To celebrate their 100,000 listing, Bring a Trailer is auctioning their 1973 Datsun 240Z, prepared by Z Car Garage. Finished in Lime Yellow (#112) paint over black vinyl upholstery, it is powered by a numbers-matching Rebello Racing-built 2.7-liter straight-six with triple Weber 40 DCOE carbs. Additional modifications include a 280ZX five-speed manual transmission, an R200 limited-slip differential, ZCG Big-Brakes, ZCG exhaust system and 16″ Panasport wheels with new Michelin tires. The total sale amount for the auction will be donated to the Piston Foundation, a nonprofit that will use 100% of the funds to help young technicians build rewarding careers in the collector car industry by funding programs in the skilled trades. View the auction HERE.
Z Car Garage built and maintained this Z for the previous owner since 2009 and updated it to BaT-preferred spec in 2018. It has since been used as an event car by BaT staff, with whom it has participated in many rallies, cross-country road trips, displays, and other events in the ensuing five years. Enjoy this video showing the Z in action and see below for more details:
ZCG Big Brakes
The Bring a Trailer Z features our ZCG Big-Brake kit:
The straight-six was bored and stroked from 2.4 to 2.7 liters by Rebello Racing and was installed at ZCG in 2011. Triple Weber 40 DCOE side-draft carburetors with K&N filters are mounted to its E88 cylinder head. Additional engine bay modifications include a polished valve cover, an MSD ignition system, and an inline fuel pressure gauge. Engine number L24-131094 is stamped on the block and matches the chassis plate. Rob dyno tuned the Z, making 203 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque at the rear wheels:
A replacement 280ZX five-speed manual transmission was also installed by ZCG in preparation for the sale. An aluminum flywheel and a heavy-duty clutch were fitted in 2011, while both clutch hydraulic cylinders were changed in 2018. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a custom-built driveshaft and an R200 limited-slip differential with a finned rear cover.
Factory black vinyl bucket seats were reinstalled, as was a stock steering wheel. The air conditioning system was converted to use R134a refrigerant in 2009, and was recharged as part of the February 2023 service at ZCG. An Alpine CD/MP3 player feeds aftermarket three-way 6×9 speakers mounted in a ported box in the rear of the trunk. Diamond-patterned vinyl trim is retained on the center tunnel and in the cargo area, while embroidered mats protect the carpets on the floors.
The Z has been stored indoors at BaT Headquarters in San Francisco when not in use. Details concerning the initial purchase and an ensuing cross-country drive from the Bay Area to Road Atlanta are chronicled in this seven-part feature from early 2018. The car has also been used in events such as:
- 2018 Copperstate Rally (as a photo and chase car, part of the cross-country trip described above)
- 2018 Tour to the Mitty (part of the cross-country trip described above)
- 2018 Faultline 500 in Central California
- 2018 BaT Alumni BBQ at Monterey Car Week
- 2018 Targa Baja California (from Palm Springs to mountainous central Baja and back)
- 2019 BaT Alumni Gathering at WeatherTech Laguna Seca Raceway
- 2021 Faultline 500 in Central California
- 2021 Drive Toward a Cure
- 2021 Golden Week Kyusha Festival in Northern California
- 2021 BaT Alumni Gathering at WeatherTech Laguna Seca Raceway
- 2022 BaT Alumni Gathering at WeatherTech Laguna Seca Raceway
- 2022 Overcrest Rally (nearly 1,800 miles in eastern Washington and central Idaho over three days)
- 2022 Breakfast Club Rally: Tokyo Calling
Additional details can be seen in our blog reports from April 2018, December 2018, and February 2023. Congrats Bring a Trailer on your 100,000 auction. We are really happy to be a part of the journey and Long Live The Z!
