29 March 2023
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Sun Star 1972 Datsun 240Z
PRICE: £112.99
REF NO: H3511
SCALE: 1/18
Sold in its home market in Japan as the Fairlady Z, the Datsun 240Z is the first generation of Z GT 3-door two-seat coupés (followed by the 260Z and the 280Z), produced by Nissan Motors, Ltd. of Japan from 1969 until 1978.
Incidentally, if you ever wondered why the Datsun brand was changed to Nissan, it is because Datsun was actually a brand name used for all of Nissan's export vehicles, but the parent company decided to go worldwide with its own name in 1986. The name Datsun was acquired by Nissan in 1934 when it took control of the DAT Motorcar Co., which had called its smaller cars Datson. Nissan just changed the name slightly.
Aiming to compete directly with established European sports cars, Datsun priced the new 240Z competitively to be close to that of the MGB GT. The 240Z's styling, engineering, relatively low price, and impressive performance truly resonated with the public, and received a positive response from both buyers and the motoring press, immediately generating long waiting lists.
The 240Z broadened the acceptance of Japanese car-makers beyond their economy image. Datsun's growing dealer network ensured both easy purchase and ready maintenance opportunities. All variants have four-wheel independent suspension consisting of MacPherson struts in the front (borrowed from the Nissan Laurel C30) and Chapman struts in the back. Front disc brakes and rear drums were standard.
The Fairlady/240 Z was introduced in late 1969 as a 1970 model, with the L20 2.0-litre straight-six SOHC engine, rear-wheel drive, and a stylish coupe body. The engine, based on the Datsun 510's four-cylinder came with either a four or a five-speed manual transmission.
Sun Star's delightful diecast, based on a 1972 model year car, is beautifully finished all over in this attractive and subtle shade of orange. Featuring opening doors, bonnet and tailgate, there is plenty of excellent detail that can be appreciated.
The black interior is very nicely appointed and the wood-effect steering wheel is an excellent choice - looking very stylish indeed. All of the instrument pods are there and the seats looks very realistically comfortable.
Lifting the bonnet reveals a superb replica of the engine, complete with side-mounted carbs and air filter. All the necessary ancillaries are there, complete with leads, and even the strut mounts are picked out.
Wheel trims finish off the chunky 1970s tyres really nicely (none of this modern-day low-profile malarkey!) and the subtle chromework is very neatly replicated around the windows, door handles, badging and, of course, the bumpers both front and rear.
The body shape looks absolutely spot on, with that signature front end, featuring recessed headlights and the famous snouted grille, drawing you in for a closer look. Thank you, Sun Star! A real treat.