Just when you thought the ZX was starting to fade into the distance…. something like this eBay auction happens!!  Apparently this is number 1 of 3000 “Black Gold” tenth anniversary 280ZXs and it is trying to fetch a pretty penny through the online auction.

The car has just over 1,000 miles on it since new so it isn’t hard to see why the starting bid is $35,000, but I’m sure that will seem like a bargain in the coming years when there are no more of these cars left.  It looks like the owner is quite the Z enthusiast because you can see a quite a few fellow S30 chassis Zs in the garage as well.  Make sure you check out the listing and all the other photos by clicking the eBay link below, and thanks to Autoblog.com for the heads up on the awesome Z news.

Link: eBay auction: “Black Gold” 10th Anniversary 280ZX

Source:  Autoblog.com

We love adding goodies to the ZCG 370z but it is tough to keep up with it because business is as busy as ever!!  This last week though we were finally able to install the Hotchkis swaybars that have been waiting in the wings.

The new bars are of a tubular design (hollow, to save weight) in 35mm and 27mm front and rear receptively.  They came with all the bushings and parts to make the install as easy as can be.  As you can see from the comparison photos below they are certainly beefier that the outgoing stock units and they now have a durable anthracite powder coat finish.

The car feels a bit more planted with noticeably less body roll which is always nice, but we really need to get the car out on track or at least to a local autocross to give some serious feedback.

If you are interested in ordering any suspension parts for your Z or G send Rob an email at Rob@zcargarage.com

I have updated a few things that you might want to know about:

New Email Address!!  ZCarBlog@gmail.com

I just added this so that you could email me directly without going through Rob if you so wish.  Feel free to send me any of your thoughts or harassing emails.  I appreciate them all.

I have updated the “For Sale” page a little bit as well.

• The ZCG G35 Twin Turbo now has a new price of $26,000 (practically a steal for what was invested)

It has also received new Michelin PS2 tires in the rear, new brakes on all four corners, undergone the full 60K mile service, and been upgraded with an iPhone/iPod integration system in anticipation of a new owner.

• The White 1973 240z has gone on to a new home.  Congrats to the new owner.

• The Wide-body G35 Twin Turbo has been taken off the market, the owner was just too attached to let it go.

That’s all for now.  More updates later today and over the weekend.

Who doesn’t love the BRE #46 Datsun 240z?!?!  The car is famous for putting the Z on the racing map and now is your chance to get in on the action and relive it’s past glory.  The main production run of these incredibly detailed models is 3000 pieces with a special limited production run of 146 models to be signed by Pete Brock and John Morton.  That’s right, you can get one of these signed by your Datsun heros.

Not very often are we given the chance to relive past Datsun greatness through an offer like this.  Buy one while you can.  If you are attending the Monterey Historics in a couple of weeks then you will get the chance to see these in person. (Go to ZONC.org to get your tickets and corral Passes)

The models are also available from the BRE website, HERE.

Official Info From BRE:

If you look up the word “detail” in the dictionary you’re liable to find a photo of this new 1:18 scale BRE 240Z racer by world renown model maker, Kyosho.  John Morton’s famous #46, ’70-’71 SCCA National Champ in so beautifully finished we didn’t we didn’t figure out that the shut lines for the doors, hood, and rear hatch weren’t just cast-in lines but actually opened until we’d had it in-hand for several minutes!  In fact, a special tool is provided to open the doors, as the fit is so precise your fingernails are too thick!

All these panels open to reveal wonderfully intricate, fabulous detail that only true racing enthusiasts could have persevered to replicate. Under the forward opening hood, in the engine compartment, you’ll find Stainless Aeroquip hoses, complete with red/blue anodized end-fittings, custom-spun black-alloy air horns on the triple Mikuni dual-chokes and BRE’s carefully crafted, gold-anodized heat-shield to keep those triple side drafts cool. The remote oil filter and Harrison military-spec ‘chopper oil-cooler just add to the fascination.

The weight of this model gives it a quality feel you’ll just love. Flip it over and you’ll see the headers and complete exhaust system Sperexed in bright yellow VHT paint, just like the real BRE race car….even the megaphones out the back are right to scale. You can almost hear the distinctive sound of this BRE L series engine with Morton, his foot hard-down on the back straight at Road Atlanta, on his way to winning his second straight National Championship!

The interior’s details are impressive with cloth seat belts, a quilted interior just like the cars had back then, the wooden gear shift knob. Not a detail has been missed. BRE’s custom red, white and blue race livery sets this piece off as something really special in any collection. Even the American Racing Le Mans mags with polished rims are perfect in every detail. If there’s going to be any BRE racer in your collection, THIS is the one.

Thank you Kyosho for making racing history available to all of us!

Peter Brock

The production run on this model is limited to 3000.  A special edition numbered 1-146 model is being offered with both Peter Brock and John Morton’s signature.  You can order either the regular model at $139 or the special edition at $189 through the BRE website at http://www.bre2.net/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=B&Category_Code=models .  Or if you’ll be at the Monterey Historics the weekend of Aug 14-16, be sure to stop by the BRE booth where BRE will also have the models in stock.

Taken from Nissan Press Release:

Following the total redesign of the iconic Z® for the 2009 model year, changes for 2010 are minimal – an enhanced Nissan Navigation Package with XM NavTraffic® Real-Time Traffic Information (XM® subscription required, sold separately), Bluetooth® Streaming Audio and automatic phonebook download (select phones), 9.3GB Music Box Hard Drive and a Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System.  The 2010 370Z Coupe also receives standard heated mirrors and in-cabin microfilter, along with one new exterior color.

Revisions for 2010 include:

• Standard heated outside mirrors
• Standard in-cabin microfilter
• Navigation Package adds Bluetooth® Streaming Audio and automatic phonebook download (select phones)
• iPod® connectivity is changed to USB connectivity
• Black Cherry exterior color replaces Chicane Yellow

The most interesting part of this for some of you is the color change.  The Chicane Yellow was never a very popular color for most of the people that I have spoken to since the car was released.  It seems that now Nissan agrees.  Even better is that they have replaced it with Black Cherry.  Everyone loves the look of the Anniversary 350Zs with a similar color.  Now is your chance to get the 370z in the color of your dreams!!

On to the Roaster info and pricing.

Nissan Press Release:

The 2010 Nissan 370Z Roadster is offered in four models.  The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices* (MSRP) start at $36,970 USD for the 370Z Roadster 6MT and $38,270 USD for the 370Z Roadster 7AT.  Also offered are two Touring models, which add a 6CD Bose^® audio system, XM^® Satellite Radio (XM^®Bluetooth^® Hands-free Phone System, HomeLink^® Universal Transceiver, aluminum-trimmed pedals and power leather-appointed heated and cooled ventilated net seats.  The 370Z Touring Roadster 6MT is priced at $40,520 USD and the $370Z Touring Roadster 7AT is $41,820 USD.

Two option packages are offered (Touring model only): the Sport Package, with 19-inch RAYS forged wheels and Bridgestone Potenza tires, Nissan Sport Brakes, SynchroRev Match (6-speed manual transmission only) and Viscous Limited Slip Differential; and the Navigation Package, with Hard Drive-based Nissan Navigation System, 9.3GB Music Box Hard Drive and USB connectivity. subscription required, sold separately),

So it looks like a Touring Roaster is going to cost just about the price of a NISMO?!?  is that crazy to anyone else?  Do you remember why the Z went away in 1996 for the USDM?  Outrageous pricing.  I know the new Z is a HUGE improvement over just about anything else on the market today but I would hate to see such a great car disappear again because no one can afford it.

What do you think?   Am I overly critical of the pricing?  We’ll have to wait and see how many they sell I guess.  (Let me know if you want to see the sales numbers, I have access to them)

Source: NissanNews