Ryan's Modified Datsun 240z is an Incredible Piece of Japanese Car Art (JDM Legends Tour Pt. 30)

Today I'm looking at an iconic Japanese vehicle, the Datsun 240z. Introduced at the tail of the 60s, the Datsun was Japan's take on the increasingly popular fastback coupe concept popularised by the likes of the Mustang.
This one is a little bit modified. Here's the full list:
• Car purchased in August 2013. Genuine RHD UK car previously owned by another
ZClub member.
• Stripped in Jan 2014
• Acid Dipping carried out by Prostrip in Nottingham.
• Full bare metal restoration carried out by Sand L motors in Langar Leicestershire
over the past 3 years 10 months. Replacement OEM panels include, front wings,
radiator panels, boot floor and 2 off rear quarter panels. Also replaced outer/inner
sills, rear inner arches and floors. Remaining metal required hand fabricated to
resemble OEM or as close as possible (except seat mounts to facilitate lowered
mounting of seats).
• Re acid dipped by Enviro strip before paint to ensure complete rust free
shell. washed and dipped in neutraliser and oven baked at 300C for a few hours to
ensure all remaining acid is removed. Epoxy etched primed for further protections
• Repainted in 110 red
• Full Bilt Hamber Laboratories internal antirust treatment (Chassis)
• Techno Toy Tuning (TTT) Front and Rear adjustable suspension arms
• TTT billet rear bush droplinks
• TTT billet differential bar
• BC Racing Coilovers
• TTT bump steer spacers
• TTT Steering Arms
• TTT Front and Rear Willwood Brake Conversion inc handbrake
• All OEM suspension components dipped/powder coated/painted or zinc plated
before refitment.
• Honda Wiper Motor with Park feature wired in
• MSA Front ARB Kit
• ST suspension rear mounted ARB kit
• Genuine 16 x 8 Rays Engineering TE37V Wheels and Yokohama AD08R tyres
• Rear Spolier and Front Splitters Painted in Ford Stealth Grey
• New OEM wheel bearings all around
• New Badges all around
• Performance Aluminium Radiator
• Kameari Engine Mounts, Diff Mounts and Gearbox Mounts
• Kameari carbon Strut Braces (front and rear)
• 200sx S14a gearbox conversion and short shift kit
• 280ZX CV axle shafts conversion
• Custom Pro alloy Fuel Tank, foam filled with in built pump and swirl pot
• Chrome work restored (previously blacked out) - New OEM Windscreen surrounds
• Group Harrington front and rear bumpers, OEM brackets.
• New Nissan OEM door handles
• New Nissan OEM Window Seal Chrome Strips
• New seals all around from Vintage Rubber
• Wilson Driveshafts shortened prop shaft
• Quaife R200 ATB differential with 3.9 ratios
• Z story race exhaust manifold and full system, modified by Stainless exhausts to
clear floor properly
• Polybushed all around
• Wilwood 1 in master cylinder and proportioning valve
• Replica Datsun Competition Steering Wheel
• New Headlining and vinyl retrim
• New carpet and vinyl trim professionally fitted by IEC trimmers in Nottingham
• New headlight attachment
• New custom wiring loom
• Kameari R 200 diff bar
• New OEM replica Door Cards
• New rear light lenses from Klearz and chrome strip
• OEM wing mirrors
• Hoses replaced throughout
• Autosound retro DAB stereo (same as MZR) and rear speakers
• NISMO shit Knob
• Kameari leather gear/handbrake gaiter
• Cobra Historic GT3 buckets
• Autometer Pro Comp Tachometer, Speedo, Fuel Gauge, Coolant Temp Gauge and
Oil Pressure Gauge
• Wilwood 1 in master cylinder
• New brake Servo
• New interior trim panels
• new door cards with chrome strip
• Suspension/geometry/Cornerweight setup by centre gravity in Atherstone
• Safety devices half roll cage
Engine
• Fully stripped and rebuilt by Pmac and Steve Kiddell.
• All parts acid dipped/cleaned
• Block bored and honed to 88mm (around 3.0L)
• Custom JE forged pistons
• Max Speeding Forged Rods
• Custom Kent Camshaft
• BGH crank damper and trigger wheel
• P90 head skimmed and ported
• Uprated springs and valve gear
• Kameari style cam gear tensioner
• Mangoletsi Inlet manifold with twin cable operation
• New 280zxT Oil Pump (OEM)
• Head matched to inlet manifold
• Findanza lightweight flywheel
• ACT streeUStrip clutch and release bearing
• DT A full engine management, Jenvey Throttle bodies.
• Mapped and setup by Paul Exon Race Engines (245hp without airbox (+13hp) and
full exhaust)
• MJP Auto Airbox with custom front airfilter
• MOCAL oil cooler and sandwich plate
• Bosch Coil Pack
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[@NickTaylorRickPowers]

Jesus that is possibly the best car you've covered so far

[@follyfour506]

Without a doubt .

[@kellypaws]

@Le Jeune 6troëniste No, I'd go 240z. The 240z is a 'real car'. The XJ was a borked attempt at a concept car made for mass production. Having seen one 'in the tin', it's genuinely laughable, that tiny, tiny little V6 in a huge LMP1 look a like.

[@garethholden301]

Le Jeune 6troëniste it’s a straight 6!

[@kellypaws]

@@garethholden301 Didn't want to say...

[@parrogakaparadise9477]

I’m in love

[@kellypaws]

There are very few Japanese cars with perfect styling. That, is one. The buggers are also viciously quick through a twisty road in the dry. I know. I've tried to keep up with one.

[@TheJaslarge]

what a brilliant video. I sold this car 21 years ago and still miss it, so glad it's alive and kicking and would love to see it again.

[@ryanstruggles3174]

Let me know if you're in Derbyshire anytime.

[@TheJaslarge]

@@ryanstruggles3174 will do

[@Punisher9419]

Proper old school engine noises.

[@X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X]

REAL engine noises!

[@midtennmoto7541]

Easily one of the single greatest autos ever created. Few things are more beautiful and so few cars sound as glorious as the Datsun.

[@fifteenbyfive]

Right decision to keep the L engine which has so much pedigree most people have no idea. Ryan saved this car from damnation which is remarkable. He should be sainted for his stewardship.

[@Muktis95]

the exhaust sound made me have goosebumps

[@JohnAnderson4242]

Love that he kept on with the straight 6, that sounds fantastic, bay looks so clean too!

[@SC457A]

Props to the clean work done on the car. They are fun to drive, and his modifications help that even more when it gets spirited on some twistys.

[@HotGritz910]

I must agree...there is something magical about this car.. i know when i drive mine there is this connection thats hard to describe..and the quirks it has adds to the feel.

[@apollo6139]

Nothing better than being behind the wheel of my 280z. You're right, there's just something to them.

[@ClamHammer-rn3rg]

My 260z is my favorite driving experience I’ve ever had. Truthfully, it took me a while to finally admit that to myself. I’ve driven a lot of fun cars and also own a 1970 510 with full racing suspension… but still, the Z is something else, something awesome. Super glad I bought it on a lark and now it’s my favorite

[@theoriginaldanalogue]

I agree. I have never liked the e type. I always thought the looks were wrong. I too would take one of these in a heart beat.

[@naps3386]

Dan Aarons I agree, the ass looks frumpy, like a middle-aged woman’s. Not attractive.

[@bakedbeanzontoast9078]

Should've gone to specsavers.......!!!!

[@rogerhudson9732]

The 'E' may be aerodynamic but only in free air, at altitude. The car's ground effect means the nose wants to take off, at 150mph it must have been dangerous.

[@danielthomas2621]

This is a hard one to watch James, my biggest life regret was selling my 240z some 28 years ago I was young and didn't really know what I had and they weren't seen like they are now....bugger lol cheers mate from new Zealand

[@houssamalucad753]

At least you had the chance to experience one unlike most of us

[@devlad]

This video is a treat. Won't lie, I'm a huge Z car fan with a 300zx, 350z in my past and 370z in my current garage. But I'd love one of these. A real testament to the owner.

[@Hi_Doctor_Nick]

50th year of Z. Nice to see a great example of one on the road. thanks for sharing 👍 I like the view from between you both looking out the front. That dash looks clean with those dials.

[@BarryCatt]

Just the first few seconds of the engine soundtrack took me back to my childhood - for me, nothing beats a straight 6 being given the beans ‼️ That is the best ‘British’ sports car seen on the channel. Brilliant ‼️

[@dmk0210]

The sound of this car is glorious!

[@robbwatson2088]

Wow does this make me miss my old 240. Absolutely love it. For me, it may be a little over tired, but hell, I couldn't afford the restoration done on her. Thanx for the memories.

[@leedorey1490]

I believe this is the build I've been salivating over on the Z forums? Superb build, well done.

[@ryanstruggles3174]

There is a thread on the Z club forum

[@MRGTRB26]

Mad respect to the owner for restoring it to its prime!

[@1970boggy]

Datsun I actually like 👍😂 Wonderful James! That car sounds awesome 😎. Cracking job bringing it back to life as well👍 Exactly the stuff I love, people with a true love of cars ❤️

[@ChrisDorgan]

So much want, ever since my 370z I've wanted a 240z. Such a good job on this car. Nice work!

[@gflo2781]

What a machine, the engine sounds(although the engine is modified), the looks, even the dash is superb for something from that era. The fact that there was a rally version says it all really! Looking forward to hopefully seeing it again next year in the dry! Great video!

[@MrRakaukolis]

With the voice like that she would nail Britain's got talent without much of a competition. What a singer❤️❤️❤️ And then the looks. Oh what a pure filthy perfection.

[@theartofwanderlust]

One of the most beautiful cars ever built, there is a fellow on Vancouver island that has done a ground up resto mod with an RB26DETT engine in it lots like it came from the factory, but nothing sounds quite like the way those cars came stock, I have owned a lot of cool cars but never one of these your a lucky man. Incredible restoration damn fine

[@ValladolidArde]

probably the best datsun review on the tube

[@davidlamey567]

I love it! For me, this is the best car I've seen you review in the 4 months or so that I've followed your channel! 👌🏾

[@DoctorDARKSIDE]

Man you're having a blast with this one - and WOAH that sounds GOOOOD 😱

[@pj9375]

Cracking and a credit to you Ryan. Had the pleasure to chat with you at pod. It's a peach!

[@follyfour506]

This is the best car you have reviewed Jay 👍👍👍.A bloke on our road has a immaculate white 300 zx and I give it a jealous look every time I pass his house. If only I had a few quid .

[@andyjohnson6548]

Awesome video👍 I had a 1975 280Z and I still like it more than the cars I own now.

[@deividasradziunas3696]

This car is amazing. I really want to have one of these in the future. 240z is my dream car.

[@grahamtricker4103]

Nice job and tastefully done, which is very rare these days. Great sound too!

[@richardzedman1160]

Ive got a 260z ive been driving for 33 years i haven't found a new car that gives me more fun than this Its never let me down super strong and reliable They realy are a hoot to drive These datsuns are becoming very desirable

[@paolovillarubia8734]

This Datsun is perfection

[@danielpascoe2937]

That noise! The details. The whole thing. Totally superb and thanks for creating video.

[@benlotus2703]

Beautiful Datsun. Great video. My father built a Datsun roadster 2000, with a turbo sr20 in it.

[@KC-jr4un]

Love these! Drove one about a year ago and would love to own one eventually! This one has been restored well. Love the wheels!

[@eze8970]

Amazing car, fantastic sound!

[@Speciaindividual]

What a beautiful restoration. I want one!

[@Insectoid_]

Datsun. Always loved them. We had a few when I was growing up.

[@Wallygjs]

Fabulous! Ryan you are a hero. More like this please JayEmm!!!

[@cathrynharrison8426]

We love Ryan’s brum brum!!

[@FASTERLANEDisBACK]

Thanks for videos like this one and you're Hartge X5 video. Since I found you, I learned to love modified and tuned cars as much as I love stock ones. Some of them desperately need upgrades. And thanks Ryan for allowing us to see your work!

[@graemew7001]

I dread to think what it'll have cost to build but from what I've seen in this video its been worth every penny and a gorgeous car.

[@jamiemorris5177]

My uncle had of these brand new when I was a kid in white as most were Just remember going out in it pulling up at the shops with loads of people looking at it

[@themanipulator1]

Now that is Very very special machine. Absolutely stunning

[@paulobumaye6425]

That decapitator seat belt is making me nervous

[@patfurlan]

thats not the factory "lap belt"

[@tstyle76]

Thank you for this! I’m trying to restore my 1878 280Z and this is very useful.

[@Trad-Am]

1972 240z was my first car in high school. Loved that car!

[@thedoghandler1]

The start of the brilliant z family God its a good looking thing. I have never been in a 240z. I have been lucky enough to go in a 300zx twin turbo that's a ball of fun. But again finding a good one is hard parts are expensive and hard to replace. I must agree best video yet. And big thumbs up to Ryan as that work would have been expensive and time consuming great job.

[@shaunmcinnis1960]

I had 3 of these in my life,,.great memories

[@mcximus]

Great restoration, Ryan.

[@francobanzini665]

I like that a lot! Sounds great Looks fabulous Was driven in one when I was about 10 years old but it didn’t sound like that

[@justinmaccreery2490]

Ryan, hats off to you man. You've built an incredible, incredible ~modern machine by evolving a classic! It sounds, moves, and looks good from every perspective. And thanks James for presenting the vehicle. Cheers from Charlotte, NC

[@snake5838]

Great to see the 240Z reaching the status it has with the classic car community. They were great back in the day, and pretty affordable for the performance. My second car was a 240, back in 81, and being young and foolish, crashed it. But I did buy a second, slightly modified one in 87, and she looked great. Had her for about 4 years, and unfortunately had to basically scrap her for terminal rust. A common problem, and cost prohibitive to fix, if salvagable at all. But always glad to see any of these early Z's retaining the L engine when undergoing extensive modifications. Original inline 6 is the only option for me, even if I was spending big, big bucks on a restoration/ mod.

[@fieramente]

Nice car! I envy those who can make such restorations with their own hands.

[@petyrkowalski9887]

Love it. Really nice review. Always loved the 240z

[@jeffreysalzman1497]

There is something very perfect about that car.

[@ben3557]

Great video of a lovely car - it's so refreshing for the engine noise not to be drowned out by someones idea of music or muted! I have fond memories of watching these going up hillclimbs such as Wiscombe Park for the aston martin owners club meetings back in the 80's/90's? They sounded very similar to the tuned straight -six AM DB4 or DB5's etc which also sounded absolutely gorgeous!

[@TK42138]

That looks and sounds bloody gorgeous. Nice scenery too. I recognised parts of the Hedinghams and north Essex/Suffolk borders. Some nice driving roads in these parts.

[@gav240z]

I've got a red 240z like it, with Triple Mikunis. Owner it for 20 years now. I also have an FD RX7 and an Rb26 powered Stagea which are both fun in their own ways. But the 240z continues to put a smile on my face all these years later. And feels quick too!

[@gav240z]

There is just something about NA grunt vs turbo power... It can't be beat.

[@markblades4536]

Really enjoyed that mate, I like your style of shooting, I’ve got a 1977 Fairlady Z out of Japan I’m currently restoring...that certainly got the juices flowing, thanks for sharing

[@efxr6538]

Totally agree about this these 240Z's looking better than Jaguar E Types! 240Z are just gorgeous!

[@battyflaps5410]

Love a 240z one of my favourite cars

[@blackflagpirate3444]

Sounds and looks bloody amazing 🏎💥💨

[@mikepowers572]

AD08R, the struggle is real :D Very much looking forward to a full review of this in the sunshine next year

[@Maggiemay1942]

Beautifully finished. Well done!

[@rickc2102]

Always match your shoelaces to your gauge needles.

[@peterwhitehead2453]

I saw one of these today at my local Shell garage in Sydney. Absolutely gorgeous resto mod in yellow. But I prefer the one in this video…especially in red with the black wheels…looks amazing…and then the engine sound…

[@williamcampbell1340]

I have a 1971 Z that I have had since it was new love it 😊

[@madmatt5661]

Sounds ace

[@datboy9521]

Awesome that car and engine, I loved my 2004 z I’m definite looking at getting another

[@swiper1818]

I hit like immediately upon hearing the exhaust note👍👍👍

[@rogerhudson9732]

In the late 1970s I had a Porsche 911S, my tech. assistant had a 240Z, I thought he had the better car. So useable , an all-round performer ( 911s are rubbish for shopping). A basic similarity to the MGB GT/MGC but so much better.

[@williamandrews1683]

Oh I do miss the sound of triple mikuni's on my 73. Who's I still had that one but I'm currently building a 76 and will hear that beautiful sound again soon!

[@MiniBull-vq2yg]

Stunning motor, sounds awesome 👏

[@savetheelephants]

Nice review! I enjoyed your enthusiasm for this particular car!

[@francedavid7502]

Great styling 240Z and years ahead of its time! I had one some years back and was stolen when parked in the China Town of Manchester.

[@jerryarm4160]

I bought my wifey one of these years ago. Her issues was that she was too short to see over the dash. So I stepped up my husband game and drove it for her, lol. GOD THAT CAR WAS GREAT!

[@JayEmmOnCars]

You da real MVP

[@jerryarm4160]

@@JayEmmOnCars I found your channel about 3 a.m. and have been binging it the rest of the day. I do wish you had been able to drive the next generation Charger R/T or Scatpack. Its no Hellcat, but it is a blast to drive.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

@@jerryarm4160 yeah me too!

[@hawkeye7249]

Always enjoy your content . i owned one of these in the early eighties what a great car . One of those rare cases where they got it right on the first try .

[@Will_M600]

James my 200sx is almost ready for a review! Just gotta do the bushes and shocks so it doesn't kill you. Its not as beautiful as this thing tho, my god! And that sound makes me rather jealous. One day I will have a blue 240z...

[@2702simmo]

Skint14A I miss my old 200sx. Had 3 of them quality motors but about 15 yrs since I last owned one

[@Will_M600]

@@2702simmo not the fastest car for the money in a straight line but every time I drive it I get out with a smile on my face :)

[@karlschmidt7258]

1981, Tacoma, WA….I ran a Porsche shop, but owned a 240 and 260z and co-sponsored a Z club…now retired and have been contemplating a 996 or 997….now I’m utterly torn…The Z’s are so easy to work on but ultimately, I’m afraid lack of parts availability (like steering racks) will lead me to the 911. But the Z’s, so far, remain the best, most fun cars I’ve ever owned.

[@owenh6448]

The perfect 240z

[@-PLAYER0NE-]

Such a beautiful car! I know I’m late to the party here, really just came to reiterate yet again my curiosity and fear of having to shift with my left hand. I’ve never had the opportunity to drive a proper RHD car but I consider myself pretty fluent and capable in 3 pedal cars, albeit USDM obviously. It must be so strange having to retune your brain for that, not to mention I’m right handed. All that nonsense aside, this was a great video! I’m sure I’ll be back for more.

[@DoubleDeckerAnton]

Lovely old Datsun here...🆒️💯👌✅

[@Swwa89]

Looks and sounds amazing!!!! Great platform for an rb25 swap but I think the way it is now is near on perfect

[@robertrishel3685]

Gorgeous machine! Just fantastic!

[@cetri777]

my dream car...

[@speezbortzappfing3r224]

This 240Z is on my short list of the most desirable cars to own

[@Joe_EP3]

Genuinely beautiful.

[@paulbrookes5365]

240Z looks good from any angle. They took styling hints from the Toyota 2000 GT, Ferrari 250 GTO and got it just right.

[@samsungflv]

She is epic, definitely

[@54M0HT]

Thanks for a great and heartfelt video on a great car. Channel is going great with this kind of content! Just a side note, I run AD08R on my FD and I don't hesitate to push a fair bit on those kind of roads even in the damp, I don't think they need too much 'warming up' to give normal levels of grip, they're not really all-out track tyres. Just in case you find yourself in this situation again :-)

[@JayEmmOnCars]

I am aware that I was probably being over cautious, but with the car being so special I did not want to take any chances

[@patfurlan]

great review Money shot at 14:07 ... thank you

[@nzdatsports9659]

gorgeous

[@zakelwe]

that person who did a down thumb, was it Ryan's wife do you think? Crackin ...

[@Random-nf7qb]

e-type owners

[@TheIndulged1]

@@Random-nf7qb I don't like the styling of the E type, I think it's ugly compared to the Datsun fairlady

[@johnmarsh2078]

Wow was this car a collander! The 240Z was made from lots of paper-thin sheet steel with many double skins, dead-air spaces and raw box sections, it was an adventure playground for rust-worms. No wonder that when Nissan decided to remanufacture them they got bodyshells from the dry states in the US .... California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. This car is worth it just for the exhaust note. There is nothing like a straight six for a smooth exhaust note.

[@marksainsbury4109]

Perfection ! And that exhaust note . . . . .👍

[@retrostu1]

I’ve always wanted a Datsun 240Z, maybe one day I’ll be able to afford to make it happen 🤞🏻

[@eylonemuskson4177]

Pretty sure the first 2 seconds of that engine sound made me soil my underwear. One of the greatest sounding cars of all time. If you swap an RB into this car you're going straight to hell. That L series with the carbs is just #chefkiss