I love these cars all the way back to og 240’s

[@justaskforbobdesign]

WOWWWWWW!!! SUCH A BEAUUUUUTIFUL CAR!!!! WOWWWWW!!!!!! AND THOSE RIMS!!! UFFFFF!!! MORE THAN PERFECT!!!!

[@chriserz94]

Great video, and Miguel and his father did a killer job on this S30 Z!

[@AutotopiaLA]

Thank you and I agree. His dad is an aircraft welder so his welds have to be flawless

[@GLHS592]

I've never been a Z guy, but this one makes me want one. I love the build and those wheels set it off perfectly.

[@vinniecorleone62]

A gorgeous Z, love the owner's desire to keep it primarily stock, very kool ride, now I want one!

[@rokasskirpa1783]

Wow what a transformation. That is a beauty.

[@amradio1968]

So many of these aren’t done right. Nice to see it properly built.

[@salsworkshop9941]

Thanks for showing beautiful cars

[@AutotopiaLA]

Glad you enjoy them

[@Bru946]

Beautiful Z.

[@mikecorleone6797]

Gives me motivation to start working on my 71 240z rust bucket.. only mine came with an L28 🤔 just need to hunt down a 5 speed. I do have the original 4 speed i could always use for now until i find a 280 5 speed trans..

[@MrGaryGG48]

I spent 20 years with them... a '70, 2 '71s, a '72 , and a '73. My last one came as an old autocross '71 with an L28, T5 5-speed, a 3.90:1 R200 rear end, Eibachs all around, an 16" X 7" wheels. With that rear end it came off the line like it had a small block in it. The only problem was that the speedo was about 20 mph off due to the diff change and you had to be careful. It cost me a ticket late one night. Great memories!!

[@mikecorleone6797]

Gary Goodlund nice, I didn’t know i could use a t5 with these cars. Where can i get my hands on that bellhousing? Or is there an adapter that needs to be used? Now you have me interested

[@dorian8876]

Dear...so cool!

[@AutotopiaLA]

Sure is a great car

[@Hackenbaker]

What a lovely engine sound. Amazing when it starts!!!!

[@AutotopiaLA]

Old school Weber’s are badass

[@mwmmatt1]

Damn. I'm not a big fan of bags personally but this is so beautiful, really tastefully done! Hayashis suit it well, and God that carbed sound is to die for..

[@AutotopiaLA]

I’m the same about bags but I like em on here

[@jose_s_bam7938]

Love this build! I'm glad he saved that Datsun 240Z! I was gonna diss the bags but since they are japanese as well and they make it have the perfect stance/ride height... 10 out of 10 for me! Happy New Year everybody!

[@antwonlewang1390]

just plain out gorgeous...looks like so much fun to drive

[@AutotopiaLA]

Would love to have driven it longer

[@johndavey72]

Simple but super! Yeah, you could pick holes in it but it is what it is and l like the car for that. Thankyou

[@AutotopiaLA]

You could pick holes but overall it’s a great car

[@dougscustomcargarage3434]

Good looking Fairlady I dont really like the airbags but very clean looking build

[@AutotopiaLA]

I’m the same with bags but I don’t mind on this build

[@charlesroyal3428]

This Chevy guy approves!! Great ride!

[@Cosigner22]

Beautiful car... Those fog lights not being equal is killing me though.

[@AutotopiaLA]

😂

[@xxaltdiv4849]

Great looking Z

[@dadstoygarage1878]

awesome! car sounds good, and glad to see an oem engine in it. nice to see the father son build featured

[@AutotopiaLA]

Love the father son aspect. The father is an aircraft welder so all the welds he did are immaculate

[@NoizTheDj]

That’s a beautiful car and tastefully done… Thanks for showing it Shawn...

[@joshsmith4488]

This car is great. Great video as well.

[@AutotopiaLA]

Thank you and I agree on it being a great car

[@timtraverthediecastcollect6482]

I'm totally in love with 72 Datsun Fairlady 240Z car, Oh wait I fall in love with Japan cars don't matter what year or era .

[@MikeS10]

that car is great

[@joeyfromcali]

Man thats nice I like how original you have it.

[@jezreyes5019]

Great car... Good job

[@chrisrrasberry]

This is done very nicely! Like the unique bits.

[@pillovaldovinos4751]

Beautiful.

[@AutotopiaLA]

Cool ride for sure

[@tierradeluciernagas4500]

Beautiful toy good job

[@MegaLoghome]

Love the car, Happy owner, Great story, Even liked the background music - which is rare for me with this type of vid. But, since everything was almost "perfect" I need to point out one little thing. The screws holding the headlight covers are very disruptive to an otherwise smooth grille-corner side view. In a perfect world you wouldn't see the hardware, in the short-term, the screws could be black to smooth the eyes a little. Just time and/or personal preference, so don't shoot me. The other great thing about this vid is the sincerity when the owner said, "he will keep it forever". Thanks.

[@AutotopiaLA]

Thanks. The owner Miguel loves it and that matters most

[@gerdmeyer809]

wow looks soo good. I have one Z240 here in Germany. In Blue ,but this is great again.Good job man !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@bandagefreak]

That's perhaps the nicest car you've featured to date! Absolutely love it. We would see a few over here in Scotland back-in-the-day but even then, they were rare and probably rotten too! The Webers sound AMAZING and remind me of my old Mk2 Ford Capri which my pal built - Stage 3 head, high lift cam etc - flames would shoot out of the exhaust on the over-run - what fun! HAPPY NEW YEAR! :@D

[@AutotopiaLA]

Thanks. I like this one a lot too

[@lucs1071]

Perfect car, original engine, stock body, the only thing I would change is the air suspencion, it looked perfect at the ride heigh you were using while driving it.

[@AutotopiaLA]

I hear ya but he really wanted it do drop when parked which I can understand. I still prefer coils

[@originaldylanbaxter]

YEAH! Miguel and his padre freakin KILLED IT on this build! Happy New Year guys!

[@masta51]

The old oriental cars still hold their place. Always overlooked.

[@videojames440]

Topper Harley say Asian, not oriental.

[@djsonfire0001]

I'm not big into Imports but this is he is clean I really like the Tire and rims you put on this car as opposed to newer... and just looking at the interior of those seats jump right out at you but they look so retro