The 1971 Datsun 240Z Coupe, a Series 1 model renowned for its role in Nissan North America's Vintage Restoration Program of the 1990s, has found a new home at the DFW Car & Toy Museum. This vehicle, restored by the Pierre Z Car Center in 1992, was instrumental in the proposal that led to Nissan's initiative to restore and sell approximately 37 vintage Z-cars through select dealerships.
Featuring a 2.4-liter L24 inline-six engine rebuilt during its restoration, the car delivers 151 horsepower and 146 lb-ft of torque, complemented by a four-speed manual transmission. Its authenticity and reliability are enhanced by a tubular exhaust header, electronic distributor conversion, and a 280Z-sourced fuse block. The car's historical significance is further cemented by its appearances in Road & Track and Hemmings Sports & Exotic Car.
Ron Sturgeon, the museum's founder, emphasizes the car's importance beyond its aesthetic appeal, noting its contribution to the preservation and celebration of vintage Japanese sports cars. The 240Z's inclusion in the museum's collection, which boasts over 200 classic vehicles and 3,000 vintage toys, offers visitors a glimpse into a pivotal moment in automotive history.
With free admission, the DFW Car & Toy Museum provides an accessible venue for enthusiasts and the public to appreciate the 240Z's legacy and the broader narrative of automotive restoration and preservation.
