First Datsun 240Z in Australia to be auctioned

Burns & Co. Auctions have secured a rare, high quality Japanese classic for their next big auction on Sunday, 8 December. While any early Datsun 240Z is sought after today, this one is additionally desirable, as it’s build number #00004 – the fourth 240Z built - and the first to be delivered new to Australia.

Debuting in 1969 and reaching most markets outside Japan in 1970, the 240Z soon found its way into the hearts of sports car enthusiasts, thanks to its looks, handling, performance and (in most markets) value for money. Some even labelled it as the Japanese E-type.

In its native Japan, the 240Z was known as the Fairlady Z and sold there with a 2.0-litre six producing 97kW, but a special Fairlady Z432 was available with a DOHC six producing 119kW in street trim and 149kW for racing.

Export markets like Australia received the 240Z with a 2.4-litre SOHC six producing 112kW and capable of 201km/h. Only available with a five-speed manual initially, a three-speed auto was optional later.

While it found fans all over the world, the 240Z proved particularly popular in America, with its legacy there enhanced by a string of class wins in SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) competition from 1970 to 1979. Here in Australia, the 240Z took some time to gain a following, but has come to be regarded as equal to the great British sportscars of the 1960s.

The 240Z on offer with Burns & Co. is a 1969 build that arrived in Australia in April, 1970. It’s speculated that #00004 was originally intended to go to the London Motor Show, but what is confirmed is that this car came to Melbourne via Perth, where it received local compliance and was registered, as KNL-127, in October, 1970. Employed for promotional duties, including magazine road tests, the car remained in the possession of Nissan Australia.

Initial attempts by the public to buy the car were rebuffed, but in 1972 Nissan finally sold #00004 to a medical professional in Geelong, Victoria. Two years later, one of those rebuffed enthusiasts (who had test driven the car) spotted it in the small Yarra Valley town of Olinda and, eventually, managed to purchase it.

In the mid- to late-1980s, the first 240Z in Australia was restored to original condition, after which it was regularly showcased at NDSOC (Nissan Datsun Sports Owners Club) events. Carefully preserved since, #0004 was sold on to its current owner in 2002.

With a childhood love for the 240Z, the current owner’s efforts to purchase a good ‘Z’ in adulthood led him to this car. Two years ago, when Nissan Australia was about to launch the all-new Z, they wanted to have an original example as part of the promotion, so reached out to the owner. The car has remained on display at Nissan HQ until recently.

After turning down several offers to buy #00004 over the years, including from as far away as the USA, the owner has decided it’s time to put this rare and highly desirable Japanese classic on the market. As offered, the car features a red exterior and black vinyl interior trim that’s reflective of its older restoration, with an odometer reading of 12,258 miles.

As a bonus for the 8 December auction, Burns & Co. will also offer 240Z #00060. Following #00004, this car is believed to be one of a small batch of 240Zs to land in Australia sometime later in 1970.

The full catalogue for this auction will go live from 28 November, with pre-bidding open on the same day. The live auction will take place at Burns & Co’s Melbourne auction rooms - 4 Market Drive, Bayswater – on Sunday, 8 December, from 10:00AM AEDT.

More information on the early 240Z and all other cars in the auction can be found at: burnsandcoauctions.com.au