You Need This: Wide-body, Skyline-powered Datsun 240Z

David S.
By David S. Wallens
Aug 15, 2024 | Datsun, Mecum, Datsun 240Z, You Need This

Photography Courtesy Mecum

Skyline performance paired with vintage looks: This 1973 Datsun 240Z has been repowered with an RB25DET from the R32-chassis Nissan Skyline GTS25.

The body now sports giant Pandem Z fender flares–hard to miss them–while other upgrades include Wilwood brakes, 17-inch Toyo R888R tires and a Flaming River steering rack. Gauges are by Auto Meter, while the battery comes from Optima.

Mecum will offer this 240Z later this week during its Monterey sale. Estimate is $60,000 to $80,000, but what do you think it’ll bring?

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Comments
David S. Wallens
David S. Wallens Editorial Director
8/15/24 10:24 a.m.

Thank you, dear builder, for not installing those Amazon LED headlights. The car looks good and sits just right. 

Keith Tanner
Keith Tanner GRM+ Memberand MegaDork
8/15/24 10:58 a.m.

Calling out the make of the battery is a bit weird. As it having it so prominently displayed in an otherwise well-designed interior. Someone's sponsered :) I would have put that thing under the car where it was both lower and less visible.

But holy cow it looks cool.

Coniglio Rampante
Coniglio Rampante GRM+ Memberand Reader
8/15/24 11:21 a.m.

Wow!

David S. Wallens
David S. Wallens Editorial Director
8/15/24 11:50 a.m.

In reply to Keith Tanner :

Now, I wonder, has this car been shown by Optima anywhere? 

Keith Tanner
Keith Tanner GRM+ Memberand MegaDork
8/15/24 11:57 a.m.

In reply to David S. Wallens :

47 miles on the odometer, stickers on the tires - has it ever been driven any distance or was it built to be auction bait?

fatallightning
fatallightning HalfDork
8/15/24 1:07 p.m.

Mecum estimates 60-80k, I don't think it clears 50. The market seems to be softening, and extensive restomods very rarely seem to bring the $ back invested. 

kb58
kb58 UltraDork
8/15/24 1:18 p.m.

The sad irony is that if it had been left dead-stock, it would be worth more. I realize that's not why we mod cars, but still...

fatallightning
fatallightning HalfDork
8/15/24 1:22 p.m.
kb58 said:

The sad irony is that if it had been left dead-stock, it would be worth more. I realize that's not why we mod cars, but still...

I like to think that this probably started as a roached chassis with no drivetrain.

300zxfreak
300zxfreak Reader
8/15/24 7:36 p.m.

At least it has the steering wheel marked so you know if you're going straight ahead........

te72
te72 HalfDork
8/15/24 11:34 p.m.

Good thing it's in my favorite color and has one of the best sounding turbo engines ever, and just happens to look really good!

 

Oh wait... those are all bad things for my wallet. I better leave this page before I get any bad ideas.

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