A stunning 1978 Datsun 260 Z

The legendary Z car was conceived by Nissan's North American President, Yutaka Katayama as a cheaper alternative to Toyota's exotic 2000GT and became the first truly successful Japanese sports car. Using a six-cylinder engine, the motor had a single overhead camshaft and 150 bhp on tap. The attractive styling, with long bonnet and compact cabin area, has widely been credited to German designer Albrecht Goertz and still looks sharp today. The 240Z was an instant success, particularly in America, but with emissions controls increasingly diluting its performance, Nissan sought to restore some of the power lost by increasing engine capacity - taking the stroke out to 79mm boosted output to 162 bhp. The 260Z retained the classic looks of its predecessor and the appeal was broadened with the addition of a 2+2 version on a slightly longer wheelbase and with a higher roofline to increase cabin space. Today, any well-kept Nissan Z car is a delight to own, offering plenty of driving thrills, the practicality of a rear hatchback and large load area. For too long, the later model Zs has been under appreciated and with classic status assured, values can only rise in the years to come.

When you slide into the seat of any Z car you're getting behind the wheel of one of Datsun's great icons, immediately you feel at home in the low slung coupe, with all essential controls where you'd want them. First registered in February 1978 this particular 260 Z has been the subject of a huge restoration by one of its fastidious previous owners a Flight Lieutenant Brian Stevenson, evidenced by the reams of invoices proving that this 260 Z is a very special motor car.

There is photographic evidence of major bodywork restoration by a marque specialist and we are informed by the vendor that there are substantial invoices and bills along with a sheaf of previous MOTs going back to 1982 when its odometer showed 24547 miles. We are informed by the vendor that the bodywork was repainted to a very high standard with an excellent finish and uniform gloss throughout that has stood the test of time beautifully, panel fit is crucial on these cars and this example passes any close scrutiny with sharp, true angles and straight surfaces, and absolutely no signs of corrosion anywhere.

The interior looks stunning and has worn very well over the years. Thanks to the thin pillars, the all-round visibility is excellent and there is a feeling of lightness unfound in cars of today. Mechanically the engine was rebuilt at point of restoration and also benefits from the fitting of a Samurai cylinder head and Janspeed manifold and as such we are informed that this car drives without fault with no nasty knocks or rattles whatsoever, all electrics work perfectly and the steering and suspension are both tight and firm and as such make driving this particular car an absolute delight.

Cars like this are a testament to their careful loving owners, sold with a frest MOT and unique registration number this 260Z has a great history file and is a definite contender for anyone looking to purchase an extremely well maintained and restored example that's on the button and ready to go and be enjoyed by its next owner.