Versatility is something every new vehicle crows about in its marketing materials, but an attribute that enthusiasts have a hard time believing. Over time, however, with some ingenuity, it’s possible to tease out what a vehicle can do. In the case of the Datsun 240Z, it’s a car that can go just about anywhere—but can it hit supercar speeds?
Photographer Iain Gomez was recently out with this 1973 240Z from Savannah, GA's Sonic Motorsports. Like many entry-level sports cars, it’s a work in progress and wears its history well: a relatively recent restoration left its structure repaired and repainted, and engine replaced with a factory-spec unit that was hopped up with a number of new and period performance parts. Yes, even a NISMO 6-1 header.
Its current owner went even farther: modern ignition system, modern cooling system, transmission upgrades, suspension (that will one day change to coilovers), wheels, tires, and a host of cosmetic tweaks.
Xi “Sonic” Zhu ofSonic Motorsports says that its current form is about to move much more quickly in the future, too. “The future plan was quite clear from the very beginning: the powerplant will be upgraded to a fully-built L30 engine with twin turbochargers blowing through a set of triple Mikuni carbs; it’s currently under construction.” Estimated power? Six hundred and fifty.
Once that’s done, the bodywork is expected to be recreated from hand-formed aluminum, with underbody aerodynamic aids to keep the car stable at high speeds, without marring its lines.
What do you think of this ‘hot rod’ 240Z?
You can follow Iain Gomez’ wonderful photography at his website and on Instagram .
