Mazda RX-7s, RX-5s, RX-3s and Datsun Z-Cars | Barn Find Hunter - Ep. 74

In hopes of finding more youthful barn finds, Tom heads south to Atlanta, GA, to meet up with an old friend and co-inventor of the Hans Device, Jim Downing. Jim has been a staple of the Mazda racing scene since 1974, which naturally led to amassing more than a few interesting imports. Follow along as Tom walks you through Jim’s timeless collection of Mazda racecars and desirable streetcars. Tom then stumbles upon two young businessmen who live for Datsun Z-cars. Watch as Tom is blown away when he discovers they have a set of first-gen Datsun 240Zs.
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[@du5t33]

thanks for including Japanese cars in barn find hunter! more please!

[@bored2323]

du5t33 it’s about time they caught on

[@Mardy72]

I agree

[@1977meteor]

Great episode but Jim Downing really deserves a whole episode to himself.

[@sparky6086]

Jim Downing was a friend and customer of my father. I remember Dad mentioning something about Mr Downing doing some racing, but I figured, that it was just a hobby, as it was an occasional passtime for many, when I was growing up in Atlanta in the '70's. They'd race at Road Atlanta, which was 40 miles or so north of Atlanta. To me, Mr Downing was "Just another guy. A regular fellow". I had no idea, how serious and how "Big Time" Mr Downing was as far as racing or even just cars were concerned, until just now! Mr Downing was just one among many friends, that my Dad had made over the years in Atlanta, by having a retail shop, which was somewhat of a fixture and by having a genuine interest in his customers. It's probably been 35 or 40 years, since I last saw Jim Downing. Glad, that he seems to be doing well! ...Also great to see those guys with the Z cars. My cousin had a 1972 240z, which he'd always kept in a garage and took good care of. As a kid in the '70's, I always asked him, if I could have it, when he was through with it? He decided, that he was through with it in the early '90's, when he was retiring and moving to the mountains, so he called me. I have since regretted this, but at the time, I was on a minimalist kick and didn't want any extra stuff in my life. I had a company car, so didn't really need the 240z, so I thanked my cousin for remembering but turned down the car! It was in perfect shape inside and out and had a manual transmission. During my same "anti-hoarding" period, I was offered a mint condition white 1970 Lincoln Mark III with only 35,000 miles, for only $1500. Turned that down too! Man, what a time, for me to be paranoid about being a hoarder! I really missed out. ...Oh well, I digress. If it's any consolation, I still drive my uncle's rusted out 1979 Datsun 620 King Cab. It's funny, since I just think about it as an old farm truck, but since I've been driving it in the last couple of years, 20 & 30 somethings constantly ask me about it, so I guess, Datsun's have a following, just like '57 Chevys had, when I was little?

[@popomomo12]

@@sparky6086 the datsun trucks sure do since they are getting rare. That's cool that you had a chance to meet him and seems like you've also had some interesting automotive times 👍

[@garthhowe297]

High school students, and they have a big shop and a couple of dozen Z's ... holy cow!

[@DamnedSilly]

College students, but yeah.

[@701garage]

They are over priced and mostly rusted out cars. The Z group dont like these guys.

[@richardupyurass2379]

chris hauge yeah I looked into them. Completely off the grid on price. Plus they are all southern rust buckets

[@thebigpicture2032]

You don’t mind rust when you’re young. I used to get super excited seeing rust because it meant I was paying next to nothing.

[@ayylmaoo4993]

@@701garage the man said everything is for sale,so wich means everything is for sale if its worth it for them,obviously they are overpriced when they really aint in a rush to sell anything,and pretty much every 40-50+ year old car is rusted out if not kept indoors whole time,i saw plenty of potential projects in these rusted out cars,some of these cars sitting outside aint in a bad shape at all considering the age,even the damn doors look cleaner than some of the 15 year old cars in traffic,look at the trunk of the blue one,it literally had no rust in trunk and u saying rusted out,these cars were not in bad shape at all as the owner said considering the age

[@paulstan9828]

That was so cool to see all the Datsun Z’s. Brought back a lot of memories for me. I was stationed in Hawaii during the early 70’s and while our squadron was on deployment to Okinawa a lot of sailors bought new Z’s in Okinawa and had them shipped for free, space available, back to Hawaii. During a typhoon they were allowed to store them in an empty aircraft hanger. There were so many it looked like a Datsun dealership. Even with having to do some updates to make them US compliant they still saved a lot of money instead of buying them in Hawaii.

[@THRASHMETALFUNRIFFS]

Wait, so employees of the US could skirt taxes and shipping and stuff?

[@paulstan9828]

THRASH METAL & FUN RIFFS I don’t know about the taxes they most likely paid that when registering the vehicle for the first time. The vehicles were shipped free space available on ships going to Hawaii. Sometimes took months. That however was soon stopped. The government quit shipping private purchases for free.

[@THRASHMETALFUNRIFFS]

@@paulstan9828 Oh yeah, ur probably right, taxes are paid in the state of registration, duh...

[@paulstan9828]

Dirtyd23 Yeah that’s true. These were not shipped with permanent PCS transfer orders. Just people buy a car on deployment.

[@brucebeauvais1324]

I spent years in an import car parts store. We had an ex-sailor customer with a Fairlady Z from his deployment to Okinawa. RHD ( of course) , triple Mikuni Solex , but 2.0 L20 six cylinder and automatic.

[@terryedmond4492]

In 1973, Olds dealers got two Datsun 240zs a month so they loaded them up and charged a fortune. I researched and found a country Datsun dealer who said he was getting 6 a month, stock price, and I could have my pick of color. Racing red, of course! So much cheaper than a Corvette, but twice the fun. Corvette was heavy, lumbered, cost a fortune to drive, and had a fixed, crowded seating position. The Z had plenty of adjustments for a 6' 4" guy, light, nimble. The weight was so balanced and the steering turned so much I never spun out on dirt, pavement, or snow. Bullet proof engine. So smooth after I took the smog controls off. A lot of racing parts available. My favorite car. Got a 1980 Mazda RX-7 that was so smooth and the engine got smoother at higher revs, but it wouldn't start after 70k miles from low compression. It had a reservoir with antifreeze to start in cold weather. 1st car I had that burned water.

[@jordanfc8181]

I’m in awe! This is exactly the kind of thing I love! Rotaries! Race cars and just pure enjoyment from both parties! Thank you Hagerty!

[@dh2360]

Wish them much success in their business, great to see these guys be a part of the classic car hobby.

[@TnTravelers33]

I’m an American muscle type of guy but thumbs up to that guy he seems very approachable and really loves that engine platform, also what he’s done for safety with the HANS device he’s saved a lot of lives.

[@bhollow711]

I seriously never thought Hagerty would do an episode revolving around rotaries. This is literally a dream come true.

[@zoufmalade]

I'm from France, and those "youngtimers" really started to shine in the past couple of years. Old GTi's from the 80's/90's, and coupés from the 70's (Manta, Capri, 2002, GTV6 etc...) more than tripled their value in ten years. Oh and same happened with the 2cv, to a point where it's more and more stored away and only used on the weekends. Seeing one daily used today is a bit of a rarity.

[@MrMinostar]

zoufmalade I was about to make more or less the same comment. Merci

[@bobmcl2406]

Yes, I came here to say exactly this: 2CVs now are collector cars in France too. Kind of sad, since they are surprisingly good everyday cars too.

[@thomasbouyer8701]

Nothing to add, all has been said

[@tntantoine]

I own a 71 V4 Ford Capri and this is one of the best investments I ever made, perfect ride car, been using it weekends and on sunny days to go to work. Value is going up for sure, and its even better when the resto work is done right (or if its all original !). Cheers et vive les classiques européens !

[@howardwhite9773]

I was in France November of 2018 for two weeks. Did not see a single 2CV on the road and only one air cooled VW Beetle.

[@johnmichaelkarma]

had a 86' 300, 88'turbo and currently finishing timing belt service on my 94'na w98k,16 year owner. All manual shift. Keep the Zs alive fellas

[@resurrectedclassics8528]

Thanks for having us Tom! It was an amazing experience and one we won't forget, if anyone is interested in seeing more of what we do, our instagram is @datsunhunters

[@01FozzyS]

THE Jim Downing! What a collection!

[@sparky6086]

Wow, I never knew, that Jim Downing was a "THE Jim Downing!" What a trip! ...Jim Downing was a friend and customer of my father. I remember Dad mentioning something about Mr Downing doing some racing, but I figured, that it was just a hobby, as it was an occasional pastime for many, when I was growing up in Atlanta in the '70's. They'd race at Road Atlanta, which was 40 miles or so north of Atlanta, so I had no idea, how serious and how "Big Time" Mr Downing was as far as racing or even just cars were concerned, until just now! Mr Downing was just one among many, many friends, that my Dad had made over the years in Atlanta, by having a retail shop, which was somewhat of a fixture and by having a genuine interest in his customers. It's probably been 35 or 40 years, since I last saw Jim Downing. Glad, that he seems to be doing well! ...Also great to see those guys with the Z cars. My cousin had a 1972 240z, which he'd always kept in a garage and took good care of. As a kid in the '70's, I always asked him, if I could have it, when he was through with it? He decided, that he was through with it in the early '90's, when he was retiring and moving to the mountains, so he called me. I have since regretted this, but at the time, I was on a minimalist kick and didn't want any extra stuff in my life. I had a company car, so didn't really need the 240z, so I thanked my cousin for remembering but turned down the car! It was in perfect shape inside and out and had a manual transmission. During my same "anti-hoarding" period, I was offered a mint condition white 1970 Lincoln Mark III with only 35,000 miles, for only $1500. Turned that down too! Man, what a time, for me to be paranoid about being a hoarder! I really missed out. ...Oh well, I digress. If it's any consolation, I still drive my uncle's rusted out 1979 Datsun 620 King Cab. It's funny, since I just think about it as an old farm truck, but since I've been driving it in the last couple of years, 20 & 30 somethings constantly ask me about it, so I guess, Datsun's have a following, just like '57 Chevys had, when I was little?

[@MrStuwr250f]

Rotary heaven. What a champion Jim is. My favorite segment on Hagerty.

[@skinnerhound2660]

My older sister bought a new 1973 240-Z. It was silver with a black rocker panel stripe. I remember the cool faux wood steering wheel and the manual choke lever. It was really something special in that time, IMO. We once drove it from SEA to LA, drove it hard all the way down the 5 before todays traffic. Recently saw an early pristine example that sold for 300K on bring a trailer.

[@lcphantom2372]

As a rotor head this has by far been my favorite episode

[@Ben-Rogue]

Nice to see some love for the 70s-90s era Rotary Mazdas, also good to see someone who is working to restore some rather than letting them rot in a field

[@randymorash7013]

I'm 63 and an amateur road racer since 1979, I raced Datsun 510s and 240zeds as well as several 71 Mazda RX2s, currently i race a 01 Integra. In my area the Vintage Honda people are active and you see lots of pre 90s and 00s Hondas' around on the street and at the track, Those people live and breathe those cars. They are just like the traditional muscle car and hot rod guys in their dedication and passion. (I still have a 71 RX2 with a cage and loads of spares that hasn't raced since the 90s)

[@mikeparnwell313]

I've binge-watched all 74 episodes of Barn Find Hunter over the last week or so. Awesome. Not just a fabulous exploration of old cars galore but, for someone from across the Pond, also an amazing insight into US history, culture, society, geography and even psychology. There are some genuinely lovely people over there, not least Tom Cotter himself. And Tom's knowledge of British and European cars is also excellent. Here's to the next 74 episodes!

[@billnalder1017]

THAT is one of the nicest barns i have ever seen!

[@dragonbrownies517]

I'm surprised that Hagerty stepped out of their box and away from the standard Muscle car forte. I applaud them because at the end of the day it is us younger generation that will inherit the future classics. I for one love the 70s/80s cars and trucks.

[@bassclefconnoisseur]

"She's a beaut, Clark!" I absolutely love that wagon and your 'National Lampoon's Vacation' reference!

[@deathproofpony]

I just want to jump in there and start restoring everything. I'll work for meals and sleep in the Datsun's trunk.

[@johncoleman4730]

It's good to see Mazda and Z's on your show.... My family has owned Z cars for years Actually i own a 2009 370 Z but i grew up with these cars..... 510, RX series and Datsun Z Supra etc....its always a treat to see the appreciation for these vehicles

[@jamesb.492]

My first ever car was my stepmoms Mazda RX7, first generation. It was a great car. I loved it, the girls loved it.

[@jamesclarke6861]

That I don't doubt.

[@DamnedSilly]

Yeah, but no back seat to get busy in...

[@Mardy72]

@@DamnedSilly that's what the hood is for 😏 Keeps her butt warm too.

[@THRASHMETALFUNRIFFS]

Man the Green Datsun is Amazing! (except the bumper) You ain't kidding there's a lot of room either, I knew a guy that put a Dodge 440 and 727 in a 280Z, had the exhaust manifolds mounted upside down & exisitng out the wheel wells to sidepipes, lol... scary sucker!

[@matthewtownsend4804]

THRASH METAL & FUN RIFFS that’s fucking insane...

[@refiii9499]

My first project car I ever did was a 79 280z that i put a 350ci in. Man I’ll never forget that. That was back in 89/90 being a 16/17 year old that car was so fun. I drove it to Florida and back from Massachusetts too. I learned a lot about cars with that z.

[@MrChevybaja]

FINALLY. 70s and 80s cars!

[@DamnedSilly]

Well, from '75 - '85 American cars were mostly junk and a lot of the imports suffered from body rot. There were definitely good cars around then but so many of them just didn't survive.

[@HighSockDavid]

Michael Burgess the only really good American cars from that era where the pick up trucks and the Trans am (70-81) the rest was mediocre or absolute trash

[@williamtheconqueror4563]

I restored a ‘73 240Z back in ‘83/‘84. I loved that car. Thanks for posting.

[@bmw-e30]

Always loved those Datsun 240/260's--beautiful cars.

[@Mike383HK]

In the early 70's I drove my friend's RX3. He asked me to bring it to the catering hall for his wedding. I noticed the vinyl top was kind of blown out. He told me it got loose at 135 MPH. While I was driving it, I punched it in 2nd gear. It pinned me back in the seat. I was stunned. What a car. Acceleration was instantaneous and vicious. I couldn't believe a little Japanese compact could do that.

[@keirmclean1759]

ive never subscribed to any show... on youtube.. but hagerty.. hes a must!

[@WireWeHere]

All that remains of my 72 240Z are the emblems. My My nephew used it to practice how to properly write off a vehicle. I did enjoy driving with my legs horizontal.

[@DamnedSilly]

I'm 6'4 and the only car (or truck) I've ever owned where I didn't put the seat all the way back was my '77 280Z. You didn't so much feel like you were driving the car as wearing it.

[@WireWeHere]

@@DamnedSilly Well put. I'm only 6'2" and when a friend lost his heart for toys I acquired his 81 280ZX Turbo. I still preferred the 240 hands down and would have been at home in a 77 280Z too. In fact my friend hauled me 90 minutes each way to have my wisdom teeth pulled. What a ride that was. He intentionally left late to add a little challenge and excitement to the mundane of playing Zambulance. Peace.

[@kirkbrown8389]

I used to have a 79 RX7 - I loved that car....

[@StahpShop]

I'm not a Nissan/Datsun guy (I'm a Volvo guy) but I really appreciate an enthusiast like these Datsun guys who know their information. Lots of respect for them

[@W4TRI]

Thanks for the look back. I was involved with Joe Varble in Atlanta. He had a 300Z first year S/N 7 running ITA. Best racing fun I've been around!

[@marksmith5771]

I bet Mr Downing remembers Tom Gloy & Bill Fingerlow from the old Trans Am Series. I done lots of work for those guys in the Craftsman Truck Series (Ice House Beer) sponsorship. Bill was a great friend, any time he changed jobs, I got the new teams work. Google Bill Fingerlow to see what a guy he was. Once when he was between regular jobs, he came to me and ask if I had room for him to go through a race car, for sure I made room for Bill. Turned out to be a "Rolex Car" owned and driven by Paul Newman, the number on the car was # 80 - - because Paul was 80 years old. Bill tore the car down to the last screw, litterly he rebuilt everything the car was in a million pieces, We painted the parts while he had it apart. He finished the car by himself, loaded it & hauled it to Sebring Florida. THOSE TWO guys, Bill Fingerlow & Paul Newman were a force to be reckoned with. Paul qualified I think it was like 8th & started 8th, like 25 laps in, Paul got spun out, went to the pits for new tires, started on the tail, and this 80 year old man finished 5th. What a testament for him, and what a testament to my friend Bill, to put a race car together by yourself and race all day trouble free and finish 5th with an 80 year old driver. Bet there in heaven racing on gold streets. Rest in peace fellas. Miss you buddy.

[@adamschisler6143]

By far my favorite episode yet! Love the jdm cars

[@gav240z]

Good to see some Vintage JDM cars on Barn Find Hunter.

[@joebrown1382]

Love seeing the young guys that still want to carry the torch. Can't let none of this die from Z's to American iron. Enjoyed the Mazda segment as well. Good show Tom.

[@awaynehenry5545]

Having raced RX-3SP back in the day, I enjoyed your visit to Downing's shop and the Z barn too. We tore up a bunch of the cars that were shown in IT racing which reduces the number available now. The one I let get away was 1991 RX-7 GTUs which was the factory race car and essentially a turbo car without the turbo engine. There were only 50 of those cars built by Mazda. I bought it for my ex-wife and she didnt like it because it didnt have a sunroof, radio or any power options. As they say, here's your sign

[@luckyr3675]

14:00 *wangan midnight theme starts playing in the background*

[@armoi539]

man of culture

[@seph95]

I knew I couldn't have been the only one.

[@RedRideRVT1R]

@@seph95 not at all. long live the Devil Z

[@silent347]

Akuma no Zetto

[@thewolfiemike2353]

*Lights and anymore*

[@KayakTN]

Prices on those 280ZXs are going up. I've owned a couple... they're fun.

[@blackscotydog]

Yea I had three 240 Z ..... back in the 80s. Sold the last one in 89 to build a house....... at lease I still have the house. Miss those cars.

[@skylinefever]

I suppose someone who loved the 280ZX could look at what an S130 Fairlady and an engine swap would cost. Japan's version of the Datsun 280ZXT only had a 2.0L engine, so the USA got something better.

[@ernestocaamano7818]

And the Zs begins here

[@matthewtownsend4804]

240s 260s 280s... I think the z is a beautiful car every since I saw one when I was younger I’ve been obsessed, I’m looking forward to that in the future at least

[@Barton_Motors_Ltd]

Best barn find yet!! Plz more import stuff tom! Do some Toyota/Supra stuff!

[@mikepattillo5302]

I raced a 70 Z serial # 7787 back in the 70's. We converted it to a 260 then to a 280 to stay in Datsuns prize money. Jim Fitzgerald took our car around Road Atlanta checking it out and beat our time by 3 seconds on the 3rd lap he did. Also owned a 78 280Z about 35 years ago.. Fun Cars!

[@txnetcop]

Now this is a trip down memory lane...I had a slightly used '71 240Z and a 260Z car I bought in 1982. I saw the black 240Z I owned 4 years ago and it is still in pristine condition! Wish I had the bucks to buy it back...what a sweetheart of a car it is! I also bought an '80 Datsun B210 station wagon for my oldest daughter for her graduation. She kept that until 1996. It had a 5 spd manual shift and she was in love with it! She told me that it got almost 40 mpg. It was still well-cared for and almost immaculate when she sold it. In my lifetime I guess I have owned over 100 cars but some of my fondest were the Datsuns. Thanks for the memories!

[@DaCoder]

Finally a Barn Find Hunter for us classic JDM lovers :D :D :D

[@waynegalvin4639]

Wow, I had a 280Z , bought it new and it just evaporated into a pile of rust. I got a letter from the manufacturer advising me that it had a 3 year rust warranty and about 2 months after the rust warranty expired perforation rust appeared.

[@Visionery1]

Have always loved the 2CV, especially the Charleston!

[@aussie2uGA]

My fathers attorney had a 240Z bought new. Lightweight but the metal was all so thin and rusted so fast. To open the truck, you'd depress a button in the center and could literally watch the whole trunk flex from it. If the floor has not rusted through, he probably would have kept it longer but it really was all design without much substance. Today however, I can definitely see how people would be attracted to the uniqueness of them.

[@ronmckenna5962]

Those early RX-7's are a blast to drive... but if l could get a 240Z-280ZX in good condition l'd be set for summer cruising for awhile...Thanks Tom for a great episode.l hope those teo young guys do really well for years to come.🖒🖒🖒

[@thirdpalermo4504]

Rotary Heaven! More jdm episodes pls

[@DamnedSilly]

As someone who owned a '77 280 Z and an '85 Rx-7 (GSL-SE) this was fun to watch.

[@sparky6086]

Jim Downing was a friend and customer of my father. I remember Dad mentioning something about Mr Downing doing some racing, but I figured, that it was just a hobby, as it was an occasional pastime for many, when I was growing up in Atlanta in the '70's. They'd race at Road Atlanta, which was 40 miles or so north of Atlanta, so I had no idea, how serious and how "Big Time" Mr Downing was as far as racing or even just cars were concerned, until just now! Mr Downing was just one among many, many friends, that my Dad had made over the years in Atlanta, by having a retail shop, which was somewhat of a fixture and by having a genuine interest in his customers. It's probably been 35 or 40 years, since I last saw Jim Downing. Glad, that he seems to be doing well! ...Also great to see those guys with the Z cars. My cousin had a 1972 240z, which he'd always kept in a garage and took good care of. As a kid in the '70's, I always asked him, if I could have it, when he was through with it? He decided, that he was through with it in the early '90's, when he was retiring and moving to the mountains, so he called me. I have since regretted this, but at the time, I was on a minimalist kick and didn't want any extra stuff in my life. I had a company car, so didn't really need the 240z, so I thanked my cousin for remembering but turned down the car! It was in perfect shape inside and out and had a manual transmission. During my same "anti-hoarding" period, I was offered a mint condition white 1970 Lincoln Mark III with only 35,000 miles, for only $1500. Turned that down too! Man, what a time, for me to be paranoid about being a hoarder! I really missed out. ...Oh well, I digress. If it's any consolation, I still drive my uncle's rusted out 1979 Datsun 620 King Cab. It's funny, since I just think about it as an old farm truck, but since I've been driving it in the last couple of years, 20 & 30 somethings constantly ask me about it, so I guess, Datsun's have a following, just like '57 Chevys had, when I was little?

[@johnhoyt9073]

great nostalgia piece. I was lucky enough to have driven a '79 RX7 & a '73 240Z. great cars!

[@noonespecial6277]

That Mazda museum in the beginning was one of the most amazing places I've ever seen. What a collection!!!

[@fishtanknoob3833]

Im puertorrican and we love rotaries...2 bad im broke but we love em...greetings from PUERTO RICO

[@j1748g]

There is a guy in Tampa who runs a small shop called Maztech. He is a certified Mazda mechanic and all of the rotary owners in the area value him as a resource. I had the engine in my '91 RX7 FC rebuilt by him, very reasonably. If you are ever in the area, you should stop by and see him.

[@voodoodr]

Thank you!!! Loved this epdisode. The RX7 is my all time favorite EVER!!! I once owned an 1984 blue RX7. Ran away successfully from Miami police twice. This was a fantastic find and share. Then the Datsuns!!! Awesome!

[@kingbee1971]

Growing up, my neighbor had a blue '84 RX-7 like yours. I lusted after that car for years.

[@NEuX]

its super cool to see younger guys into stuff like that and very knowledgeable. I would love to hangout around people like that

[@georgefales7964]

3rd gen rx7 (FDrx7) is one of the most beautiful modern plastic cars. Such a sexy car.

[@aleblanc3547]

I wanted a 240 in 1971, but couldn't afford it until 1979 when I paid $10,000 for a brand new 280. Nice memories.

[@livelongmetal1392]

I have a Gen 1 Z and I love slowly watching the community grow

[@deanmouhta]

Great episode. For a rotor head like me, more like these would be appreciated. Keep up the top work.

[@chejlr]

Mr Camel lights, i recognized mr Downing right away. Seeing the 78 rx3 sp reminds of the 77 i had. What a fun car that was. I couldn't believe the acceleration. Sold it for $500 back in 85.

[@hdtec110]

Max and Clay keep it up !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@skylinefever]

Early Fairlady models might not be worth importing to the USA because they were limited to 2.0L. The Z432 is an exception, as it has a rare engine with 4 valves, 3 carbs, and 2 cams. However, a Z432 is extremely expensive. However, those who loved the Nissan 300ZXTT and have a hard time finding a good one might benefit from getting a Fairlady TT imported. Also, it may be smart to wait until you can get one from 1997 or later. They had a few upgrades that the Nissan 300ZXTT never had.

[@mikepattillo5302]

I remember buying a Triumph Tr-10 RHD Station wagon from Downing Motors on Peachtree St in Atlanta in the 70's. Riding a freight elevator with the car from the 3RD floor down. A Multi story building full of rare cars. Those were fun days!

[@stereolababy]

3rd gen rx-7 is perfection

[@jameskidd8733]

I grew up around these cars, dad was ol school American and my brothers and uncles into the rx series and z series, they used to race in a class, if memory is correct, called icarra? They had 240's, 260's and rx-7's that would fly!! Straight sixes with 3 -6 one barrel carbs while the 7's were rotary with turbos and intercoolers, racing seats, roll cages, these cars were some of the fastest I've ever ridden in or drove

[@todddenen]

That was cool. I worked at Discount Z in Phoenix which was a Z junkyard. Worked on many of them in the late 80s. And owned several 240s and remember the differences in the emblems. Thanks for sharing

[@simpsokay1849]

This is my best episode so far

[@TheTektronik]

Rotary heaven.

[@ksooool]

One of my favorite episodes . 👍 thank you

[@The_R-n-I_Guy]

Those datsun guys are smart. If they keep doing what they're doing, they'll be the next big thing

[@connorwestgate]

nice to see people who actually take care of the cars and restore them for once 99 percent of these its a guy whos 80 years old with 100 unfinished cars and has put in 3 hours that month working on them

[@johngerson7335]

Wish I had a dollar for every V-8 I pulled away from (from behind usually lol) in a tall port carbed-headered Rx 3. They'd be topping 3rd when I was topping 2nd. I always looked sideways to smile and take in their scowl as I grabbed 3rd and rolled by. Big fun with a "little" motor.

[@johnthomas7907]

Its fantastic to see their work ethic and passion.. Our generation has a lot to learn from those who had a lot less

[@josephh.189]

Having a Datsun Z is absolutely a goal of mine. It's crazy to see so many in one location

[@fulltilt131]

....I seem to recall hearing several years ago that Nissan ( or some body associated with) was offering a service of taking in old 240,260,280s and doing a full "factory" refurbishment , warranty and all....that ever come to fruition?....great episode....cant wait for the next.

[@jims9259]

That was Nissan's Vintage Z restoration program in the late 90's before the 350z was released. About 37 cars were completed, all 240z's. Work was done by quality restoration shops, not Nissan.

[@marvin984]

Hello Hagerty I remember that there was a company in the mid 70s .That made a small block chevy conversion kit for the 240 . It was said to make the 240 a corvette eater . Marvin

[@jims9259]

That would be Scarab Engineering in California.

[@markchristie5577]

Cool to see this part of automotive history being saved by a younger group.

[@starrguitarworks]

After these last few episodes, you could change the name to Millionaire Museum Finds. Brilliant.

[@tomaslopez9642]

This is interesting, visiting, a place where 2 college students work on resurrecting the Datsun / Nissan 240,260,280 Z, the only one missing is the 300 Z, Turbo also the person ran RX3,4,RX7 first, second generation,plus he has some unique collector cars especially the Mazda Cosmo that was sold in Japan, plus looking at the70sLTD, country square station wagon.

[@saginawdan]

Thanks Tom...love the Zs!

[@sleeks9939]

Jim Downing, WOW! What collection.👍 Then Z’s tho.

[@FUCK_________googIe]

this is the best episode of this production by an extremely long shot

[@RetroMotiveAdventures]

Awesome video! And so true as a member of the younger generation I appreciate 1939 Ford's and old classics but the retro 80s and late 70s to me is my favorite! I daily drive my 1988 Supercharged MR2 while in college and it's a blast! Slowly putting it all back to it's former glory. So much fun working on these old cars I'd love to work in the automotive restoration business someday.

[@engir63]

My favorite when I was young was the 280ZX and now it seems to be lease desirable seeing the old Z cars here and other videos brings back a lot of memories.

[@DamnedSilly]

The zx was pretty, but unfortunately suffered from bloat. The older cars were much lighter and often quicker. The least loved was probably the 300 zx. Flashy style back in the day but lacked the competitive nature of the early models and the sophistication of the later ones.

[@skylinefever]

I would consider the 300ZXT the least desirable, the styling was so bland that many people forgot about them. However, the 300ZXTT is still well known and loved.

[@DamnedSilly]

@@skylinefever Don't get me wrong, being the worst of the Z cars is sort of like being the slowest Olympic sprinter or ugliest supermodel. It's not necessarily bad, of itself, but with that level of comparison it doesn't shine.

[@awizzle727]

I'm in my 30's and those wankles were right up my alley.... Had a 91 turbo 2 and it was a blast. Would like to eventually get a FD.

[@terrydority]

God I love that station wagon!

[@robertsweet4112]

I had an 81 280zx, the silver and blue two tone, in and out. I really liked that little car

[@gabiballetje]

S30/240Z's are my dreamcars, but they are so expensive (over here). I wish i could ever own and mod one to update it to make it more driveable for now.

[@roymyers8575]

More of these guys please

[@MrEyad1990]

What a life that man has . Amazing

[@ihateurmom]

I wish I could find a Z that isn't completely rusted out. At one time, I had 5 RX-7's (1981 GSL, 1984 GSL-SE, 1989 GTU-S, 1990 Turbo II, 1994 touring) and none of them worked! I sold all but the GTU-S because I bought it 20 years ago. With the exception of the FD, I never paid more than a $1K for an RX-7. Finding RX7's with no rust is way easier than a Z.

[@zak_7354]

Woo, rotary and Z fan here so this is a dream episode for me! !

[@gregh7457]

Tom sure knows how to sniff out the good stuff. Goes straight for the hubcaps

[@mowler8042]

Really awesome those two young guys starting a car restoration business, very cool.

[@MrDemonchild71]

I like every episode you do but this one has to be one of my favorites. Im really into old datsuns and toyotas at the moment, the car I really want right now is a datsun 1975 240k coupè. They were everywhere in Australia when I was little but were considered very ugly so they were driven into the ground and scrapped, now its basically impossible to find one. I also love the 70s 330c pillar less coupe. Basically any mid to large datsun coupè and the toyota crown coupè. Great episode. I wish there was a double like button