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FEATURE
The JDM unicorn that is the Nissan Fairlady ZG HS30
Published Mon, Nov 16, 2020 4:30 PM
Nissan’s 240Z is an icon amongst us petrolheads. With its mix of aggressive beauty and classic style, it’s a dream car that’s within reach for many people. But this particular 240Z is something of a unicorn.
WHO?
Nissan are nowadays, one of the big boys. When it comes to cars, they build pretty much everything-from superminis to trucks, luxury saloons to supercars. And they do it well.
But, obviously, the company hasn’t always been the global powerhouse that it is today. It all started more than 100 years ago, in 1911, when Masujiro Hashimoto founded the Kaishinsha Motor Car Works in a small Tokyo suburb. The first car wouldn’t hit the road until 1914 however and was snappily titled the DAT, after the company's main investors’ surnames: Mr. Den, Mr. Aoyama, and Mr. Takeuchi.
The Nissan name wouldn’t appear until some time later and was actually coined from an abbreviation of the new owners’ holding company, Nihon Sangyo. Between 1928 and WW2, the company grew exponentially, eventually incorporating 74 firms, becoming the fourth largest in Japan by the close of the conflict.
It was during the ‘50s that Nissan decided to spread their seed further afield, deciding their small car line, under the name ‘Datsun’, would be perfect to break the Australian market and, more importantly, the US. By the ‘70s, Nissan were one of the world’s largest automobile exporters.
WHAT?
With the world falling in love with these new-fangled, mid-budget sports cars, like MG’s BGT, Nissan decided they wanted a piece of the action, and set to work building something special. The result was the Fairlady Z, more commonly known by its export moniker-the 240Z. Upon its release in 1969, it grabbed the attention of people all across the planet. With its long nose, svelte flanks, and confidence-inspiring driving position, it was a far cry from some of the other options on the market, and Nissan quickly realised they were missing a trick by not putting it on the track.
So, in October 1971, Nissan announced the release of the Fairlady ZG, which was to be sold as a homologation car for Group 4 racing. Nissan produced just enough Gs, or Grandes, to allow them to go racing, all of which were sold in Japan, although a few found their way overseas. They were offered in just 3 colour-Grand Prix White, Red, and Marron (that’s not a typo).
But it was far from just a special edition version of the normal car-it had numerous additions, including; an extended fibreglass ‘Aero-Dyna’ nosecone, extended riveted over fenders, which are the inspiration for every cheap kit that exists on eBay today, a large rear spoiler, acrylic headlamp covers, and different mirrors. It also featured different seats and trim, a lap timer, and those super cool and uber-rare Watanabe wheels.
It wasn’t all aesthetic though, because the G had been upgraded under the bonnet too. Fitted with a 2.4 straight-6, the G put out 151bhp and 146 lb/ft, through a 5-speed manual box and a limited-slip diff at the rear. I’ve driven this very car, and it’s a spectacular machine. I’ve never felt so connected to anything, and the grip it provides is phenomenal.
This particular example has been subject to a couple of small modifications; namely upgrading the twin Solex carbs to a set of period billy big balls triple Mikhunis (which were an option when the car was new), and some very fitting orange stripes.
When the current owner bought the car, it had been freshly restored in Japan and was supposedly being shipped over in primer, ready for a fresh coat of its original Marron. However, when it was unloaded, it was very definitely white, which is not what Jane wanted. So it was summarily shipped to their tame paint man, to emerge a few weeks later in its factory hue.
The car, as with the rest of Jane’s extensive collection, is no show pony and is used regularly for its intended purpose. In 2014, the car took part in the Rally for Heroes, taking it through 10 countries, racking up more than 3,000 miles during the trip, and apparently pushing TVRs and other sports cars out of the way on the mountain passes. That’s what happens when you come up against a race car, we suppose.
WHAT?
With the world falling in love with these new-fangled, mid-budget sports cars, like MG’s BGT, Nissan decided they wanted a piece of the action, and set to work building something special. The result was the Fairlady Z, more commonly known by its export moniker-the 240Z. Upon its release in 1969, it grabbed the attention of people all across the planet. With its long nose, svelte flanks, and confidence-inspiring driving position, it was a far cry from some of the other options on the market, and Nissan quickly realised they were missing a trick by not putting it on the track.
So, in October 1971, Nissan announced the release of the Fairlady ZG, which was to be sold as a homologation car for Group 4 racing. Nissan produced just enough Gs, or Grandes, to allow them to go racing, all of which were sold in Japan, although a few found their way overseas. They were offered in just 3 colour-Grand Prix White, Red, and Marron (that’s not a typo).
But it was far from just a special edition version of the normal car-it had numerous additions, including; an extended fibreglass ‘Aero-Dyna’ nosecone, extended riveted over fenders, which are the inspiration for every cheap kit that exists on eBay today, a large rear spoiler, acrylic headlamp covers, and different mirrors. It also featured different seats and trim, a lap timer, and those super cool and uber-rare Watanabe wheels.
It wasn’t all aesthetic though, because the G had been upgraded under the bonnet too. Fitted with a 2.4 straight-6, the G put out 151bhp and 146 lb/ft, through a 5-speed manual box and a limited-slip diff at the rear. I’ve driven this very car, and it’s a spectacular machine. I’ve never felt so connected to anything, and the grip it provides is phenomenal.
This particular example has been subject to a couple of small modifications; namely upgrading the twin Solex carbs to a set of period billy big balls triple Mikhunis (which were an option when the car was new), and some very fitting orange stripes.
When the current owner bought the car, it had been freshly restored in Japan and was supposedly being shipped over in primer, ready for a fresh coat of its original Marron. However, when it was unloaded, it was very definitely white, which is not what Jane wanted. So it was summarily shipped to their tame paint man, to emerge a few weeks later in its factory hue.
The car, as with the rest of Jane’s extensive collection, is no show pony and is used regularly for its intended purpose. In 2014, the car took part in the Rally for Heroes, taking it through 10 countries, racking up more than 3,000 miles during the trip, and apparently pushing TVRs and other sports cars out of the way on the mountain passes. That’s what happens when you come up against a race car, we suppose.
HOW?
240Zs are rare, but certainly not unobtainable, and are definitely well within the reach of many people. A late car in ok condition can be picked up for around £25k, whilst an immaculate early example will set you back closer to £50k. But the G is a very different proposition. When they do come up for sale, which is not very often at all, don’t expect to get any change from £150k for a decent example.
WHERE?
This 240ZG is a much-loved part of the JHW Classics Collection. It’s used and enjoyed regularly, driven hard by its owner when she’s feeling the need for a B-road blast. It’s available for TV and promotional work, as every car in the collection is, and if you’re interested in finding out more, you can contact Jane on her website www.jhwclassics.com
SPECS
Manufacturer: Nissan
Model: Fairlady Z G
Powertrain: Front-mounted 2.4 Inline-6, 5-speed manual gearbox, rear-wheel drive with LSD
Weight: 1,068kg (dry)
Power: 151bhp, 146 lb/ft torque
Price: £150k upwards
Exclusivity: Very rare!
