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In July 2025, a factory-restored Datsun 240Z sold on Bring a Trailer for $137,000. That car—one of only 37 Nissan-sanctioned restorations from the Vintage Z Program—was a time capsule, rebuilt to stock specs with over 800 OEM parts and a full factory refresh. Impressive? Sure. But here’s the truth:
You don’t need a factory tag or a six-figure budget to build a better Z.
I just wrapped up a full rotisserie restoration of a 1972 Datsun 240Z (VIN HLS30-49227) for a client who wanted more than a showroom ornament. His vision: a show-quality driver that stayed true to its roots while packing subtle upgrades for performance, comfort, and long-term reliability. And what we ended up with? A car that turns more heads—and drives better—than most factory builds.
This build almost never happened. The car was originally at another repair shop. The client had dropped it off there for restoration work, but things went sideways. That shop ran into financial trouble and was preparing to shut down. The car sat outside, exposed and disassembled.
It was the client’s son who saw it first. He spotted the Z sitting out front and told his dad, "You better find out what’s going on over there." Good thing he did. When the client checked in, he found the shop was closing its doors—and his Z was in pieces. Some parts were already missing.
That’s when he called me. We’d worked together back in the late '80s and early '90s, so he knew I’d get it done the right way. I agreed to take on the job—and what started as a recovery turned into a full-scale rotisserie restoration.
When the car arrived at my shop, it was a rolling shell. Half-primed, body panels stuffed inside, trim pieces tossed into boxes, no interior to speak of. It was mostly disassembled and barely mobile—exactly the kind of challenge that separates a true restoration from a paint-and-polish job.
Originally finished in 918 Mexican Orange, this Series II 240Z arrived in my shop in May 2022 needing a full teardown. We’re talking rust in the floors, spare tire well, and rocker panels. Faded paint. Worn interior. But it had good bones and a clear vision. After over two years of work, it rolled out in July 2025 better than new.
This Z now features a balanced blend of originality and smart performance mods:
Rebello 2.8L inline-six: More displacement, more torque, and bulletproof engineering.
Dual SU carburetors: Tuned for drivability and vintage look.
Custom powder-coated header + custom exhaust system
Electronic solid-state ignition for reliable spark
Stock 4-speed manual transmission
R200 rear differential for improved strength
Everything was detailed, polished, and tuned for spirited weekend drives.
To transform this Z into a proper canyon carver:
Tokico adjustable shocks & springs
Polyurethane bushings throughout
Front and rear sway bars
Front and rear strut tower braces
Toyota front disc brake conversion
Refreshed factory rear drums
The result? Modern handling feel without sacrificing classic feedback.
We retained the original wire harness—big mistake. Wire colors changed randomly at each junction. Diagrams were inconsistent. Tracing faults was a time-sucking nightmare. Lesson learned:
If you're restoring a 240Z, rewire it completely. You'll thank yourself later.
We didn’t patch this car—we resurrected it:
Rust repairs: Floors, spare tire well, rocker panels, fenders
Custom wheel flares front and rear, blended into body
Epoxy primed, blocked, basecoat-clearcoat finish
Re-cleared and polished to a show-level gloss
All panels aligned, gaps dialed in
Custom rear deck spoiler + 280Z hood with functional louvers
The engine bay and undercarriage? Fully detailed, hardware included. Aluminum valve cover polished and clear-coated.
The cabin got a full refresh, with modern comfort tucked inside an OEM-style finish:
Reupholstered seats + new door panels
Restored center console
Custom fuel cell hidden in rear wheel well
New dash with Speedhut gauges
RetroSound stereo system with Bose speakers
Dynamat sound deadening throughout—including doors and roof
OEM-style headliner made from sound-absorbing upholstery
Rebuilt heater core and controls
Comfortable. Functional. Beautiful.
New windshield
Rechromed bumpers
Restored stainless trim
New weatherstripping, wipers, handles, emblems
Konig 15" wheels for classic looks with modern performance
| Feature | Vintage Z #365 (BaT) | My Client Build |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Stock L24 | Rebello 2.8L w/ SU carbs |
| Ignition | Factory points | Solid-state electronic |
| Paint | Factory red | 918 Orange, flares, louvers, show finish |
| Suspension | OEM | Adjustable Tokico + Poly bushings |
| Interior | Stock vinyl | Upgraded OEM-style + Speedhut + RetroSound |
Factory restorations are impressive—but they’re also inflexible. This build reflects the client's vision from the ground up—with subtle performance enhancements and personalized craftsmanship throughout.
Never rewire a stock harness again. Too many headaches. Full replacement next time.
Z-cars are deceptively smooth. This was my first Japanese rotisserie resto, and the lines and proportions are just gorgeous.
This build wasn’t about resale or collecting trophies. It was about building something timeless for a client who wanted to drive it, show it, and love it for years to come.
We haven’t delivered it yet—but the client has seen it. And his reaction? Pure excitement.
If you're considering a 240Z restoration—or you're wondering whether to chase a factory badge or build your own dream—this car proves what’s possible.
Thinking about restoring a classic Z, muscle car, or vintage truck? I take on select client builds each year. If you want it done right—old-school craftsmanship with modern precision—let’s talk.
📬 Reach me at Troy@VtwinsToV8s.com
Or check out more builds at VtwinsToV8s.com
Tags: 1972 Datsun 240Z restoration, vintage z program, classic car restomod, rotisserie restoration, Rebello 2.8, Mexican Orange 240Z, 240Z vs vintage Z, custom 240Z build
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