Datsun 240Z homage isn't electric or four-wheel drive or even automatic - and all the better for it
While it unquestionably looks the part, the initial response to the not-for-Europe Nissan Z was not uniformly complimentary. However, it is a rear-drive sports car and does feature a manual gearbox mated to a hearty 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 - so we’re prepared to give it quite a. Even more so in its latest guise as the Safari Rally Z Tribute, a one-off homage to Nissan’s motorsport heritage built by Tommy Pike Customs and destined for the manufacturer's stand at this year’s SEMA show.
What heritage specifically? Well, ‘a multi-decade legacy of rallying success’ of course - but really it’s the Datsun 240Z that won the 1971 East African rally which has been plucked from the curio hat.
Moreover, it provides a neat starting point for a tricked-out Z because the model is so flagrantly indebted to the 240Z’s design. So while Nissan admits it has leaned ‘into the trend for rugged, go-anywhere “safari” builds’, it’s safe to say that the show car rather suits its combination of raised suspension and 17-inch prototype Nismo Safari wheels . It ought to sound the business, too, with a Nismo track cat-back system sporting 2.25-inch stainless steel piping.
More importantly, the concept retains the VR30DDTT motor and its six-speed manual - oh, and just the one driven axle. Throw in a custom roll cage and Recaro Pole Position seats with four-point harnesses, and we’re willing to bet that it’s probably as fun to drive as it is to look at once you find it some gravel to throw around. As much fun as the vintage replica of the rally-winning 240Z that Nissan found to photograph it alongside? Who knows.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
See Exterior and Interior Photos of the Nissan Safari Rally Z TributeThe Safari Rally Z Tribute celebrates Nissan's win at the 1971 East African Safari Rally.
Read more »
Nissan Safari Rally Z Tribute revealed at SEMA with lifted suspension, more powerGet in-depth info on the 2024 Nissan Z including prices, specs, reviews, options, safety and reliability ratings.
Read more »
Nissan Safari Rally Z Tribute Is A Reminder That Sports Cars Used To Go RallyingNissan is looking back at its rallying successes, and the 240Z that won the East African Rally Safari in 1971
Read more »
Nissan Z concept pays homage to Safari Rally-winning 240ZNissan is headed to the 2023 SEMA show with several builds, including a Safari Rally-style Z sports car.
Read more »
Nissan Shows Off Rally Z Tribute at SEMA ShowKristin Shaw fell in love with cars while visiting dozens of auto shows as a kid, which explains her love for big-finned 1950s cars and 1960s Corvettes. She competed in her first Rebelle Rally, an all-female off-roading competition, in the fall of 2022 in a lifted Hyundai Santa Cruz and will participate again in 2023.
Read more »