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The Datsun 240Z and its later iterations the 260Z and 280Z were the best selling sports cars the world has ever seen. And no wonder! For around $4000 the new 240Z owner got great looks, solid if not startling performance, a roomy cabin, and good economy. The Z had a top speed of 120-125 mph and was reliable and well built. They were first introduced in the US in 1970 and were an immediate hit, often selling for well over the window sticker, a practice not heard of since the car shortages after WWII. They were good on the racetrack, too! Between the factory sponsored racing teams of Pete Brock and John Morton on the West Coast and Bob Sharp on the East Coast they dominated the SCCA C-Production class throughout the '70's. Eventually they got a great deal of notoriety when an aging racer with "chicken legs" named "P.L. Newman" chose a 280Z as his racecar of choice.
I've been disappointed with some of Kyosho's releases recently, but I'm absolutely nuts about the attention to detail that they've put into this car. The engine compartment is amazing with all the stickers, wires, and plumbing. The iridite finish on the radiator and brake fluid caps and the black carburetor oil caps are perfect. The interior is equally detailed and correct, even to the much-hated diamond patterned vinyl on the tunnel and rear shock towers. And you've got to checkout the choke lever! The rubber strips around the glass even have the tiny chrome inserts. Even though this looks to be a North American version with European taillights, I'll forgive them because I made that mod on my Z as well.
Monumental car, incredible execution….. no one should go without this one. Great show, Kyosho! Now please make a BRE/John Morton #46….. they'll sell like hotcakes!
(09/12/2001)
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