DATE OF MANUFACTURE 1974 | COLOUR: FLAME AND TANGO | INTERIOR TRIM: FULLY RACE-PREPARED | PRICE: SOLD
MODEL HISTORY & PRODUCTION
Manufactured by Nissan in Japan from 1969 to 1978, the 240Z was the first of the ‘Z’ two-seat coupés. With ambitions to enter the European sports car market, the 240Z packed an impressive punch, with a straight-six 2.4 litre engine developing around 150bhp, 0-60 was taken care of in 8 seconds with a top speed of 125 mph.
With a five-speed manual gearbox, independent suspension, front disc brakes and a drivetrain based on the Datsun 510 saloons used widely in motorsport, it was inevitable the 240Z would become the subject of ‘modifications’ to fully exploit its capabilities.
The most notable of these developments was entrusted to the Samuri Motor Company. Under the direction of owner Spike Anderson, modified 240Zs were built and sold bearing the ‘Samuri’ marque (as the trade name ‘Samurai’ was already taken, Samuri was the next best alternative) The impressive results of the upgrades lead to the formation of the Samuri Motor Company.
THIS VEHICLE
This 240Z was bought new in Cyprus by a serving British Army Captain, it was then imported into the UK upon his return. After which, the vehicle was sold to well-known ‘Modsports’ racer, Eddie Stephens, who took it to Spike Anderson for conversion to ‘fast road’ Samuri specification in 1974.
After a racing incident, it was rescued many years later by James Morris, who in 1997 with rally-driver and ‘Z’ specialist, Kevin Bristow carried out a full upgraded restoration with supervision by Spike Anderson himself. The works included an engine over-bore to 2565cc, and fitting of a gas-flowed big-valve head, Mangoletsi manifold and triple Weber carburettors. The 240Z was then finished in Super Samuri livery (Datsun 110 ‘Flame’ and Chrysler ‘Tango’ metallic) with hand-painted signwriting.
In March 2007, it was purchased by Derek Hood of JD Classics for use in the Tour Britannia Rally. It was then sold to Paul Kennelley of Pevensey in 2015, who entrusted a full overhaul and refurbishment to marque experts Fourways Engineering with everything built to current FIA specification.
Specification includes:
2565 cc high-compression engine
High-pressure oil pump
Samuri large baffled sump
Triple Weber DCOE45 carburettors
Lightened flywheel
Electric fuel pump
Electronic ignition
Oil cooler
Triple-core radiator
Heavy-duty 280 type clutch
Differential oil cooler
Datsun ‘B’ type 5-speed gearbox
Rear brake disc conversion
Roll cage
This very rare original Spike Anderson-built Super Samurai comes with a comprehensive history file containing V5s, MOTs, invoices, Bills of Sale, the original post-conversion specification and the Spike Anderson (Samuri Conversions) warranty confirming the car’s provenance.
This vehicle will represent a good acquisition opportunity for a collector, investor or first-time classic car buyer. It’s available for viewing in the UK near Stansted Airport on an appointment basis.
WARRANTY & FINANCE AVAILABLE
Lux Classics make every effort to ensure that the information contained on the website ("the Information") is accurate and complete. However, errors and omissions may occur from time to time and we are not able to guarantee the accuracy of the Information. Therefore, we cannot be held liable for any reliance which you place on the information. Lux Classics does not give any warranties in respect of the website or the Information or the goods and services available via the website and makes no representations as the fitness for a particular purpose of any goods or services available via the website.
