Brand new to the 1:43 scale series of memorable cars of
the 1970s sees the Datsun 240Z joining the line-up. Produced in the
Japanese Nissan factory between 1970 and 1973, the 2-seater car was
designed by Yoshihiko Matsuo, the head of Nissan's Sports Car Styling
Studio and came with either a 4-speed or 5-speed manual gearbox, with a
3-speed automatic version coming on stream in 1971. The 1970 models
received the L24 2.4 litre engine with a manual choke and a 4-speed
manual gearbox. It was also to become available with a 5-speed manual
gearbox and from 1971, a 3-speed automatic version was another option.
The Datsun 240Z was the first generation of Nissan's Z GT two-seater
coupé motors and its sporty appearance with its distinctive slanted back
was an instant hit both in the company's prime US market as well as the
UK, where the 240Z's modern design, relatively low price and growing
accessibility through an extending dealership network, made it doubly
attractive. It was a particular favourite with the young male drivers of
the day, providing a great deal of ‘street cred' at an affordable
price! The 1970 240Z, known as the Series 1, was introduced first to
the American market by Yutaka Katayama, president of Nissan Motors USA
operations. Small design and style changes were to be introduced
subsequently throughout the production period of the car.
Oxford's replica of the original Datsun 240Z is painted in authentic red,
registered AYA 162K from 1970/71. The detailed interior is black apart
from a brown steering wheel and gear knob and silver door handles. The
exterior contains features which were relevant to both the US and UK
vehicles, notably the USA front indicators, the UK right hand drive
dashboard, USA bumpers and overriders and rearside red marker lights.
The Datsun 240Z badge sits on the front of the bonnet with the name
printed diagonally in silver across the side of the boot. Our model
comes at this stage without a rear spoiler.