Michael SatterfieldHere at TheGentlemanRacer.com, our passion for iconic vehicles drives everything we do, and our latest project is no exception. Meet Project Z—a 1973 Datsun 240Z with a history as intriguing as its timeless design. This sleek, classic sports car joins our garage thanks to a chance discovery during SEMA 2013 that we simply couldn’t pass up.
It all began when Roman stumbled upon a lead buried deep in the Vegas desert—a rust-free 240Z located just 40 miles outside the city. Skeptical but intrigued, we’d already been let down by several other Z cars riddled with rust and decay. But this lead seemed different: the dry desert climate promised a solid, rust-free foundation. Amid the whirlwind of SEMA activities—unveiling our Gulf Racing Fairlane, conducting interviews, and attending meetings—we carved out time to slip away and check out the Z.
When we arrived, the seller’s claims checked out. The 240Z was remarkably complete, free of rust, and came loaded with extra parts. From its clean chassis to its original charm, it was clear we’d found a gem. A deal was struck on the spot, and soon we were back in Vegas, grinning ear to ear, knowing we’d just scored a classic worth the chase.
A week later, we made the return trip to Nevada to tow the Z back to Southern California. As we began to dig into the car, it became clear this project was even better than expected. Under the hood, the L28 engine was in great shape but needed a valve job to run at its best. To our delight, the car came equipped with some serious upgrades, including a 5-speed transmission, a NISMO performance cam, and boxes of extra parts—an enthusiast’s dream come true.
Project Z is already shaping up to be one of our most exciting builds yet. With its storied past, incredible potential, and those little surprises that make every project car unique, this Datsun 240Z embodies everything we love about automotive restoration and customization. Stay tuned as we take this timeless Japanese classic from desert find to a roadworthy masterpiece.
