California-based Pierre’s Z Service Center has produced what it claims to be the only open-top Datsun 240Z based on a 1971MY car. Aside from a complete restoration, it received a powerful eight-cylinder engine. Mecum Auctions hopes to sell it for U.S. $50,000–70,000 this weekend.
The original sports car (which Datsun itself insisted on calling ‘a personal GT’ instead) was chopped along with its windshield, lowered and outfitted with new fender flares. 17-inch HRE wheels slotted into the arches, and Wilwood brakes replaced the old ones. The whole suspension was rebuilt for a more up-to-date driving experience.
The engine bay accommodated a 7.4-liter naturally aspirated V8 churning out 674 PS (665 hp / 496 kW). A six-speed manual transmission was entrusted with delivering the torque to the rear wheels.
Check out the video for a glimpse of the original 1971 Datsun 240Z sans tuning.