New FR-S Stable Mate - 1971 Datsun 240z

[Rampage]

I have often thought that the FR-S/BRZ is more like a later generation 240Z than it is than an AE86. I never had the 240Z but I did have the 280Z with the same body style. The car fit me like a glove and it had everything you needed and nothing you didn't. I had to let it go when my first son was born. I still miss it to this day.

[Hardway]

Thank you for all the compliments guys! I am very happy and grateful to have the Z. This is my 2nd 240z and my 4th classic Z. I know the amount of hours in just labor alone that it takes to rebuild, clean, prep, paint, and detail the engine and suspension of one of these cars, both of which this car has benefited from. To not have to do that work and just wrap up some odds and ends is exactly what I had been looking for. Add to the fact it is almost 100% rust free, factory silver, and a Series-1 I knew this was the one. Now I have my FR-S as my DD and the Z has a weekend fun car and something to tinker with when it needs something. This car will be staying as close to stock as possible with the only non-stock items to be added like some Panasport wheels, a modern radio, and a smaller diameter steering wheel, maybe a Nardi wheel or something.

In regards to the driving experience, its a 40 year old "affordable for it's day" sports car. Even with a complete suspension rebuild, tuned carbs, and everything up to snuff, it still has to be "driven". It has no problem getting up to speed and can hang with modern traffic all day long. Once I get some more seat time in it I will report back on it and how I think it compares to the FR-S.

[Lonewolf]

That 240 is a beauty...thanks for sharing!

[Tromatic]

Originally Posted by Hardway

In regards to the driving experience, its a 40 year old "affordable for it's day" sports car. Even with a complete suspension rebuild, tuned carbs, and everything up to snuff, it still has to be "driven". It has no problem getting up to speed and can hang with modern traffic all day long. Once I get some more seat time in it I will report back on it and how I think it compares to the FR-S.

I think you made the comparison right there. The parts and technology are different, but the intent is the same. We are lucky to have the thing.

[Idriveft86]

I see one every time I go to work on the other side of town just sitting in their drive way with flat tires and some paint chipped off but sometimes I would see it with car cover on... hmmmm

[shiumai]

congrats - that's a beautiful Z. that is clean. if i had a 3-car garage, i'd still have my 280 alongside my BRZ. i wrote this thread when i was in the process of selling the 280, and did some comparisons when they were side by side in the garage.

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=35028

[Jyn]

Please let me take photos/ride along. There's a green 240 that I park near at work on nice Fridays. It's gorgeous.

[Jyn]

Originally Posted by WhiteFRS69

my father used to own one, he talks about it all the time, countless stories he had in it

ive been trying to talk him into buying another one, he has no interest which is sad, his eye light up every time he talks about it!

he always jokes around because he had to sell it when my mother told him she was pregnant with me. i know its not my fault but i would love to see him get into one one day. for fathers day one year, i met a guy at a local cruise night who had one, told him my story and he let me borrow it for a night so my father can reconnect with his memories... ive never seen my father so happy in his life!

beautiful car you have!

My dad has the same tone/look when he speaks about his old RX-7. He had to get rid of it for the same reason yours did (wife + newborn me = byebye sports car). That's awesome about your dad getting to drive a 240 for a night though!

[Lavalover]

Maybe all these Dad's need to have a idea planted in their head, such as "The kids are gone now, I could get another sports car....hmmmm?" This is pretty much what happened with me.


Regarding the updated radio, I would leave the original radio in place and get a hidden radio kit that operates with a remote. DO NOT cut up the dash board to accommodate a new radio or you will likely regret it later. You can get Bluetooth capable radios that can be mounted underneath or behind a seat for example.

[Dadhawk]

Originally Posted by Rampage

I have often thought that the FR-S/BRZ is more like a later generation 240Z than it is than an AE86. I never had the 240Z but I did have the 280Z with the same body style. The car fit me like a glove and it had everything you needed and nothing you didn't. I had to let it go when my first son was born. I still miss it to this day.

That was my first reaction to the FR-S when I saw it, it looks more like an updated (and unbloated) 240Z ancestor than anything Toyota has ever built.
@Hardway beautiful 240Z congrats!

[NOHOME]

Had one on those when they first came out. As a matter of fact, it is what I learned to drive stick on. Was living in Puerto Rico and the car was quite interesting in the twisty mountain roads with no guardrails. It was hot shit for that time and that place!

Brought the car to Canada in 1973 where it lived until it left for England in 1980. Driving a LHD car in the UK was interesting to say the least. The large hatch area was great for hauling wine back from France.

The car did come back to NA where it finally got sold in FL. Without even a twisty road to enjoy, non AC cars are no fun in FL. I hope the old gal still lives!

Part of the reason I bought the FRS was because I saw it as the modern incarnation of the 240Z. In one way it is: the 240 also had bad synchros from the factory! I sure hope the FRS does not rust as bad at the 240Z.

[brzr]

beautiful car!

i was always in love with the 240z.....it's not a surprise that i'm in love with the frs