1972 | Datsun 240 Z

The Datsun 240Z was the first generation of 'Z' two-seat coupes, produced by Nissan in Japan from 1969 to 1978. It was introduced on to the British market at the October 1971 Motor Show.

The early Z cars were powered by a 2.4 litre, straight six, overhead cam engine developing around 150bhp mated to a five-speed gearbox as standard, which gave a claimed 0-60 mph time of 8 seconds and a top speed of 125 mph. The car also featured independent suspension all round, with MacPherson struts at the front and Chapman links at the rear; rack and pinion power steering and front disc brakes.

This promising sporting performance was used by Nissan to promote their brand image by the well-tried route of entering a small number of specially modified works cars into a number of International rallies in the early 70’s. These included the RAC Rally, the Monte Carlo Rally and most notably a victory in the East African Safari Rally in 1973.

These performances did not go un-noticed and a number of private individuals recognised the potential in the 240Z and started to explore how they might be further developed. One such was Spike Anderson, who had been in the performance tuning business for some years, latterly at Broadspeed as a cylinder head specialist, before creating his own company Race Head Services. 

The first ‘Samuri’ was a 1971 Datsun Sunny Coupe, with a humble 1200 cc engine from which he managed to extract 105bhp. This was traded for a Datsun 240Z, which received similar detailed attention, including a modified cylinder head; triple Weber or Dellorto carburettors; six-branch exhaust manifold and system; lowered and uprated suspension; alloy wheels and improved braking. A front air dam and special ‘Samuri’ paint job completed the picture. A UK car magazine published a glowing review of the now very much faster car, and the Samuri Motor Company was born, with ten Super Samuris built during the course of 1973.

The car offered here was first registered in the UK in 1972 and is an original Super Samuri conversion, recorded on the Super Samuri Register as number 41 and authenticated by Spike Anderson.

During the course of its life, this car has received additional upgrades over and above the original Samuri Motor Company specification. It now has:

• a fully rebuilt L28 (2.8 litre) block, fitted in 2006 by highly regarded expert, Dave Jarman
• triple Dellorto DHLA40 carburetors, with matching manifold and K&N air filters
• a tubular 6 branch exhaust manifold
• baffled sump pan
• thermostatically controlled fan
• electronic ignition
• R200 differential
• 225/50x15 JBW ‘Minilite’ wheels
• Willwood calipers on ventilated front discs

It has seen only limited use in recent years, but has proven fast and handles well, having been entered in local hill climb and sprint events.

The body is finished in one of the distinctive two-tone colour schemes of the Spike Anderson cars - a striking gold and maroon. There is scope however, to improve the condition of the bodywork. The interior is black with some uprated black leather seats fitted for extra comfort. Overall, it is in a good presentable condition.

A total of just 77 Super Samuris were built and today, a genuine Super Samuri is highly sought after.

This authenticated genuine car is in an un-restored condition but has a history of rebuilds and upgrades. It is fast and handles well - a road car that you could race then drive home! The car would benefit from some additional works and is priced accordingly.

 It comes with a V5C and Super Samuri Register certification.