Every weekend there are Cars and Coffee events held throughout the Bay Area. Yesterday we attended a special gathering: The inaugural Cars and Coffee at Fuel Supply Co in Fremont, CA. Founders Courtney Mae and Dustin Frisk are auto-enthusiasts and hardcore Datsun owners, so naturally we came to show our support! We had a great time.

 

Our group left Z Car Garage Saturday morning with 5 cars:
Rob 1970 Datsun 240z (3.2L with triple Mikuni’s), James 1972 Datsun 240z (3.2L turbocharged), Mark’s 510, Eric’s FX35, Alex’s 1971 Skyline (piloted by me). Here is a short video of us Enjoying the Ride and making sweet L-Series music, volume up!

 

 

 

Good variety at event and as usual we were on the hunt for Japanese classics. Rounding out the Nissan/Datsun showing was Glenn in his RHD FairladyZ and a customer’s R32 Skyline:

 

More J-tin:

Toyotas! Cressida, N2-kitted Ae86, Celica and Land Cruiser:

 

Great mix of European cars and supercars too. Some of our favorites:

Rad Ferrari 348ts paired with a 993 C4S, S54-powered E30 and E30 M3. Killer vanity plates too!

 

Two (!) E30 Tourings, one was RHD!

 

Gorgeous M20-powered 2002:

 

The Fuel Supply shop was open for all to peruse with a really cool vibe. Free donuts and coffee too. Congrats to Courtney and Dustin!

 

Something for everyone, including dog lovers! And the usual supercars…

 

We had a great time looking forward to the next event! More pictures in the gallery below

…[read more]

 

The 2020 Solvang Datsun Roadster Classic will be held on April 24-25 in Solvang, CA. Now in its 33rd year, this event continues a tradition of uniting owners from all parts of the world in a little town just outside of Santa Barbara. There is something for everyone here: shopping, food, wine-tasting, outdoor activities, and in the last weekend of April an epic gathering of Datsuns! We are only two months away from the big show so prep your cars and book those hotels!

 

Come check out roadsters and other vintage Datsuns April 24-25.  Reminder: ALL DATSUNS are welcome! There are even award categories for non-roadsters. For registration and show info please go HERE.

 

To catch a glimpse of the show check out Last Year’s Show Report and movie( By Michael Anderson) below. Admission is free to the general public, see you in Solvang!

 

 

 

We are happy to report a Best In Class win for this 1967 Datsun 2000 at the 2020 Boca Raton Concours D’Elegance in Florida. Typically reserved for European and American marques, Concours events rarely accept Japanese classics to enter and compete on the same field, let alone a Datsun.

 

Acquired by noted marque expert Mike Young several years ago, owner Steve Tetreault took it upon himself to bring the rare Datsun 2000 roadster to concours-level status. Steve recalls how his Datsun was even considered for the event:

“After hearing about the Boca Concours in April of 2019- I decided to submit an application for the Datsun. I soon realized the category that I would be in was named “European Class Sports car” ’65-’75. I completed the application and submitted photos as required in June 2019 and asked the question, “Where does a Japanese car fit here?” In October of that year I received an email requesting more information about the significance of the car, and a few other questions, including more detailed photos”

Steve soon received an email from the nominating committee that he was in fact in the Concours! The class name had been revised to: “Foreign Sports Late” 1965-1975. He was in good company as well:  *1966 Lamborghini superleggero *1965 Porsche 356 cabriolet *1967 Jaguar XKE *1974 Alfa Romeo Montreal *1971 Mercedes 280SL pagoda *1970 Ford Capri Perana *1967 Datsun 2000 Sports

 

Steve describes his Concours experience:

“The 3 very astute judges asked to be left alone while they surveyed the exterior- top up windows up. They asked to see the engine room , open the doors and to explain the significance of the car and why I am showing it. I explained the rarity of a half year car, and that this car is #455 out 750 produced with factory options of 5 speed trans, Mikuni/Solex carbs, B cam, 7 quart finned oil pan, 4 bolt windscreen, and then referenced John Baker’s race credentials for Nissan. I completed the conversation with my true mission: To elevate the Datsun Marque and its ability to compete equally in any Concours D Elegance class such as the one I’m in.” 

 

 

To be considered for a Concours and then go on to WIN best in class amongst impressive peers is an incredible achievement for Steve. All Datsun owners can share and benefit from this breakthrough as well: it’s a sign that our cars are being taken seriously and command respect.  So kudos to your efforts Steve. We remember seeing your roadster at the Solvang Shows and now it is a superb ambassador! Here is SRL-0455 after a 6-month restoration by Steve, sporting vintage Enkei Comp 8 wheels, #665 Paint and fresh chrome:

 

Old photos I snapped from Solvang:

 

Speaking of Datsun Roadsters, this a good time to remind you about the big Solvang show coming up April 25th. I’ll post a flyer shortly.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Golden Week Kyusha Festival is returning to Northern California again May 9th! This will be a fantastic gathering for Japanese classic cars at the Crane Way Pavillion in Richmond, Ca. Registration will open March 1, for more information visit www.gwkfest.events.

 

Z Car Garage is a proud sponsor of the show, check out my report from last year’s event, and don’t miss this one!

 

Every 2nd Saturday of the month there is a Cars & Coffee gathering in San Jose, only 1-mile from our house!  My neighbor invited me to this event held at the Starbucks on Hillsdale Ave yesterday. We left together with the roadster and his Barracuda:

 

I was surprised at the turnout and sheer number of Hot Rods and Muscle cars from every era. Here are a few of my favorites with more in the gallery below.

Mopar or No Car

1st, 2nd and 3rd gen ‘Cudas and Belvederes:

 

 

Modified Formula S Barracuda:

 

Killer paint colors and graphics from Plymouth and on this 2nd gen Roadrunner:

 

J-Tin!

Always happy to see Japanese classics:

 

Triple tail lights Check:

 

GM

Impalas, Camaro, ‘Vette, Chevelle, Nova and more:

 

 

Wild Riviera:

 

Ford

’32 Hot Rods, Thunderbirds, Mustangs and more

 

Ford Firetruck with a late-model diesel drivetain:

 

Two of my favorites, a 70’s Disco-themed GM Van (see video below) and track-prepped Pantera:

 

 

I spotted a few British cars as well including a Triumph Herald, Spitfire, Silver Cloud Rolls and Mini

 

We had a blast and my family even got to enjoy the show. If you are in the area and love Classic American cars this is the spot. Free donuts and coffee is also a plus!

Enjoy the picture gallery!
…[read more]