1973 | Datsun 240 Z

The Datsun 240Z, (latterly the 260Z and 280Z) was the first generation of 'Z' two-seat coupés, produced by Nissan in Japan from 1969 to 1978. Its dramatic looks owed a considerable amount to a 1960's styling concept drawn by Count Albrecht Goertz for Datsun, presumably at a time when they were considering ways to break into the European sports car market. The 240Z was powered by a lusty 2.4-litre, straight-six overhead cam engine developing around 150bhp, resulting in a 0-60 time of eight seconds and a top speed of 125mph. A five-speed manual gearbox was standard and the car 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 meant that the 240Z was a thoroughly modern package. In the 1970s, these cars were hot property everywhere, and given that the car's drivetrain was heavily based on the 510 saloons used widely in motorsport, it was only a matter of time before the 240Z (or the 24ounce as they were frequently called) came under the scrutiny of those companies that like to modify the road going products of mass manufacturers. One of the most notable of these was the Samuri Motor Company, who in the early 1970s, built modified 240 and 260Zs for sale as turn-key offerings.

One such was Spike Anderson. Having trained at Broadspeed in the 1960s working on Minis and Anglias, he went on to set up his own business called Race Head Services, and one of the first cars to benefit from his experience was a humble Datsun 1200 from which he managed to extract 105bhp! This was the first car to carry the Samuri name, a deliberate mis-spelling as the 'Samurai' trade name was not available. Having bought a standard 240Z, it wasn't long before it was taken apart and put together faster - very much faster. A UK-car magazine published a glowing review of Spike's personal car, and the next thing he knew, the Samuri Motor Company was born, offering modified Zs and performance parts to the buying public.

This genuine certified and documented right hand drive UK supplied Samuri that is well known in Samuri circles. Number 16 of the 177 produced during the 1970s that is only available as our client had seen and admired it at shows and events and was privileged to be offered the car from the family of the owner Peter’s estate when he sadly passed away three years ago. Peter and his wife were regulars at the Samuri events and he owned the car for some 12 years restoring it when he first purchased. Now an older restoration which still presents really very well today, our clients brother lived in the neighbouring village to Peter and would often stop, admire and chat with Peter about his Samuri it was therefore an opportunity our client jumped at to own this fantastic example when it became available.

The paintwork is a lighter shade of red and the bonnet was finished in Matt Black as opposed to the Samuri Bronze, bespoke to Peter’s own taste when he restored the car but could easily be reversed if desired. The cabin is still in excellent condition and the soundtrack emanating from the straight-six is wonderful with the vendor stating this particular car drives beautifully and will come to the sale with an MoT until May 2025. Since he has owned the car further minor refurbishment has taken place and he states its possibly in his opinion is one of the best examples available and describes the car as car is immaculate, he also believes that the sunroof was factory supplied.


The car is supplied with an in-depth history file containing magazine features, invoices and MOTs, letters from spike to Peter in the file and references to previous restoration works completed and a number of photos of the car at various events.

This fabulous example provides a rare opportunity to own one of these famous 'Z' cars, with authentication and provenance coupled to quality. It could well represent a solid investment for any potential buyer but ultimately sits as a most desirable classic car offering great B-Road performance and stunning aesthetics. Consigned by Mathew Priddy