Reader Submissions: Datsun 240Z Owner Left No Bolt Unsnapped

Datsun 240Z Owner Left No Bolt Unsnapped

By Petrolicious
October 3, 2014

Owner: Chris Melde

Year, Make, and Model: 1970 Datsun 240Z

Location: Georgia, USA

Photographer: Nick Rico Photography

I’ve gotten into cars because my friends have always been into them. And growing up in the back seat of a 1980 Porsche 911SC didn’t hurt either. My parents constantly told stories of motor swapping Impala SSs and apparently my mom would do burn-outs past my father’s house when they were dating and she was mad at him.

My friend called me, saying “You have to buy this car.” We drove about two hours up the road at 9pm. When I first saw it, I liked the uniqueness of the color and the fact that it was a first-year 240Z. I left a deposit for the car, and picked it up the next day. The guy I bought it from was actually the original owner. The Datsun had 69,000 miles and was bone stock.

Personally (or with the help of friends), I’ve done everything to this car minus painting it. Basically, there has been no bolt left unturned (or unsnapped). I love how unique and the quirky it is, as well as how it makes me feel when I’m driving it.

I like taking the 240Z anywhere there is a paved road that allows me time to just detach from the modern world, relax, and simply drive. The 240Z takes me back to when cars were more raw and not as interfered with by traction control and computers.

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wardrose
wardrose
2 years ago

A great! The 240Z transports me to a time when automobiles were more natural and unaffected by traction control and cookie clicker computers.

Rich McKie
Rich McKie
6 years ago

I have always loved the 240Z. In about 1980 I had the opportunity to buy an ex-race 240. I recall the serial number as being 000014 Not sure if it was just a Canadian series or really the 14th 240Z built. It was metallic blue, had a full cage and went like stink. I took it on a nice long test drive on some windy roads. Coulda, woulda, shoulda!

Jim Levitt
Jim Levitt
7 years ago

Standard Japanese car equipment of the era

Brian Dirou
Brian Dirou
7 years ago

It has already been commented on but I believe any car with fender side mirrors are unsightly !

jason johnson
jason johnson
6 years ago
Reply to  Brian Dirou

Personal choice. Personally I think they look perfect

DaC
DaC
9 years ago

Beautiful job! What size Work Equips did you get to fit under those stock fenders? Offset?

Tim
Tim
10 years ago

Sorry, I think damn shame it lowered, when you get an original, leave it!

Ed
Ed
10 years ago

Epic cars. Had a tatty 260Z as my second car – it rotted away in front of my eyes, but I loved every minute of owning it. Fantastic soundtrack, even though it wasn’t properly quick. Love the paintwork on this version, but have to agree, it’s too low for my liking. Looks like it would ride hard!

Antony Ingram
Antony Ingram
10 years ago

Stunning. Pretty much exactly how I’d have a 240Z, and great that you’re only the second owner.

But I have to say, once again: Yet another article on a fantastic-looking car on Petrolicious with absolutely no interior shots! C’mon people, some of us like seeing all parts of a car – the interior, the details, the engine bay etc – and not just a dozen very similar shots of the exterior.

All that extra detail allows readers to imagine what it might be like to own. With exterior shots alone, it might as well be just another car in a line at a car show.

Aaron Venable
Aaron Venable
10 years ago

Take note people: this is how to enjoy the Japanese classics. Omedetou Chris, you’ve built one delightfully tasteful sled.

Guido
Guido
10 years ago

Beautiful car! i’ve always loved the original 240’s. I have to agree about the stance in that, to me, it’s a touch too low. I also don’t care for the mirrors on the fenders. They take away from the lines of the car. These are just my personal preferences and opinions. I’d still love to own it myself!

AFSil80
AFSil80
10 years ago

I’m glad I never traded cars with Chris…because if I had ended up with this 240Z, I never would’ve done this car justice like he did.

Glad you’re e-famous, buddy. 😉

Kevin Fitzpatrick
Kevin Fitzpatrick
10 years ago

What a beauty! I have always liked the 240Z more than the 260Z or 280Z. All great cars, but that 240 is the original!

MotorEthos
10 years ago

Great looking wheels! They suit the car nicely. What are they?

Sam Webber
10 years ago
Reply to  MotorEthos

I’m not the owner but I believe they are Work Equip 01’s

Chris Melde
Chris Melde
10 years ago
Reply to  Sam Webber

Yessir Work Equip 01’s

Darren Cimiluca
Darren Cimiluca
10 years ago

Absolutely gorgeous! Love the simplicity. Where can we see more information about the build. The glamour shots are great and all but I want to see the restoration!

Chris Melde
Chris Melde
10 years ago

instagram.com/kikcaffine

Dan Sciannameo
Dan Sciannameo
10 years ago

🙁 I miss mine.

Mirko
Mirko
10 years ago

Very nice 240Z. Thanks for sharing.

TJ Martin
TJ Martin
10 years ago

The only thing I’d change is the wheels as well as bring the ride height back to normal as both look severely out of place on this car . Other than that … its a mighty fine ride indeed !

Dustin Rittle
Dustin Rittle
10 years ago

One of the only few Japanese cars i would love to have in my garage. Im also digging the color as well. I will give you credit for some tasteful modifications that I can see i’m glad you didn’t go over board like many Z-car owners do. Thanks for sharing your ride.

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