We are very excited to have Mr. K’s 1972 Datsun 240z at the shop! Yutaka Katayama (affectionately known as “Mr. K”) put Datsun on the map while serving as President of Nissan Motors USA.
This Z was Mr. K’s personal car, with touches like the “G-Nose”, custom mix Yellow Pearl Paint, wire wheels and automatic transmission. It was most prominently featured in Nissan’s multi-million dollar Datsun Heritage advertising campaign in the late 90’s. Check it out in this Super Bowl Ad – “The Dream Garage” lead a series of T.V. commercials featuring Mr. K (played by an actor):
In 1977 Mr. K retired and before returning to Japan he gave the Z to his long time Administrative Assistant, Johnnie Gable and her son Kenny Ueda. The family still owns it to this day, driving to many events and Enjoying The Ride. Johnnie contacted Z Car Garage to bring the Z in for some TLC. We are honored to have this national treasure at the shop and look forward to getting it back on the road!
If you listen closely, you can almost hear it whisper the words of Mr. K’s simple philosophy, “Love cars. Love people. Love life.”
Thank you Johnnie and Kenny for making the trip from Southern California, Long Live The Z!
Filed under: Events,Performance
by Alvin G @ 12:36 pm on January 5, 2019
VARA is hosting a vintage racing event at Autoclub Speedway January 18-20 in Fontana, CA.
There will be some exciting Vintage Nissan/Datsun groups running, a Japanese car show and autocross events for everyone to participate.
Our friend Mike Anderson will be racing his Rock Vest Datsun 2000 Roadster along with many Datsuns:
Let’s get more Datsuns out there, on the track and in the paddock!
Z Car Garage is expanding to support our vintage, late model and motorsport work. We are seeking an experienced and skilled automotive technician to join our team.
This is not an average automotive job. The position is for a special candidate that wants to be part of a shop that is growing and always striving to set the bar a little higher. We offer competitive pay/benefits and the best working environment.
Requirements: Experienced with a good set of tools, willingness to learn, and be part of a team.
Interested or know someone who might be a good fit? Please contact rob@zcargarage.com or call us at (408)452-0350.
Every year we have a local Holiday light show called the Fantasy of Lights at Vasona Park. It’s a drive-through event and I always wanted to take my family in the roadster.
Last week we did it! Fun for the wife and kids and a bit emotional for me…15 years ago Rob Fuller handed me the keys to this newly SR20-powered Datsun and it’s been an integral part of my life ever since.
Enjoy the video:
Happy Holidays🎄 and Happy New Year! We hope you you can Enjoy The Ride with family and friends.
One of the real joys this holiday season is the opportunity to say thank you and wish you the very best for the new year. From all of us at Z Car Garage we thank our friends, family and customers again for another exciting and productive year! Please note our holiday closure below:
ZCG will be closed from 12/21 to New Year’s Day. We will re-open for business on 1/2/19
Before we take a look back at highlights from 2018, check out a few of the many customer projects coming along at the shop including full restorations
Scott W’s 260z was completed in summer. This Z has a complete color change, ZCG Big-Brakes and a sweet 3.2L with Jenvey ITB fuel injection. Full report in the New Year!
Several cars delivered before the holidays will get full reports soon: Cece’s 1977 Datsun 280z, Patrick’sZ32TT and Jay’s Z32TT
Highlights from 2018
Enjoy these highlights from 2018 and Z you in the New Year!
