Z Car Garage presents five cars for sale from our client Randy Jaffe’s collection. The Datsuns consist of three Series 1 240Z cars and one 1979 280ZX Race Car. Also for sale is a 1966 Mustang R-style Fastback Race Car. Below is a preview of the collection with links to each car’s individual listing containing build details, photo galleries, driving videos and more.

Serious inquiries only, please contact Rob: 408-452-0350 or rob@zcargarage.com

 

3.2L-Powered 1971 Datsun 240Z 5-speed Rocketbunny

 

 

 

 

 

Randy Jaffe’s 1971 Datsun 240Z Series 1 S30 started as a project car with paint/bodywork performed by Bryson Richards of Classic Livery. The Z was shipped to us from Georgia for finishing his vision of a wild show/go race car. Inspiration for the Tangerine paint color and Jagermeister livery came from Randy’s obsession with Porsche, and the Max Moritz Racing Porsche 934.

Providing room for the 275/315-width tires and custom Panasport C8 wheels is an authentic Pandem Rocketbunny aero kit. Randy channeled his passion for racing into this build and the chassis is virtually identical to his #46 BRE Datsun 240z, using zinc-plated DP Racing suspension parts. The engine is a dyno-tuned 3.2L L-series running 13:5:1 compression, triple-Mikuni ph44s, a Fujitsubo header and glorious BRE-style exhaust. Running gear includes a close-ratio 5-speed ZX transmission, R180 OS Giken LSD, our ZCG CV Axles and ZCG Big-Brake Kit (race version). Continuing the race car theme is a stripped, body-color interior with Sparco race seats, steering wheel and custom Alcantara custom dash. BRE/vintage details throughout.

Car is is pristine condition with zero chips, scratches or defects. Approx. 400 miles on build. 1st Place Winner Best Datsun 240Z at the Japanese Classic Car Show.

Full build details with photos, video and more can be found here: 3.2L-Powered 1971 Datsun 240Z 5-speed Rocketbunny

 

3L-Powered 1970 Datsun 240Z 5-speed Safari Tribute

 

 

 

 

 

Randy’s 1970 Safari Z is a tribute to the original #11 car piloted to victory by Edgar Herrmann and Hans Schuller in the 1971 East African Safari Rally. Nissan campaigned three of these S30s in the rally, finishing 1, 2 and 7th place while handily beating Porsche’s and other marques along the way. This is an early 4/70 production (VIN 03227) Series 1 car and Randy shipped it from Georgia to our shop to prepare it for the “60 Years in 30 Seconds” commercial as part of “The New Nissan” ad campaign starring actress Brie Larson.

The drivetrain includes a new, dyno-tuned 3.0 Rebello street motor using a 10.5:1 head for pump gas, triple-Mikuni ph44 induction (as the original #11 Safari Z ran) complete with Harada intake, velocity stacks, linkages and Z Car Garage Heat Shield covering the Fujitsubo exhaust header. All backed by a new, 1982 280ZX 5 speed transmission and OS Giken 4.11 LSD.

The interior features period touches like navigator’s equipment including 70’s route map, microphone headsets, rally timers and reproduction vintage race seats. Small details remain faithful to the original car inculding functional Works-style side jacking points, rear bumper steps and twin-exit exhaust system. Car was featured by Nissan at SEMA and by Larry Chen in his YouTube video series.

Full build details with photos, video and more can be found here: 3L-Powered 1970 Datsun 240Z 5-speed Safari Tribute

 

2.8L-Powered 1970 Datsun 240Z 5-speed Bonneville Salt Flat Race Car

  

 

 

 

This 1970 Datsun 240z set the F/GT class record (1976) of 166.037 mph at Bonneville with Nissan USA field engineer Bob Stockman behind the wheel. The car was stored in Nissan warehouses for decades until our client Randy acquired it from Nissan in 2020. The Bonneville Z-car is chassis HLS30-05834, built in June 1970. Never sold to the public, with only ~2300 miles.

The exterior features the “G-nose”, a factory-made, 5-piece kit for the JDM-only Fairlady ZG (HS30-H) and created for Group 4 racing, The stripped interior houses a simple roll bar with integrated headrest. The steering wheel is a rare, “Ura Mach” unit. This leather/aluminum steering wheel was an available option to all S30s from Nissan sports/race, with the stock wheel being wood composite made by Izumi. Though available as optional parts, these seats and steering wheel were removed from a 432R and installed on the F/GT car as delivered from Japan by Nissan!

In 2021 we performed a sympathetic restoration of the Bonneville Salt Flats Z. The original record setting motor prepared by Tom O’Connor and his team at Nissan was not available, so we installed a high-compression L28 built by BRE team member John Caldwell. It features triple-ph44 Mikuni’s with Harada intake, velocity stacks and Z Car Garage Heat Shield. The exhaust system includes a ceramic-coated header and side/rear exit all painted white. The dyno-tuned engine is backed by a low mileage 280zx close-ratio 5-speed with a JWT aluminum flywheel ad HD clutch.  Power is sent through an R180 with 4.11 gearset complete with new bearings and hardware. Original Firestone Bonneville tires, and 15 inch steel wheels that were used during the record setting events are included in sale.

Car was featured by Larry Chen in his YouTube video series, and won the Amelia Award in the 1961-’89 race car class at the 2025 Amelia Island Concours.

Full build details with photos, video and more can be found here: 2.8L-Powered 1970 Datsun 240Z 5-speed Bonneville Salt Flat Race Car

 

Ex-Jim Fitzgerald 1979 Datsun 280ZX Race Car

 

 

 

 

 

This 1979 Datsun 280ZX was raced from 1980 through 1983 by Jim “Fitzy” Fitzgerald, Paul Newman’s close friend and teammate. Fitzy remains the winningest driver in SCCA history and campaigned this 280ZX in C Production as well as IMSA GTU.The car has belonged to Adam Carolla (2009 to 2017), then our client Alex McDowell who raced it the Monterey Motorsports Reunion and many Laguna Seca vintage events from 2018 to 2021.

Z Car Garage refreshed and prepared the ZX for racing in 2018. The drivetrain includes a dry-sump 3.2L Rebello race engine (approx 5 hrs) with triple-Mikuni ph44 carbs on a Nissan Competition intake manifold, Nissan Competition exhaust header with straight pipes into exhaust megaphones, 3.9 OS Giken LSD, ZCG CV Axles and 5 Speed Nissan Comp 2 Transmission. Suspension consists of Koni race shocks, period disc brakes and 16×10 Panasport C8 wheels.

The interior features a full roll cage, fire suppression system and Sparco race seat. This is a very significant historical race car with easy entrance to Vintage Events. Race ready. Additional Body Molds included with sale.

More details with photos, video and more can be found here: Ex-Jim Fitzgerald 1979 Datsun 280ZX Race Car

 

1966 Ford Mustang Fastback R-Style Race Car

 

 

 

 

This 1966 Ford Mustang fastback was built as a B Production race car in 1991 by Historic Race Engineering of Costa Mesa, California and has competed in VARA, SVRA, VDCA, and HSR events since. It is a period-correct homage to the Shelby GT350R, featuring Shelby-style bodywork along with an upgraded suspension and brakes, larger wheels and tires, and safety equipment.

The small-block Ford V8 is backed by a Toploader four-speed manual transmission was purchased from Cobra Automotive. The car was reportedly built to FIA specifications and is currently configured for SVRA Group 6, VDCA Group 6, and HSR Group 3 competition. This GT350R replica is now offered by the current owner with service records, a letter from Carroll Shelby, a logbook, timing sheets, old racing photos, spare parts, a car cover, and a clean GA title.

More details with photos, video and more can be found here: 1966 Ford Mustang Fastback R-Style Race Car

 

All cars from the Randy Jaffe’s Collection are listed below:

• 3.2L-Powered 1971 Datsun 240Z 5-speed Rocketbunny
• 3L-Powered 1970 Datsun 240Z 5-speed Safari Tribute
• 2.8L-Powered 1970 Datsun 240Z 5-speed Bonneville Salt Flat Race Car
• Ex-Jim Fitzgerald 1979 Datsun 280ZX Race Car
• 1966 Ford Mustang Fastback R-Style Race Car

 

Join us for the 2025 Vintage Racing Season!

Z Car Garage is amped for vintage racing this year. View our race schedule listed below, and follow the CSRG website and zcarblog.com for more information. Do not miss the next exciting event: CSRG’s David Love Vintage Races at Sonoma Raceway, April 11-13. Check out last year’s David Love race report.

 

 

Z Car Garage Trackside Support Services

 

It is our pleasure to bring more enthusiasts into the world of vintage racing. Our trackside services include full race support and car-preparation to help make client’s race days seamless and worry-free so they can focus on driving. From arrive-and-drive service to on-track support and coaching…we love to help. Check out the Z Car Garage experience with our client Todd and his B-Sedan Datsun 510

 

One of our specialties is dyno tuning. Before a race weekend we confirm that your car is running well and make necessary adjustments while on the chassis dyno. Here is a video of the race cars we prepared this week with dyno passes and a walk around the shop. Enjoy!

 

The Z Owners of Northern California (ZONC) is one of the oldest Z car clubs in the nation. In its prime they had over 600 members with close ties to Yutaka Katayama (“Mr. K”) and Nissan USA. We had a wonderful time attending their Meet and Greet event at the Blackhawk Museum in Danville, Ca on June 11, 2023.

 

We left Z Car Garage in our 2023 Nissan Z, 1971 Datsun 510 Wagon and  Randy’s 1972 Datsun 240Z (For Sale). Joining the caravan were Alex in his 1968 Datsun 510 Wagon and our friend Geoff in his BMW 2002. Despite some morning fog the turnout was impressive for a relaxed gathering. No judged car show or awards, just Z-Car fans catching up with old friends and meeting new enthusiasts.

Highlights from the show

Still to this day, 240Zs are the most represented model in the club. Expansion over time currently includes all recent Z models and the GT-R, but also reaches back in time to include the Datsun Roadsters and 510s. Both upper and lower parking areas were packed with cars and people having a great time.

  

The New Nissan Z!

 

Linda Williams’  proudly displayed her 1 of 240Z special edition Nissan Z “Proto Spec” in the upper Museum area. Our RZ34 was in the lower lot and we will have a full report on the recently installed Fast Intentions exhaust system!

 

Z’s, 510s, Roadsters and More!

 

Here are a few of my favorite S30 Z cars from the gathering, starting with this flared beauty on custom 17″ early S30 hubcap-inspired wheels. This is the creation of Hoover Chan from Turbohoses R&D and it sports an L28ET. Rob and Hoover go way back many years!

  

We were pleasantly surprised to see many Z Car Garage clients so let’s take a look at what they drove. Garrett drove his 1972 Datsun 240Z featuring our Z Car Garage Big-Brakes, Z Car Garage CV Axles combined with a suspension rebuild improved the chassis. Power comes from a Rebello 3L with our Z Car Garage Heat Shield  and in-house dyno tuning to make it sing. His latest addition are new Recaro leather seats!

 

Ken’s 1970 Datsun 240Z also has our Z Car Garage CV Axles:

  

Stoked to see Hazel’s 1970 Datsun 240Z featuring our Z Car Garage Big-Brakes, Z Car Garage CV Axles. Looks like Hazel just added a mint set of Watanabe R-Type wheels to her Z!

 

 

It was great to see Steve and Kevin’s Nismo Z33s. Full reports on both coming to zcarblog.com!

 

Here is a video from the event, enjoy!

 

Blow-thru Fantasy

 

We met Francisco and his S30 had a really neat HKS blow-through turbo system. Rob was impressed with his enthusiasm and love for the Z!

Twice the Beauty

  

Joey Bautista drove two of his immaculate Z cars.  The engine bay on this blue car looks factory right? A closer inspection reveals a bespoke factory-style triple carb  air cleaner, complete with OEM-style emissions stickers! The B-speed “LY” vintage valve cover was a nice touch as well. Really love d the aesthetic.

 

 

The silver S30 also sported triple carbs with a vintage SK air box and “triple” emissions stickers:

 

Z32

 The Z32 300ZX was out in full force with both NA and TT examples. We enjoyed seeing familiar faces like Kevin Neely’s TT with fresh TE37 wheels and Joe’s show-winning red Z32:

 

Z33 and Z34

Strong showing of Z34s including V1 and V2 Nismo models:

     

510s

 We love to see Datsun 510s and there were many examples of both stock and modified. Andy’s SR20DET-powered 510 was my favorite with Gotti wheels and rear-mounted A/C system. This was another creation from Hoover at Turbohoses!

 

SSS Bluebird was the only RHD 510 model at the show:

 

 

Jay’s 510 Wagon on Longchamp XR-4 wheels. Jay also has a 510 2-door featuring our Z Car Garage CV Axles.

  

Matt’s 510 with turbocharged KA24DE:

   

Alex’s 1968 Datsun 510 Wagon is a total sleeper with an LS3 V8 drivetrain!

 

Roadsters

The lone Datsun Roadster was John Baker’s ’69 2000. This is a Concours-level restoration with lots of rare, NOS Nissan Competition parts like passenger foot rest and oil cooler.

 
Rare Everwing fog lights and day/night mirror:

R32 Row

 

R32 Skyline GT-Rs in a variety of colors! Race car driver, restorer and Datsun Historian Glenn Chiou displayed his recently acquired Crystal White R32 on BBS LeMans wheels:

 

A familiar R34 GT-R also showed up!

 

 

R35

A handful of R35 GT-Rs

 

People

It’s why we keep coming back to ZONC events. Thank you to everyone that took the time to say hello!

 

Thank You ZONC!

We had a great time spending the day at the ZONC Meet and Greet. It reminded us to (in the words of the late Mr.K), ” Love cars. Love people. Love Life.”  This is a club that keep the Z community together year-round and we are excited for their next events. Don’t forget to check out our picture gallery below!

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Join us this Sunday, June 11 for the Z Owners of Northern California (ZONC) gathering at the Blackhawk Museum! See flyer below for more details:

 

Z Car Garage will be attending with our new 2023 Nissan Z, 1972 Datsun 240Z (for sale) and 1971 KA24-powered Datsun 510 Wagon:

 

We had a blast at last year’s ZONC event (their 50th anniversary) with a fantastic turnout:

 

You can see our report from the 2022 event HERE, and Z you this Sunday at Blackhawk!

 

At Z Car Garage we enjoy both modifying Z cars and restoring them back to original spec. Mike’s 1970 Datsun 240Z came to us from North Carolina for finishing work and now this 11/69 production (VIN#193) S30 is a beautiful driving example of how wonderful these cars were from the factory.

 

We met Mike and his amazing wife Debbie through our client Randy Jaffe. In the 70’s and 80’s Mike, his brother and dad were doing all kinds of Z car stuff and Mike later went on to be a car collector of some of the finest examples of cool Datsuns including a Nissan Fairlady Z432, multiple low-vin # S30s, and a 12-mile 10th-Anniversary 280zx:

 

Mike’s history with VIN#193:

“According to all my research, #193 is the 75th oldest Datsun 240z in existence. I bought this car and started restoration in 2014. I did most of the work myself after dealing with a few people who never should have been in the restoration business. I have over 50 years of working on Datsun Z’s so I knew the car well. After 8 years of sourcing parts and pieces, most of which are pretty rare on 1969 cars, I got to the final stage of finishing the car. I knew of Rob’s expertise on these cars, so I turned it over to him to finish. His reverence for the car was greater than mine. He continually was calling me and proposing things that I never knew.”

 

The Finishing Touch at Z Car Garage

 

Mike had been working alone on VIN #193 and he called upon ZCG to take it to the finish line. The car was shipped to us from North Carolina and we identified many things that were done incorrectly. Mike also had a pick list for us and the goal was to restore this S30 back to Series 1 spec. We sourced all of the parts and with attention to detail to ensure this car could drive anywhere and also showcase the beauty of an unmolested Series 1 Z. Enjoy our detailed photos in the gallery below and let’s start with the interior…

Interior

 

Many parts were missing that are specific to a Series 1 car like turn signal and headlight switches, Series 1 cables and heater bracket tabs. We ensured everything in the dash area was functional:

 

We also restored the interior vinyl and replaced the hatch seals Anything that was not correct on this Z we did everything in our power to make it look like it was 1969 and it rolled off the showroom floor.

 

Scissor jack cover and seat trim:

 

Engine Bay

 

Series 1-specific items were missing or incorrect in the engine bay. Since this was a an 11/69 production car it needed a 1969 Fuel rail. The way the distributor standoff is, SU bowls, plugs, hose clamps and other small items like a black-painted hood prop were corrected. If Mike took this S30 to a Concours event it would do well.

 

An often overlooked detail are the hose clamps around the SMOG equipment. Very early cars like #193 had silver hose clamps instead of matching yellow/gold-plated finishes because smog equipment was added in the U.S. Mike was unaware but appreciative of this.

 

Chassis

 

The chassis was nut and bolted after we went through the hydraulics and checked the braking system. Factory markings like the (R) and (L) stickers on the struts were added:

 

The transmission was wrong so we installed an early Series 1 unit:

 

More chassis photos in the gallery below!

 

Details

 

All of the early series 1 and S30 wheels were date coded. We sourced the correct, 69-date coded wheels that are correct for Mike’s car:

 

Small details: Series 1 lock assemblies, weatherstripping and early day/night “red dot” rearview mirror:

 

 

Dyno Tuning

 

We baseline dyno tested the Z and it made 102hp/113tq at the wheels. With Rob’s tuning it made 114hp/125tq to the wheels:

 

Once all systems were go we performed a road test followed by a full detail. Mike’s car was loaded onto a transporter and headed back home to North Carolina:

 

Enjoy this video of Mike’s 1970 Datsun 240Z in action with dyno runs, in-car driving and walk-around:

Mike was more than satisfied with our work on #193:

“Rob’s Z Car Garage is truly the best place to do any kind of work on any Z car in this country, in my opinion, and he will be the only person to work on any of my cars, ever!!!! When you find the best, now you know the best, so never get too far away from that guy!!!

He wanted Z Car Garage to work on his other Datsuns so he shipped us a few more cars from his collection in North Carolina including this 1977 V8-powered 280Z, 510 vintage race car and RB25DET-powered 240Z. We will have updates on these cars coming to zcarblog.com soon!

 

Auction Bound!

 

Mike will be offering VIN #193 and 7 other cars for auction at Mecum in Monterey on August 17-19. In addition to #193 here is a preview of the exciting Z cars offered from his collection:

1970 Fairlady Z 432

4 valves, 3 carburetors, 2 cams. Only 418 of these cars were built between 1969-73 and only 200 were built in 1970. This car had been restored in Japan as well as London, which is where it was acquired. Slightly modified but all numbers match (number 105) and it has Magnesium Watanabe wheels.

12k mile 280ZX

 

This 1980 10th anniversary 280zx is 1/500 in red/black. In 1980 there were 1250 Datsun dealers in the U.S. so every dealer got a black/gold one. The top 500 dealers got a red/black one. Gerry Ellis Chevrolet-Datsun in Baton Rouge, Louisiana was a top 500 dealer. It was a trophy to him so he put it in a warehouse at his dealership and covered it up. He never would sell it and it sat there for 40 years. Purchased with 12 miles on the clock (now has 26miles!). Check out this video of the 280ZX from this ZCON 2021 and an in-depth look with Randy and Mike below:

 

1972 Datsun 240Z (Vintage Z Program)

  

This 1972 240z is 1 of the 37 factory restorations done in 1996. Nissan was waiting for the 350z to be finished and decided they would find 250 cars in the southwest U.S. that were rust free and they would ship all the spare parts they had at the factory to restore them and sell them as new cars with a factory warranty in select Datsun dealerships. This plan was to keep the Datsun Z name alive to the public. They planned on 250 but it cost so much to restore them that the program ended after only 37 cars. This is one of those 37. Super rare car!

 

Thank you Mike for your support and letting us help you restore #193! More to come from Mike’s Datsun collection and Long Live The Z!
Check the gallery for more detailed pictures:
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