1978 Datsun 260Z

This Datsun 260Z is a striking example of the modern classic Japanese sports car, which has been extensively modified for fast road driving and track use. It is now powered by a naturally aspirated Nissan ‘L28’ straight-six in place of the original L26 unit. Built, bored, and stroked by Galloway engines, it now displaces 3.1 litres, is fed by triple 45mm Weber carburettors, and is reported to send 216bhp to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual transmission. Originally a UK-delivered vehicle, it is now a private import to Australia, and as such there is a clause on the registration that it is exempt from ADR compliance. The seller notes that the car has covered just 600 km since the rebuilt engine was installed in January 2022. The odometer currently displays 5,586 km (3,471 miles), which is the distance covered since the extensive restoration and upgrade programme. This right-hand drive 260Z has been with its current owner more than 20 years, was restored between 2010 and 2014, and features a wide range of modifications. This 260Z has been refinished in the HSV hue of Voodoo Blue metallic, while the cabin features black cloth-trimmed Sparco bucket seats, black vinyl-covered door cards, and a carpeted dashboard. It rides on an aftermarket set of 16-inch bronze-painted Rota RB alloy wheels with polished rims, which are fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres. Cosmetic modifications include a custom fibreglass front spoiler, BRE-type rear wing, front and rear bumpers, bonnet and rear hatch, Holden GTS guard vents, Stedhi LED headlights, and an acrylic rear window, side windows, and headlamp covers. Inside, the cabin has been fitted with a CAMS-spec six-point welded roll cage, Sparco TEC driver and passenger bucket seats, a black suede-trimmed Momo steering wheel, a NISMO S15 solid short shifter, a leather-trimmed NISMO gear knob, and retractable seatbelts. This 260Z ‘s original 2.6-litre ‘L26’ straight-six has been replaced with an ‘L28’ unit, which has been fully built, bored, and stroked, and now has a displacement of 3.1 litres. Fed by triple 45mm Weber carburettors, it now features an F54 block, a P90 head, an LD28 diesel crank shaft, custom JE pistons and rods, oversized polished, ported and port matched intake and exhaust valves, a lightened and balanced bottom end, MSD digital series six ignition, blaster coil and ignition leads, an ATI harmonic balancer, and a 123ignition digital programmable distributor. Further performance upgrades include a custom 2.5-inch mandrel-bent exhaust system with custom 6-2-1 equal length headers, a PWR aluminium radiator, Davies Craig dual 12-inch cooling fans, a Nissan 300ZX 70amp Alternator, an Arizona Zed Car alloy baffled sump, an AZC lightened flywheel and button clutch, and a BOI Performance 5-inch cold air intake system with 5-inch uni filter. The drivetrain now features a Nissan S14 five-speed gearbox, a NISMO clutch pivot, NISMO 4.375 R200 differential gears with an S15 viscous LSD centre, and Wolf Creek Racing CV joints. Suspension modifications include a coil-over shock absorber setup with Koni adjustable shocks, King custom springs, Techno Toy Tuning adjustable front control arms, torsion and compression rods, roll centre adjusters, and rear control arms, Custom Cro-Moly tie-rods, 22mm front and 20mm rear sway bars, and polyurethane bushes. Stopping power comes courtesy of a Beta Motorsports dual master cylinder kit, Commodore VT-VZ vented front brakes and DBA 5000 two-piece rotors, custom aluminium rotor hats, Nissan R31 Skyline rear brakes with DBA 4000 rotors, and Carbotech XP12 brake pads on all four wheels. The seller notes that the cherished number plate ‘1DAT 260’ shown on the car is included in the sale. The seller states that during the car’s restoration evidence of an accident was uncovered, however this was repaired to a high standard, and they note that there is now no indication of the prior damage. The fully resprayed Voodoo Blue metallic paintwork is described by the seller as being in generally excellent condition, though there are a few general use-related blemishes around the car. These include showing stone chips on the front spoiler, ‘road rash’ on the rears of the wheel arches, and a couple minor dents in the rear quarter panels and the front fenders. There is also a crack in the offside headlight cover, and paint peel on the nearside door handle. Inside, the cabin presents well, but again shows some signs of its age and use. There are several cracks in the dashboard, which now has a carpet cover, as well as a light ‘patina’ on the rest of the original trim items. Elsewhere, there is light wear on the aftermarket bucket seats, the upholstery is coming away from the lower left-hand driver’s harness opening, and there are chips in the finish on the roll cage near to the seatbelts, as well as light wear on the carpets. The seller is not aware of any electrical or mechanical faults with the vehicle. This 260Z’s latest service was carried out at an indicated 5,550 km by the current owner. The work comprised of an engine oil and filter change, along with the replacement of the spark plugs and fuel pressure regulator. All three Weber carburettors were also stripped and rebuilt. Prior to this, the car was serviced in March 2022 at an indicated 5,498 km, and in January 2022 at an indicated 5,136 km, both of which were engine oil and filter change services. The engine was rebuilt in December 2021, and the car has only covered around 600 km since it was installed following this. This Datsun 260Z is an extensively modified example of the iconic Japanese sports car, which is offered from long-term ownership, and has undergone previous restoration work. Now boasting a fully rebuilt and upgraded 3.1-litre ‘L28’ straight six, as well as a host of transmission, suspension, and brake upgrades, this unique modern classic would make a fine addition to any collection, but would perhaps be best enjoyed on its new owner’s favourite roads or local racing circuit, where it can be driven to its full potential. The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details. This vehicle’s VIN has been checked against the Australian Personal Property Securities Register, and there is no security interest or other registration kind logged against the serial number. This vehicle has been checked through the Austroads NEVDIS system, and there are no markers under the written-off or stolen databases.