MZR Roadsports: Evolving The Datsun 240Z in England

Many of us who own a classic vehicle-particularly if there’s any intent to restore it-often end up on a journey of intrigue that hardly ever takes the path we initially plotted. Rahail Tariq began just such a journey with the purchase of a Datsun 240Z in 2001, and at the end of it he didn’t just appear from the other side of the rabbit hole with a sorted car, but with a whole new business as well.
MZR Roadsports is a company that has been born out of a desire to create and a passion for taking an already-adored vehicle and produce something that’s simply, better: a car that retains its classic identity, yet is refined and reformed and can cope with the vigor of modern motoring. A quick look around the internet will give a taste of what they can produce, but as the door was raised on the workshop to give us an in-person peek inside, we got our first real impression of just what magnificent vehicles these re-imagined 240s really are. Joined by 240Z specialist Martin Ryland and a team of talented engineers and designers, Rahail has built much more than a restomod shop.
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[@mattma96]

A car designed 50 years ago looks far more beautiful than those designed after the millenium.

[@rocklobster3333]

and cars from today look worse than 10 years ago :(

[@larsstougaard7097]

Like music back in the day, much better. Love this car and the new Alfa Romeo retromod EV by Totem is cool too : kzbin.info/www/bejne/gWmvfWCgf82gkKs

[@AliasHSW]

The last golden age of car design was JDM of the ‘90s. Hardly can think of many qualifiers, “cars for normal people” in the 2000’s other the S2000 and e46 and e90 coupes.

[@orestmakar8562]

Good design is timeless

[@stevewhite2245]

Class is timeless.

[@TheCabrooster11]

A 911 reimagined by Singer, a Alfaholics Alfa coupe and a MZR 240Z perfect 3 car garage👍

[@conradclipper]

Please, this isn't Pornhub.

[@maliki14]

@@conradclipper I'd say even better

[@clubdevoiture1618]

Dont forget the eagle e type

[@norbertkrasovski2427]

Ah time to build a bmw brand like that :)

[@luismbandeira]

and a CoolNVintage Land Rover

[@FelixIsMyName]

If I ever won the lottery I would get these guys to make me a perfect Devil Z!

[@devilgames2217]

Same 😁

[@sabajin]

Akuma no zeto!

[@acedogboy8421]

@Tony F the work hours alone would be 150k. These cars probabky cost over 300k

[@nathanwabre]

*only if ....

[@jmie3758]

Why wait for a lottery. After pay mate

[@AliasHSW]

The color palette 🎨 for the cars is perfect

[@evanneiswanger]

100% agree. Was gonna make the comment if no one else had 👏🏼

[@AliasHSW]

@@evanneiswanger - 🙏🏼✌🏼

[@garrenturk4093]

@@evanneiswanger I agree as well.... just amazing

[@garrenturk4093]

@@AliasHSW 👍👍👍👍👍

[@chuckcribbs3398]

That light green/ yellow is beautiful!

[@bashirsaddiq]

Never did i think a Bradford boy would be on Petrolicious! Well done Rahail, a beautiful car and all the best in your business.

[@genesmith4019]

I had a 1971 240Z when I was right out of college. I loved that car. I rebuilt the engine and transmission and added a Whitney Catalog Thunderbird header and their 2.5" exhaust system. The '71 Hitachi SU carbs were tunable without the smog apparatus and it was a fantastic dependable rod. I used to maul PORSCHES including some very embarrassed 930s... That 240 eventually went to a very close friend who put another 100,000 miles on it as a daily driver. I think these cars are great. I think the new Z car is going be special too. What fun.

[@mdraken2931]

You did a great job of articulating the employees appreciation for their artistic talents and attention to detail. Incredible people, incredible video!! Please keep making the world a better place.

[@BROOKLYNSPEED]

Yes, finally. This is the format. Thanks! Never knew about this company so thank you for that as well.

[@sungkang7045]

Masterpieces from great men. Thank you MZR for keeping these treasures on the road.

[@jamdc2000]

Petrolicious, back to their roots

[@michaelhughes3302]

So why the silly thumbnail? No different than any other media I guess, click's, click's and more click's.

[@michaelhughes3302]

@Rubedo Alaberti So don't comment then. The reference was about how the main picture doesn't represent the cars talked about in the video and how someone decided to comment on how Petro was getting back to their roots. The roots being genuine car content, without the usual bullshit... I was pointing out how the channel used a catchy thumbnail to attract viewers when a genuine shot of the actual cars would have surfice.

[@donjuan150]

@Rubedo Alaberti I feel sorry for the viewers who paid and now it is for free....pretty rotten....

[@RA-uj3nm]

These gents definitely know aesthetics and perfection. Much respect to their work ethics.

[@terminatkid1]

One of the most pleasing videos I've seen all year. The team at MZR is doing an absolutely fantastic job!!!

[@TheSmellofGas]

I missed out on these. I always wanted one growing up but never pulled the trigger. Just can't do it now, but you never know. The 240Z is still the best looking Z ever made in my opinion!

[@genesmith4019]

'Wait until you see the new one.

[@Xerber85]

As a 350Z HR owner, I could not agree more. I like the 300ZX as well for its angular aesthetic that was typical of the late 80’s - early 90’s. The 240 however, is easily the most beautiful Z of them all.

[@moddude101]

My friend is on his 2nd 240Z he also owned a couple 300ZX's. Great cars.

[@jlopez1017d]

Same about 8 years ago they were still affordable but they’ve really increased in price.

[@MadShadow_]

Engine Exhaust Sound without Music PLS :(

[@anthonyzambri4940]

I watched this video 10x in a row, and loved every second of it. I just bought a 240z and the way they complimented the car wow.

[@gsrox2007]

Tariq's passion traverses the www to reach everyone watching this film. Truly outstanding! 🔥

[@theborth]

Awesome cars. Looks like the Singer for 240z 's

[@Bob-Jenkins]

Exactly what I was thinking. It's easy to spot the passion that's involved in the build process.

[@papa_pt]

classic Z are a great starting point.. the engine has a lot of room for improvement

[@ArthurZakaryan23]

@@papa_pt Yeah the base straight 6 is really underestimated but imagine the 3.2L stroker mentioned in the vid pushing 360HP+ in a car well under 2,500lbs., recipe for fun right there.

[@rahulnarasimhan1669]

Fills my heart with so much hope and warmth this video.

[@fernandito7755]

De los mejores videos que ví en el canal ! Muchas gracias por esta nota ! Desde Buenos Aires

[@azonesuperdia]

I legit giggle like a kid when watching their reunion. Man can't wait for the last episodes.

[@tigg1972]

I miss my 72 240z. Silver with red interior. Grandma gave it to me. (She had own it since new) that straight 6 was so smooth

[@rahulsudhir666]

Your Grandma had some good taste! Dayummm

[@tigg1972]

Yup. Gma was a Playa.

[@lendog203]

ABSOLUTELY a great story, a great approach and a great process that you set in motion. Very impressed with everything I just seen/heard. Props & Kudos to you all.

[@revmedia8108]

I’ve always loved this Nissan!! Much love, your friends at Rev Media!!

[@arny9464]

You are everywhere car related 😱😱😱

[@revmedia8108]

arnoldchr 😏😏 I’m Batman.

[@spinnymathingy3149]

Better than a Nissan, it’s a DATSUN

[@chrisflemington819]

Always of my favourite cars. I recall seeing them on the RAC Rally in the 60’s and they looked fabulous. Maybe one day!

[@chrisflemington819]

The Datsun 240Z was in the 1970 RAC rally and I think came 2nd, 3rd, 4th and I think 5th. I recall watching Rauno Aaltonens car having its number plate, competitors plates etc changed onto a “spare” 240Z in a lay-by to avoid exclusion for running late! They repaired his care and returned it to the rally before the next main control! So if a team of 240 Z’s were in place for the RAC which takes place early November then I suspect that it had already been launched by then which would have been before the 1970 Motor Show? I thought it was 1969 but in fact I got that wrong as they entered Datsun SSS Coupes in the 1969 RAC. But anyway early 70’s rather than late 60’s!! Either way it was a strong car and a good looking car performing well on the RAC and although I haven’t looked it up probably the East African Safari as well in which the Singh brothers excelled themselves!

[@chrisflemington819]

I got that all wrong only Rauno Aaltonen finished in 7th place the other 240Z’ s all retired with various problems one of which was the gearbox which we saw being changed “illegally” in a lay by whilst the crew continued in a spare 240Z! Sorry my eye slipped when I was trying to read across the results for the 1970 RAC

[@mattb4353]

A great video Rahail. Appreciate your passion.

[@thegotzman4225]

The old Format is back! Great!!!

[@father2111]

Fabulous works carried out on a truly fabulous model, well done MZR.

[@toby9055]

Stunning, stunning, stunning. Great to see this kind of workmanship from the UK.

[@davidp605]

Absolutely. A. Work. Of. Art. The quality of work is unbelievable. A masterpiece

[@dwantaylor704]

Good Day From The USA!!! I just wanted to take this opportunity to share with you the infinite level of appreciation for your love of The Z Car!!! Being the proud owner of a modified 1978 S30, with Eibach’s, 17” 34 BBS RS, Recaro’s, Borla Exhaust, Nakamichi Audio!! I love your work!!!!

[@Thomas0220]

Piece of ART!!! Lovely car, well done sir.

[@eoinhwrdirl]

Stunning work!

[@ruialmeida5755]

Beautifully done. Couldn't help seeing the reimagined 911 by Singer. Well done, the end product is lovely! Well done!

[@76S30]

Thank you for posting this video. I read an article I think was from Petrolicious and asked for the video that I felt was taken when the article was written and here it is! I have had my 76 (my 3rd S30) for 20 years and have just really started to work on the car. She has just been a garage Queen. Now she has a Haltech and a bunch of stuff to go with it. At 1st I didn't want to mod. Then after a while I realized it's my car and should express as much. This video is great material for inspiration. I really like the center exit exhaust, the interesting carpet material. I'm not sure about those push fans though, I hope there was bracketing there I couldn't see. Even so, by a great distance, those are the cleanest S30's I have ever seen, beyond restored and modded. I bet that shop is a great place to work. I hope you do well. AND AND... You should sell some of the parts you use in your work, like those brakes and any other bits that bolt on nicely. That would bring in some more $$ for sure.

[@dangale6969]

Absolutely beautiful recreation, built properly in England 👌 and of course it’s raining for every driving shot

[@missinglink9973]

is it always raining in England....and those roads terrible

[@dangale6969]

missing Link ehh, most of the time... I’ll give you that. And they are called B roads, some of the finest roads in the world, especially on a sunny Sunday afternoon in your sports car, nothing beats it, however the road surface is usually crap 😂

[@missinglink9973]

@@dangale6969 I know a little about rain too I live in Vancouver Canada basically a rain forest with pavement

[@w4lsh]

@@missinglink9973 No it doesn't "always rain" but they're based in the north where it does rain a lot more than the south of England.

[@erickonigsdorfer544]

Magnificent! Well done guys!

[@russelldriver1954]

Just wonderful, I am a proud owner of one of the last 370's ever made (40th last I believe) and I feel like I am driving a little bit of history...............BUT to see your work on the 240 in Bradford is just amazing....Well done. I lived in Pudsey- now in South Australia. Keep on saving this wonbderful motoring history

[@technique275]

Owner Rahail has done a great job, guy seems so passionate. Glad to see another UK based company knocking out beautiful products. Thank you for showcasing this company. See you when I win the Lottery. Atb.

[@craigcurtis6282]

Beautiful cars the 240z, glad to see a company in the UK give them the treatment they deserve to be seen on the roads in all their glory & more for years to come. Sweet engine too, would like to see more of the car on the move but happy to see petrolicious are returning to their old format after the issues Co-vid lockdowns cause. Stay safe all & look forward to next weeks episode

[@aaronharris5275]

Great to hear about engineers and crafts people producing real English quality. Great little film there. I have just been in the passenger seat of a bright red 240z and have never forgotten the experience.

[@jameshoffman1485]

just amazing! my father had a 240 and 280 when i was a kid. love them regular and widebody with rb26dett!

[@stephen-john1677]

About time 🙄, they got it right. 🙏🏿

[@tg426]

Spectacular restoration work, always been a fan of the early Z’s, so glad these guys are preserving and improving them. Someday...

[@robertoferrari5397]

..beautiful work...truly.

[@rickybobby7660]

Love what these guys do, pride of Yorkshire😁

[@missinglink9973]

the Singer of Datsun.....love it....wish I had the cake to send you my very little rust 240z. Fantastic job MZR !!!

[@davidkerridge3951]

What a fantastic attitude and a fantastic product- your approach and attitude is amazing and you deserve all the success coming your way. Well done.

[@bruceh92]

Gotta love this little shop. Well done sir.

[@AlexSami-qw4qu]

So tastefully done. A true labour of love. Congrats for pursuing your passion. Would love to own one one day.

[@konigdesign1795]

EXCELLENT JOB!!!! You Guys @ MZR Roadsports are really doing something very special with this amazing car! Very well done!!!

[@stephentann358]

I owned a 260z in the early eighties great fun to drive & after watching this clip I want another one. Fabulous workmanship & a credit to everyone there. When I was a young boy a neubour own a silver 240z. I used to wash it for the owner for extra pocket money & he used to take me out in the car for trips during the summer school break. Years later when I was older I promised myself one day I would buy one. Boy it happened & that sound & thrill of driving my own 260z was amazing. Rear wheel drive was the best part & it used to turn heads when you drove it. I called it my poor man's Etype Jaguar. Very reliable car but as with all early Japanese cars corrosion was a problem. When I sold mine it was an end of an error & still miss it today.

[@kiofrenzy]

passion and patience for a legendary Japanese car. salute.

[@sanjaynandalall2260]

bro whoever does the camera work for this channel... your work is just jawdropping

[@rorymcloughlin2023]

Obviously full of passion and knowledge. Well done sir, if you're going to do it, this is the way for sure

[@reganarendse6157]

Love the craftsmanship, attention to detail and quality of the build. Beautiful cars. Congratulations

[@rdefabri]

These guys do fantastic work, reminds me of Singer with Porsche. So happy to see these cars get this kind of treatment. Great work!

[@midasman1768]

Awesome, great product, looks fantastic.

[@Supercruze]

Well done MZR. Still one of the most iconic and beautiful sports car designs in history. My father was fortunate enough to own a 71 240Z new back in 71. Still fondly remember that car today from when I was a boy.

[@TheSeeka]

Glorious, pure art and yes... I most certainly would!!

[@michaelhansen4138]

Very well done!

[@artmichel5572]

Honestly, this is my very first real love..the 240Z. I remember when a neighbor brought his home, instantly, I was in love. I remember falling asleep and dreaming of one day having my own but it was never to be ; ( You guys have done (and are doing) a great job in your "rework" of an icon.

[@batedidko]

Thank you petrolicious! Amazing presentation again.

[@chrisdooley6468]

So a Singer for original Z cars. I’m all in. I absolutely crave one of these.

[@dkjoses12]

Amazing cars.amazing work.amazing video

[@subhagatadatta3032]

Simply beautiful work of art.

[@BEAUTY09CK1]

So Amazing , Love 240Z All the time

[@dadabooey]

This is astonishing work!

[@AutomotiveAnatomy]

So the Singer of Datsun..got it.

[@lawlaw1]

incredible work

[@wills2552]

Fantastic to see this as a local lad, beautiful car.

[@thomasbrandon8029]

I love how you position the cars to show all the common rust areas. ofc they look perfect, good job. We need to save as many of these gems as possible. KFvintage is making some awesome patch panels BTW for those who don't have access to a metal fab shop.

[@144Donn]

WOW! Gorgeous work!

[@darrenjarvisninja-welshman]

First time i think i've laid eyes on one of these and I have to she's beautiful. Well done lads!!

[@philipcarter8143]

This is pure art

[@calhun1567]

Utter class! Well done boys!

[@Sp1cyP1sc35]

Stunning cars treated beautifully. 👌

[@mikemorris3421]

Back to the original format, some one with a passion explaining what they do, great. I am not a Datsun fan but if I were these guys would be the place to go.

[@fragu123]

In reality one can just be happy that guys like you exist, doing what you (obviously) do best.... in a world where cars are electrified with engine sounds disappearing, it doesn’t matter whether Singer is better or better value one shall say. The only thing matters is that those companies exist to support the drivers, to celebrate the art of driving and the beauty of classic car ownership!👍✌️🤛

[@zedcar7326]

I'm liking their take on the classic style bullet door mirrors. Would love to see/hear more driving footage of this.

[@aneeshfrancis1399]

Like a Singer porche ❤️

[@larsstougaard7097]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/gWmvfWCgf82gkKs

[@loti54]

Porsche not "porche"

[@theman3688]

This is magical!

[@Bugster987]

What great looking/sounding/performing (probably) cars 👍🏻👍🏻

[@TheWuseln]

So beautiful! Back in '87 when I got my driver licence I had to choose between the 240Z and the Celica as my first car. It was the Celica but I have been dreaming my whole live of owning and driving a Z.

[@stuartmorris1689]

Great piece. Life is about being inspired to inspire all around you.

[@mikea5205]

A car that no longer rusts at the sight of water and no longer a fragile flower. Beautiful work.

[@moiluck]

Fantastic creations. Unique machines

[@fullmindstorm]

These people are artists, they're outstanding at it too. God bless them.

[@zacanderson8282]

Very cool cars, great video. You deserve great success.

[@gopherholehotel]

I was lucky enough to be given an apprenticeship working on these cars in the early 1970s , to be an automotive mechanic, in Canada . It was always a good day at work , when I would get to test drive a brand new one .

[@caccaminguscia]

Respect! Great job

[@TopSecretVid]

Very pretty cars!!! Okay this is like the Singer of the Datsuns.. I really really like it!! Good job and I want one for sure, but in lefthand drive 🤙🤙

[@v8cortina]

Great video and a nice bit of filming👍🏻

[@patriograysmark6328]

When it comes on song, nothing like it. it is Z, aggressive beauty. Doesn't need to be the fastest, or the loudest, the shape is timeless, the thrill is timeless. It's just GOOD. Modern stuff may be great, but the soul, the undeniable smile of such a noise, such a feeling? great cars couldn't hold a candle to one simply so good.

[@Shadowboost]

Beautiful cars and build

[@tal2471983]

Wow thank you! ♥

[@edwinhain2745]

Very good craftsmanship 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻😊

[@knowhere4361]

i hope to someday purchase a car from these gents. their craft is pristine, beautiful stuff.

[@theparagoon8312]

I can't imagine the feeling I'd get coming to the shop to pick one these up 😅😅 some beautiful cars there man bravo

[@MetikalMan]

Great day to publish this. I’m one hour away from the next gen Z Proto being unveiled. Supposed to be inspired by this.

[@garrenturk4093]

Beautiful..... just beautiful👌👌👌👌👌....... makes me really want the 400z now