ZCarZ

ZCarZ Dedicated to the preservation of the early Datsun 240Z - 260Z & 280Z
The Z Man .... Full Restoration of only early Datsun Z cars.

Pete "UZI" Engelhorn, Lead Restorer (Click to restore size)

ZCarZ Classic Z Car Mission Statement
The ZCarZ' s Classic Datsun Z restoration project began as an offshoot of Nissan's Z Store project and our renowned restoration service.
Client satisfaction is extremely important to us. Every car that goes out with our nameplate on it is a representation of our work. We do only top quality work - as our many satisfied customers keep sending those who can also appreciate our philosophy. ZCarZ has earned a reputation for great attention to detail and quality restored autos that will appreciate in value.
ZCarZ is a full service high quality restoration facility that specializes in early Datsun Z car' s. In our 36th year of business, our restoration shop has completed many complete restorations.
In house we do all engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, rear axle, steering, fuel & cooling systems, and electrical, also, all the sheet metal fabrication, welding, body and complete paint work, then on to the finished interior.
We will continue building client Z's to the original factory specifications. Alternatively, we can personalize the cars as much or as little as the client desires. The end result will be a beautiful, correctly restored Datsun Z which also will give top-notch performance and reliability. Don't settle for less, bring your 240Z, 260Z or 280Z in today for an in-depth evaluation!
NOTICE..... Due to the local fires (Thankfully, no client vehicle's were involved) we are taking a break to regroup. Thank you for the prayers and understanding.

The Classic Datsun 240-Z page ...... The History....

* What is a 240-Z?
* 1970 240-Z
* Under the hood of an original Z-car
* Z-car interior
* Original Z-car dashboard
* The Classic Datsun 240-Z restoration project

What is a 240-Z? That is an interesting question!
Over the years people have modified these cars so much it can be hard to tell.
People have cut them up, put in parts from other years or models of Z-cars, removed the original seats, radios, body parts- even engines, and replaced them with non original units and parts.
Now that the 240-z has achieved "classic" or "collectable" and now some are of antique status, more and more people are realizing the value of building cars restored to original specifications. It is our goal to build the highest quality restored 240-Z autos.
1970 240-Z Because of all the changes made over the years to the early Z's, it is often hard to know what an unmodified 240Z should look like. In our restorations we reference all sorts of brochures, ads, promotional materials and other documentation, to verify and make sure we get it right. Also we personally have an original factory trained restorer working on all our cars. It' s hard to beat this asset. We know exactly how the cars originally came from the factory.

Under the bonnet (hood) of an original 240-Z.
The Engine Compartment
The heart of the car - the classic high revving L24 power plant gave smooth torque and plenty of juice at high rpms. Very early Z cars used metal blade cooling fans - many owners replaced these with the later plastic fan to lessen stress on the fan clutch unit. Note correct cloth braid hoses and zinc plated piping/tubing underhood hardware. Despite the appearance, the air cleaner box is not painted to match the body - all 240 Z's used a bright orange air cleaner box, regardless of body color.
The ID plate on the fender well gives the chassis number and engine number - original "matching number" cars should have numbers on the chassis and block that agree with the data plate.

Inside the 240-Z
Coloured interiors
Most 240 Zs that you will find will have a black interior.
However, some cars were produced with other interior colors. For example, cars with a green exterior came with a tan interior. There were also white, red and blue interiors.
Note: that the armrests, dash and consoles were all still black! The earliest 240 Z seats did not have an adjustable reclining back. Often these seats have been replaced by the owners with the later reclining style seats. There is a noticeable gap where the seat back and bottom meet on the early 240 Z's seats and the exposed hardware on the seats was painted a semi gloss black.
1970 Dashboard
Original Dashboard & Steering Wheel - the correct steering wheel for the 1970 240Z did not have the cut-outs in the spokes. The center was painted a semi gloss black and the faux wood rim was also a semi gloss. There is the mysterious indent above the hazard switch, and the Speedo zeroes at 20 mph. Note the AM radio in the center console and the flip up door to the fuse box. The 4 speed's shift knob is genuine wood.
The slot next to the choke was for cars equipped with a throttle control.

The Classic Datsun Z Restoration Project -
Nissan's Z Store Project "Z-Store" Of The Future
Classic Datsun Z restoration project began as an offshoot of Nissan's Z Store project and our renowned restoration service.
- 10 Nissan Retailers Selected To Host Z-Stores -
CARSON, Calif. (November 20, 1996) - Ten Nissan retailers in the United States have been selected as homes of "Z-Stores", an innovative pilot marketing program launched today by Nissan Motor Corporation USA These Z-Stores will offer comprehensively inspected, Nissan certified, pre-owned Z-cars for retail sale in their showroom, along with authentic Z memorabilia and other items.
Nissan Motor Corporation's 240Z Used made new??? ...... Program .....1996
Remember that Datsun 240Z you drove 25 years ago? Nissan hopes you will buy it again.
THERE are used cars, and then there are used cars.
The Nissan Motor Corporation U.S.A. has been buying up 1970 to 1972 models of its Z sports cars and restoring them to their former glory. The cars will be sold at 10 dealerships, starting in February.
To stimulate interest in the cars, TBWA Chiat/Day, the ad agency for Nissan, has started hawking them with advertisements in December issues of most automotive magazines.
The cars will be priced at more than $20,000, up from the $3,526 -- not adjusted for inflation, of course -- that a 1970 240Z originally fetched. While that might seem to be a steep price for a car that is about a quarter-century old, with the 1970's being all the rage, Nissan is saying, why not?
''Right now, retro is very hip, so I think it is a very interesting concept,'' said Rob R. Siltanen, creative director at the Venice, Calif., office of TBWA Chiat/Day, a unit of the Omnicom Group.
The three-page print ads hark back to a seemingly simpler time, promising readers: ''No power mirrors. No cup holders. No lumbar supports. (First come, first served.)'' The ads, expected to run through 1997, feature a flame yellow Datsun 240Z, circa 1972, in front of a cherry-colored background.
Nissan is spending less than $5 million for the ads because they will run only in ''buff books'' like Auto Week, Road & Track and Automobile magazine, said W. Thomas Orbe Jr., vice president for marketing at Nissan in Gardena, Calif.
The vintage Z ads are a small piece of the $200 million image campaign that Nissan began in the summer to remind customers of its roots. The Japanese company was known in the United States as Datsun until 1983. ''It fits in perfectly with the campaign,'' Mr. Siltanen said of the image effort, which carries the theme ''Life is a journey. Enjoy the ride.''
The yellow 240Z is also featured in a two-minute television commercial, titled ''Dream Garage,'' that first ran during the closing ceremonies of the Summer Olympics in August. A toy version of the latest Z -- the 300Z -- is the centerpiece of the delightful 60-second commercial that shows a macho action toy coming to life as the Van Halen version of the rock tune ''You Really Got Me'' plays in the background. The spot ends as the tough toy, joined by a Barbie-like doll, drive away together in the sports car.
But Nissan has gone a step further, by selling a physical as well as a celluloid version of its heritage.
''We have a very strong brand in the Z car,'' Mr. Orbe said. Datsun sold about 71,000 of the automobiles from 1970 to 1972, when they were among the most popular sports cars.
''It would be a shame just to let this vehicle go by the wayside,'' he added.
So the company has chosen 10 of its top-selling dealerships to sell the restored 1970-72 Z cars as well as used Z's from the 1990 through 1996 model years that have been given checkups and warranty extensions.
Nissan expects to sell a total of one dozen to two dozen vintage sports cars monthly at the 10 dealerships and 100 to 150 of the younger used Z's monthly.
The vintage Z's are restored to mint 1970's condition but not updated. That means they are missing advanced safety devices like air bags. Their emissions systems are vintage, too -- polluting just as much as they would have when originally sold.
But the lack of updating may be part of the appeal. ''The response we've gotten has been phenomenal,'' Mr. Orbe said. ''Some dealers already have waiting lists.'' The special Z dealers are in California, Florida, Georgia, Texas and Virginia.
If Nissan decides to add more ''Z-stores,'' as the dealerships that sell the vintage and classic Z's are being called, Mr. Orbe said, one may be added in the New York area.
Nissan says it has done for cars what some watch makers have done for vintage timepieces: restored classic versions of their products to sell alongside new ones.
''Just like a real fine watch, a Rolex or a Patek Philippe, we'll give the public a chance to buy one of these classics,'' Mr. Orbe said. ''Good things have a way of coming back.''
With only 10 official Z-Store retailers nationwide, consumers in various U.S. regions will have the opportunity to enjoy a piece of sports car history with the confidence of owning a reconditioned car at the following locations:
Jake Sutherlin Nissan, Tampa, FL
Sutherin Nissan, Marietta, GA
Esserman Nissan, Miami, FL
Coggin Nissan, Jacksonville, FL
Universal City Nissan, Los Angeles, CA
Performance Nissan, Duarte, CA
Stevens Creek Nissan, Santa Clara, CA
Bankston Nissan, Irving, TX
Courtesy Nissan, Richardson, TX
Brown's Fairfax Nissan, Fairfax, VA
Based on their successful history of posting high volume sales of Z-cars and providing high levels of customer service, these retailers will work with Nissan to begin fully reconditioning Z-cars.
"Through our new Z-Store concept, we are partnering with select Nissan retailers to demonstrate our heritage and prove our commitment to the consumer by offering reconditioned Z-cars - a model line that is legendary in the automotive world," said Tom Orbe, vice president of marketing for Nissan and Infiniti Divisions. "We are really excited about this program because it allows us to offer consumers what they are requesting in a imaginative new way. We hope consumers and enthusiasts alike share in our excitement."
Individuals that purchase Z-cars from Z-Store retailers will receive a number of amenities including a special-edition bronze badge, decal and certificate as well as easy access to purchase Z memorabilia. This program will be implemented in two phases; the first featuring "Classic Z's," which include 1990 to 1996 300ZX model pre-owned cars, followed by pre-owned Z-cars from the Z's 26-year history including early model Z-cars beginning with the 240Z ("Vintage Z").
"Classic Z" Kicking off Phase I of the Z-Store will be the offering of "Classic Z". Differentiating this program from other off-lease programs is an intensive 120-point inspection that each vehicle must pass before being offered for sale in a Z-Store. These cars will also carry Nissan's Certified Pre-owned Limited Warranty and "Classic Z" badging.
"Vintage Z" Cruising into Z-Stores early next year will be reconditioned "Vintage Z's". These restored early model Z-cars will also include a limited warranty and should prove to be collector cars in the future.

Z Heritage Japanese native, Yutaka Katayama, a.k.a. "Mr. K" and the "Father of the Z", brought the Z-car to America in 1970 after seeing the need for a sports car to match the zest for life he found in this country. He began the Z model line with the Datsun 240Z and it continued through the 1996 300ZX.
The Z not only became the fastest-selling sports car of all time, but also established itself as a classic in terms of automotive styling and performance. Additionally, the Z-car was the first Japanese-made breakthrough vehicle in the United Status for Nissan (then called Datsun), beginning a new chapter in American automotive history - a chapter Nissan plans to continue starting with the Z-Stores.
On 10/31/98, Nissan officially ended the Z Store project after only 40 of the 250 planned cars.

In Brief ..... The start of an Icon .............
The first 240Z hit the showrooms in 1970, and it was an immediate success. Priced below the Corvette and Porsche 911, it was competitive with the Triumph TR-6, Opal GT and the new Porsche 914. There was no contest in the showrooms, as the 240Z easily outran all three challengers, as well as being more comfortable, better looking and more reliable. The press immediately fell in love with the Z-Car (as it was nicknamed), praising it in all the enthusiast magazines. Not surprisingly it was a highly competitive racer, winning its class in Sports Car Club of America racing from 1970 onwards. The new Datsun was also befriended by the aftermarket industry, which came out with hundreds of performance and styling options for the new model. Priced at a remarkable $3,526, the 240Z was soon being sold at more than 4,000 cars per month. But nothing lasts forever, and increasingly stringent emission and safety regulations took their toll on the beloved Z-Car. In 1974 the engine was enlarged to 2.6 liters to make the 260Z. Although horsepower was up from 151 to 162, weight was also increased and performance was not improved. A 2+2 model was added to the line the same year. The 260Z was built for only one year before it was replaced by the 280Z in 1975. While the 260 was saddled with troublesome emission-control carburetors, the 2.8-liter 280Z benefitted from fuel injection, improving performance enough to surpass 240Z levels.
Unfortunately Datsun decided to scrap the classic Z-Car in 1978 and replace it with a "softer" model. The new 280ZX was a lackluster sedan in GT clothing, and although most sports car enthusiasts hated it, it sold well to those who would rather look sporty than be sporty.

The True History Of The Early Datsun Z Car .....
Of the era, the real head-turner was the Datsun 240Z. It could hold its own with the Jaguar E-Type (no small feat) at a fraction of the price. This winning combination found favor with consumers, and Datsun/Nissan found itself struggling to keep up with demand.
Z-car usually refers to a series of sports cars manufactured by Datsun/Nissan. Early on they were released under Nissan's Datsun brand name.
Starting out in 1969 with the 240Z, the Datsun Z-cars have been popular in Japan, (where they are known as the Fairlady Z. Note: the Fairladys used 2000 cc L series motors), 2400cc L series motors for the United States, and the United Kingdom.

The First Generation (S30): 240Z, 260Z, 280Z (1969B 1978)
Main article: Nissan S30
Nissan/Datsun 240Z (S30)
Production of the 240Z started on October 1969, with 3 separate versions: two for the Japanese market and one for the US market. The Japanese 240Z featured a SOHC L20 inline-6 producing 130 hp (97 kW), while the US 240Z had a L24 inline-6 with twin SU carburetors that produced 151 hp (113 kW). A third Z, the 432Z(PS30) (for the Japanese market) shared a performance version of the S20 engine with the Skyline GT-R. The US 240Z's engine was not designed with racing in mind as was the Japanese engine, as the Japanese did not think anybody in America would seriously race it there. In Japan, the car was still known as the Fairlady to keep in line with past Nissan sports cars; Katayama fought furiously to have all American badging replaced with "240Z" and refused all dealers to receive cars until he had done so.
The 240Z was released in America on October 22, 1969, and became an instant hit. Combining good looks, powerful performance, and luxury features, it sold over 30,000 units in 1971 and over 50,000 and 40,000 in 1972 and 1973, respectively.
1974 saw the 240Z's engine displacement increased to 2.6 liters, bringing a name change to 260Z, as well as a 2+2 model. Despite the engine size increase, power went down to 139 in the most areas of the US market thanks to new camshafts and carburetors in the face of stiffening emissions regulations. In other regions the power was increased to 154 hp (115 kW).
In 1975, the Nissan 280Z (not to be confused with the 280ZX, which is a completely different car) was introduced after another engine displacement enlargement to 2.8 liters. A major change was the introduction of Bosch fuel injection, replacing the previous SU carbs. This resulted in a horsepower bump to 149 -170 hp (127 kW) (dependent on year), enough to offset the added luxury and enlarged bumpers to meet US Federal regulations.

Chronology of the history of the Datsun/Nissan Z-Car legend...
1966 - Nissan Motors identifies a market for a new kind of sports car. Its product planners envision an agile, compact GT, whose performance and comfort would outrun its price. Nissan engineers begin work on a prototype, which would become the 240Z. 1969 - The 240Z goes on sale in the U.S. on October 22, 1969. It features a 2400cc , 2.4 liter in-line OHC six-cylinder with two side draft SU carburetors, the engine produced 151 horsepower engine, and delivers a 0-60 time of under nine seconds. The only transmission offered was (in the U.S.A.) a 4 speed manual / (in Japan) opt. FSFC71A early 5 speed manual . The brakes consisted of solid front discs and rear drums -- all for a price tag of only $3,526. 1970 - Less than a year after its debut, demand for the 240Z is so high that the Kelly Blue Book rates the value of a used Z at $4,000! Bob Sharp and Pete Brock take the Datsun 240Z to the racetrack in SCCA competition -- driver John Morton wins the C-Production national championship for Brock Racing Enterprises. 1971 - Prompted by vibration problems on the race cars, the crankshaft was redesigned. The transmission and differential were improved. A Jatco 3 speed automatic became available. The rear quarter panel and hatch received new styling also. John Morton wins his second straight C-Production national title. 1972 - The combustion chambers shape was altered lowering the compression ration from 9.0 to 8.8:1, effectively lowering emissions and power. Automatic seat belt retractors were installed and the rear window defroster lines were now run horizontal. Bob Sharp drives a 240Z to the first of his two consecutive C-Production national championships. 1973 - Carburetors, manifolds and cylinder head were changed to meet emission standards. Intermittent windshield wipers were added as standard equipment. Tinted glass, 3 point adjustable seat belts, collapsible steering column, fire retardant interior and racing seats were introduced. At the close of the 240Z's fourth and final model year all-time sales reach 116,712 units. 1974 - The engine displacement of the 1974 model is increased to 2.6 liters, and the car is renamed the 260Z. Due to stricter emissions requirements, horsepower is down to 139. 1974 also brings the introduction of the "2+2" body style, which accommodates fold-down rear seats. In its only year of existence, the 260Z sets a single-year Z-car sales record at the time, with 63,963 units sold. Walt Moss extends Datsun's Z-car dominance by claiming the C-Production national championship. 1975 - Needing increasingly complex technology to meet even tougher emissions regulations, Nissan boosts the Z-car's displacement to 2.8 liters and adds a version of Bosch's L-Jetronic fuel injection, creating the 1975 280Z. Horsepower rating is increased to 149. Front and rear bumpers are enlarged to meet Federal 5 mph standards. 280Z model was only sold in the U.S.A. Sharp moves up to the IMSA GTU racing circuit, winning eight races and capturing the championship. He also wins his third SCCA C-Production title. 1976 - A voltmeter replaced the ammeter. 1977 - A five-speed manual overdrive transmission is added to the 280Z and horsepower climbs to 170. 1977 is also the Z's highest sales year to date (at the time), with 67,331 units sold. 1978- Black Pearl edition introduced on coupe models featured a black pearl metallic finish with red and silver striping.

The Z Man ... who is He?
Well ...... in a nutshell... He is Mr. Pete Engelhorn, a car-nut who spent his early years in North San Diego County, California then moved to Southern Oregon some 47+ years ago. After applying his trade at the Datsun dealership level becoming very proficient for over 6+ years, He ventured out of the " Corporate" into where his passion has resided ever sense, the venue of full and complete Datsun Z car restorations.
He will continue building customer Zs to the original factory specifications. And will personalize the cars as much or as little as the client desires.

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