Reader Ride: 1972 Datsun 240Z
It's with the greatest pleasure and sincerest honor that we're able to kick-off the return of the Reader Ride with this 1972 Datsun 240Z. Aside from being one of the most handsome vehicles to ever leave Tokyo and its game-changing affect on the perception of Japanese vehicles, this 240Z has a history that was too compelling to pass up.
With only 40,000 miles on the odometer, it was purchased by Victor Vazquez of South Orange County from its previous owner located in San Diego. Originally intended to be a daily driver and perpetual project, Victor found it to be too much of a mechanical handful for daily duty, so it was sent off to a paint shop to restore it to its former glory. Regrettably, the reunion has never taken place, as Mr. Vazquez passed away on November 13th, last year.
The current owner, Victor's brother, has yet to receive the Z back from the shop, but when he does, it's expected to live out its life in the garage as a weekend-cruiser and rolling memorial to his brother.
Our love and regards are being sent out to the Vazquez family, and although this post could never do Victor's memory justice, we're honored that we were able to salute him in one of the only ways we know how.
Follow the jump to see more shots of Victor's Z and to get directions on how to submit your own vehicle for selection in our Reader Ride contest.
How to submit to RR of the Day:
Create a Flickr account if you don't already have one. Join the group called "Autoblog Reader Rides." Upload up to three photos of your ride to your own account at a size no larger than 450 pixels wide and include as much information about it and yourself as you can. Vehicles lacking description will not be eligible and will be summarily deleted. Click on each photo and just above the picture it will say "Send to group". Click that and select the Autoblog group. You're done!
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Carlos V. 10:02AM (7/23/2007)
Thank You very much Autoblog.
I appreciate it. My whole family does.
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Brandon 12:20PM (7/23/2007)
I'm sorry for your loss Carlos. Keeping the car will keep the memory of your brother alive though. I'm sorry.
Calebe 10:04AM (7/23/2007)
I always liked their styling. They seem just right. not huge like the later models became. Sweet VW in the back ground.
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dcwf 10:41AM (7/23/2007)
Sweet ride!
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dave 10:55AM (7/23/2007)
That's a beautiful specimen ... It's nice to see another automatic out there, too!! (My beloved '77 280z was a 2-pedal ....)
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felipe 10:56AM (7/23/2007)
i'd sell my car right now for that.
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Dana 10:57AM (7/23/2007)
Gorgeous! I love those cars.
Almost impossible to find them in decent shape in the midwest.
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felipe 10:58AM (7/23/2007)
wait, there are only 40k miles on that car??
ok i'll sell my wife too then.
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Ben H. 12:21PM (7/23/2007)
What if your wife sells you first? ;)
felipe 1:04PM (7/23/2007)
doubt that, i'm missing parts, salt/road damage, and my warrenty expired a long time ago. at least she still has a good body and runs great.
like tring to sell a AMC Pacer vs. Miata.
no market for me :(
-RESTORATION
Step 1- remove that cup holder.
Step 2- make sticker... "no drinking in car"
John R 11:11AM (7/23/2007)
I daydream about this generation of the Z car pretty often. I've always thought about painting one a royal blue with black powedercoat wheels and dropping a RB26 motor in there from a R32 GT-R.
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Ichiro 11:37AM (7/23/2007)
My father (he designed the 1st Datsun HQ in California) had one of the first production 240z's in the united states, im still pissed he sold it a long time ago lol.
Mr.K is a good friend of the family.
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p.bubel 12:08PM (7/23/2007)
I miss my Z car. Bought at 16 for $1400 and driven daily for 8 years and 325,000 miles before ingesting water into the original engine. That was one tough and very reliable vehicle.
I might just have to find another one...
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JNostalgics 12:33PM (7/23/2007)
Thanks AB for acknowledging one of the most important cars to ever come out of Japan.
http://www.japanesenostalgiccar.com
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Fooman 12:59PM (7/23/2007)
Argh... I was going to put up my 73 with a l28 block and e31 heads... I guess I will have to wait a few weeks.
I am sorry for the loss, but congrats on the car and keeping it alive. I own 2 240's currently. The Zmurf (mentioned above) and a bone stock 68k mile original condition 240.
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mike 1:17PM (7/23/2007)
My first car was a (manual) silver/black 240Z. What a great car. I learned how to drive a stick in that car. I remember the manual choke allowed it to start right up in weather that was 2 degrees (F) and that 3rd gear had a range of something like 35mph to 105mph. Man, I loved that thing!
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felipe 1:20PM (7/23/2007)
sweet link
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Max Merak 3:10PM (7/23/2007)
Congrats Victor! You're in my area, too! Maybe I'll see you driving on the I-5 past Irvine. That is a nice 240Z. I've seen new tuner parts for the old Zs, and the results have been very nice. I like them more than the 300s and 350s.
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felipe 3:23PM (7/23/2007)
you didnt read the whole article did you?
if your gonna skip, skip to the last sentence in the 2nd paragraph.
Max Merak 11:53PM (7/23/2007)
Whoops!
I hope I made the sad note a little lighter!