Gav240z

I just wanted to chime in, since I'm also a member of S30 World, a later edition, so not in the group photo with Takeo Miyazaki, which took place when the museum opened. However I am thrilled to have been asked to join in and represent the Australian part of the team, as mentioned Chris' goal is to ensure we have a global perspective on these cars and I've been the local train spotter in the Australian market for many years now, having got into my first S30Z back in the late 90s and joined this website in year 2000 I believe? I am also the owner of a couple of low vin # Australian delivered cars - which have their own unique differences. Even though I've been passionate about the S30Z for 25+ years, I still have things to learn, especially when it comes to cars delivered to markets outside Australia. I think we are all still learning, which is why the S30 world project and website is important, to help educate, discover and document. I'm also thrilled that through the restoration work Chris has spearheaded new parts have come to market to provide quality OEM-like reproduction bits and pieces (eg: fuel tanks and door seals just to name a couple). I was fortunate enough to see the quality of work first hand back in 2017, a local Australian had his car in display at the Nissan Datsun Nationals in Sydney. (attached photos). I've seen many 'restored' cars over the years and this was indeed top notch! Obviously not a 'factory style' restoration, but a superb finish none the less. The quality of finish achieved on cars completed since then has only improved! On a personal level, I feel the S30Z series have been greatly under appreciated for many years, however it would appear that more and more are starting to appreciate these cars these days and I'm very happy to see more cars getting quality restoration work performed at this level.

At the risk of flogging a dead horse. The fact that Japan banned cad plating and the fact that Nissan documentation doesn't mention CAD are two pretty compelling indicators of what was in use. Not to mention that when you find an old plated part that hasn't been exposed to the elements such as the AM radios chassis and you re-plate in yellow zinc, the finish looks pretty identical to original to me.

Thanks Chris. They look good.

Are you making these? Or just selling them? If the latter, care to share who the original supplier is?

In Australia I'd order 5 240z's thanks! Context:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimgorzelany/2024/12/09/rising-stars-cars-the-experts-say-are-up-and-coming-collectables/ "1978-1983 Datsun 280ZX ($32,800). Sold in its native Japan as the curiously-named Fairlady, the Z sports car helped establish Datsun (now Nissan) in the U.S. for its comely styling and aggressive nature. As it became more of a softer grand touring model than a flat-out sports car by the late 1970’s, purists have instead focused their bank accounts on earlier models. That helps make Zs from this model-year range a far more-affordable proposition, especially to younger collectors. Turbocharged versions are especially desirable. Though their values have risen by 138% over the last half-decade, Hagerty believes there’s still an opportunity for growth."

I've never seen that water pump either..

If I was the owner I'd keep the plates reserved under my name for possible use again later.

It would be good, but unfortunately I don't have direct access to the car. Never really did, I was able to see it in person briefly about 2 years ago. I did ask for pictures of the horn contact plate, but the photo was not clear enough and the date stamp not easy to read a date from. I agree it's probably a good reference point (with others around the car). The glove box had no markings on it fyi. Which I thought interesting. Given that my other AU market cars all had scribble on the underside of them.

I believe HS30 00060 sold for over $100,000 AUD (not sure on exact figure). I believe HS30 00004 sold for $186,000 AUD + 9.9% auction fee. So around $204,000 AUD. Both vehicles passed in at auction, but sold not long after in post auction negotiation. Considering the economy over here right now I think this a positive result overall. Especially because neither car was 'perfect'. HS30 00004 in particular will hopefully be taken further by the next owner in terms of 'restoration'. Sadly though I believe HS30 00004 will leave the state of Victoria for the first time in it's life. It's been registered here since new and now may go up to NSW/QLD - not 100% sure who the new owner is or their plans. But wish them all the best with it and hope they take good care of it.

By the way, for those following HS30 00004 auction link is: https://burnsandco.hibid.com/lot/224051982/1969-datsun-240z-build-no-4?ref=catalog High Bid: 76,250.00 AUD and at the same time HS30 00060 is up for auction too: High Bid: 51,500.00 AUD https://burnsandco.hibid.com/lot/224052091/1970-datsun-240z-build-no-60?ref=catalog

I think this is exactly the issue, the car has had work done to it over a number of years, and specifications may have been changed as a result. Keep in mind it was used as a press car and driven quite hard as a result (as would any press car). The mileage on the odometer is not a true indication of miles the car has actually done. I think knowledge of these cars has improved greatly over the years and the car was worked on in the 90s when a lot of the knowledge we have about them now thanks to the internet simply wasn't available.

Rear window is heated defrost type and was replaced at some point. It's date stamp doesn't match other components on the car. I did ask for photos of other components with date stamps on them a few months ago, under the rear view mirror, horn button contact etc.. but the photo wasn't able to pick up the fine details (particularly on the horn button). @kats has suggested other under dash markings might be useful, but I was not in a position to crawl under the car and look at those things myself. It's at the auction house and it may be possible to inspect in person. Car was given a restoration in the 90s, it's quite possible these were replaced at that point. The car was and has been repainted in it's history. Do you mean the sill cover where the carpet and door area is? It's an early style bonnet (or hood in your lingo), it's missing the reinforced brackets in the corners where the bonnet meet the inspection lids. I think in another thread I highlighted that it had the plastic inspection lid clips (earlier style). However the car may have had other reasons for some parts to be replaced.. it is 50+ years old now...

The short version of it is, that it's quite possible the car was started in 1969, but put on hold as US / North American demand for HLS30's started to ramp up. It has a mix of different date components on it (eg: engine casting date is 69) but other parts indicate Jan 70 build date. So I believe although it has 69 era parts, it's official birthday (when it got it's ok sticker for QA purposes) was probably around Jan 70. I think the car arrived in Australia in April of 1970.

Careful you'll start a serious debate. haha.