datsun240z.com Since 2002

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It all started with my Uncle Tony taking me to Sears Point Raceway for a track day that was part static display and part had a vintage vibe, which was all benefiting a good cause.  

At that time, Bob Bondurant's driving school had relocated there 1973 and they were using the Datsun 240-Z to teach road racing.  

As fate would have it, my uncle secured me a ride in my first 240-Z, on the track no less, with a driving instructor, and it made a very lasting impression on me to say the  least.  

The Bondurant Z car could handle like nothing else I had ever ridden in before. At times I thought the driver would lose the car in the sloping turns of that track,but the 240Z always came back to him, with a quick input in the wheel to either the right or left, the Z would  respond. The 240Z would provide a smooth and controlled response, as if it was just waiting for the driver to give the command. The car felt balanced, ready to pounce if asked, but something that felt comfortable and in control. The Z sounded good, like music to the ear headed down the straights.  

(To be continued...)

I worked all summer one year at my Aunt's in South San Jose in the yard moving rocks and boulders so they could put in a lawn and landscape. I was working for my first Datsun,  the small pickup. It had been driven to death, but it was a great little truck. 

One day we were in the kitchen working on dinner and my Uncle Dave got a call from his buddy, Rob, who owned a 1973 240-Z he bought new off the showroom floor. This guy was Japanese and very meticulous about the car. It was garaged it's whole life and taken care of like a historic Ferrari. He was, of course the original owner, and was calling to see if they were interested in buying since they had mentioned my interest in the car previously. My Aunt turned to me and said "we'll buy it now and hold it for you until you have the money". I couldn't have been much happier and within a week or two the Z arrived in San Jose. 

I would wash and wax it all the time, and my Uncle would let me get behind the wheel  for small rides as my reward. He used it as a daily driver from South San Jose to Walnut Creek everyday until he quit that gig.  I couldn't believe it, but ti was what it was at the time. 

When I had finally saved up the dough  a hand full of years later I finally made the purchase and brought home my Z It has had 2 owners, one of which being the original. It still has the original paint to this day! It had the original aftermarket American Racing rims and was completely stock. #DreamDay 

( To be continued..)

This my 3rd and only Z I ever really wanted. It still has the original paint. 

As of now I am on my 2nd Rebello motor. The first one was 2.9L with the SU's done by Dave. The second motor was 3.0L and then I bought the Mikuni 44phh's from Vic Sias. I drove a valve through a piston "playing around" with 911 Turbo one night on 101 North just before the Coyote Park exit as you round  towards Burlingame. 

Dave was able to recondition the short block, and a new head. Andy and the guys put it back in for me and  that's how it's been ever since. It's has 1800 miles on it, and that was back in 2001.