Latest news with #Datsun240Z
Top Gear
31-07-2025
- Automotive
- Top Gear
Wear a Datsun 240Z on your wrist with these limited-edition Seiko watches
Watches Each one's been designed to look like the 240Z which won the 1971 East African Rally Skip 8 photos in the image carousel and continue reading Seiko has designed and produced three watches that allow you to wear a rally hero on your wrist. Kinda. Welcome the new, limited edition Prospex Speedtimers, which doff their little cases to both the old Speedtimer and the Datsun 240Z. The two icons actually share a lot of history: they both debuted in 1969, and Seiko supported the 240Z's efforts in racing, which peaked with a win at the gruelling 1971 East African Rally. Advertisement - Page continues below So these new Prospex Speedtimers deploy design elements from the 240Z which won that race, like the red and black paint and the various Datsun logos, both on the front and back. The entry-level watch is the Prospex Speedtimer (SRQ057). That's limited to just 500 units, gets a black leather strap and classic Datsun italics, and even dials that copy the original 1969 Speedtimer. You might like Next up is the Prospex Solar Speedtimer (SSC957), of which an estimated 4,000 examples will be made. This one gets a slightly fancier grey and black metal strap, a one-hour chronograph function and a 24-hour sundial, with Seiko claiming the Solar can run for up to six months per charge. Last but not least is the Prospex Speedtimer Compact 6R (SPB517), of which 2,500 will be manufactured, each wearing a black strap, red and white inner circles, and a blue rectangle around the Datsun lettering. Advertisement - Page continues below The 6R also includes a countdown timer, which will allow you to track key race intervals such as tyre changing or refuel stops. Or to remind you when it's time for tea and biscuits, obvs. Interested? The trio will be available from September, with prices ranging between £880 and £2,950. Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Look out for your regular round-up of news, reviews and offers in your inbox. Get all the latest news, reviews and exclusives, direct to your inbox.
Hypebeast
31-07-2025
- Automotive
- Hypebeast
The Seiko Prospex Speedtimer Meets 240Z Heritage in New Datsun Collaboration
Summary SeikoandDatsunare celebrating their shared legacy with three newProspex Speedtimerwatches, inspired by the late-1960s era in which both brands broke new ground. In 1969, Seiko launched the Speedtimer, the world's first automatic chronograph to feature a vertical clutch and column wheel. At the same time, Datsun also introduced its now-iconic240Z sports car. Their partnership was cemented in 1971 when a Seiko-branded Datsun 240Z claimed overall victory in the East African Safari Rally, demonstrating the precision timing and high-performance spirit that underpin these limited-edition timepieces. Each collaboration model – SPB517, SRQ057 and SSC957 – draws design cues directly from the Datsun 240Z's red-and-black chassis and vintage instrument fonts. The SPB517, powered by Caliber 6R55, carries a period-correct Datsun logo in a red circle and blue rectangle; the SRQ057, driven by the mechanical chronograph Caliber 8R48, features cursive Datsun lettering alongside an etched rally-car emblem on its case back; and the solar-powered SSC957, with its V192 movement, displays block-style Datsun text and a bespoke illustration of the 240Z. All three watches sit on perforated or lined leather straps sourced from Leather Working Group-certified tanneries. Functionality harks back to motorsports essentials: the SPB517's countdown timer measures critical pre-race intervals, the SRQ057 boasts a tachymeter bezel calibrated from 50 to 600 km/h plus the hallmark precision of Seiko's vertical clutch and column wheel chronograph, and the SSC957 delivers a 60-minute chronograph and 24-hour subdial with up to six months of power reserve on a full charge. These limited editions, 2,500 units of the SPB517, 500 of the SRQ057 and 4,000 of the SSC957, will be available from September 2025 at Seiko boutiques and select retailers worldwide. For more information, head over to Seiko's officialwebsite.
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
One of the Oldest Datsun 240Zs Ever Built Emerges from New Orleans Warehouse
⚡️ Read the full article on Motorious One of the earliest Datsun 240Z sports cars ever built has been unearthed in a dusty New Orleans warehouse, marking a rare and significant discovery for Japanese car enthusiasts and collectors. The coupe, chassis number 00021, is believed to be the ninth 240Z ever sold to the public and the sixth-oldest known to exist, according to records maintained by Z enthusiast site Only 543 examples of the original 1969 model year were built, making this particular car one of just 195 early survivors from that first run. The discovery was made by veteran barn-find expert Tom Cotter, who stumbled upon the car while seeking storage for his 1939 Ford Woodie. Cotter learned that the property's owner was safeguarding the historically significant Z car, which had spent over a decade off the road. Still equipped with its original 2.4-liter inline-six engine and four-speed manual transmission, the Datsun is remarkably complete. Though covered in dust, the body appears nearly rust-free—a rare feat for early 240Zs known for corrosion issues. The odometer shows just over 27,000 miles, though weathering suggests the car may have logged well over 100,000. Originally purchased by a mechanic who delayed its restoration for years, the car changed hands two years ago. Its current caretaker, a collector named Brett, now plans a full nut-and-bolt restoration to bring the iconic coupe back to its former glory. When new, the 240Z offered an affordable performance option to European sports cars like the Jaguar E-Type and BMW 2800 CS. Today, early examples have become increasingly collectible, with top-condition cars fetching six-figure sums at auction. Given its exceptional provenance and condition, chassis 00021 is poised to become one of the most valuable Datsun Z cars ever restored.
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Collector Car Market Crash: Why Vintage Values Are Falling
Collector Car Market Crash: Why Vintage Values Are Falling originally appeared on Autoblog. The collector-car market's pandemic-fueled boom has eased, with median sale prices down about 20% from late 2022 highs to roughly $27,800 (Hagerty Market Index, May 2025). This signals that even cherished classics aren't immune to shifting demand, rising costs, and regulatory uncertainty. For car buffs, this cooling phase offers chances to acquire, enjoy, and maintain vintage rides more affordably. Several interrelated factors have contributed to the downward pressure on values: Tighter tax and estate scrutiny means that high-value assets attract more attention from IRS and local tax authorities. Some owners choose to sell or simplify their holdings earlier than they might have in a looser tax environment, adding supply and pressuring prices. The extraordinary surge in demand during 2020–22—fueled by extra savings, limited travel options, and heightened online auction activity—has naturally corrected as those conditions recede. As pandemic-era fervor fades, bidding intensity softens and buyers become more selective. Ownership costs continue to rise: storage fees have been climbing at roughly 6% per year, with climate-controlled barn space that might once have been $200–$300 per month now approaching $350–$400 monthly. Insurance premiums and maintenance budgets are also on an upward trajectory, which collectively pressures owners of multiple cars to reconsider or offload vehicles rather than expanding their collections. Regulatory and tariff risks weigh on market sentiment. While many classics dodge import duties until they reach 25 years old, potential policy shifts could impose tariffs on models that are only now becoming eligible—such as early '90s Japanese sports cars. Moreover, tightening emissions or safety regulations in various jurisdictions can threaten road legality or increase compliance costs, prompting some owners to sell ahead of new rules. Trading volumes have thinned: auction bidding has cooled noticeably. For example, 1967 Ford Mustang Fastbacks that fetched $80,000–$90,000 in 2022 now more commonly trade in the $65,000–$75,000 range. Similar softening of 10–15% appears in markets for 1972 Datsun 240Z and early BMW E30 M3 models. This reduced heat leads sellers to adjust expectations downward. Finally, enthusiast priorities are shifting. Many younger collectors emphasize hands-on enjoyment — participation in track events, hands-on restoration work, and regular driving — over pure 'investment' purchases. This change tempers speculative bidding and encourages buying for use rather than as a store of value. 1967 Ford Mustang Fastback: Values down ~15–20%; buyers can negotiate prep work (fuel-system refresh, brake rebuilds) into deals. 1972 Datsun 240Z: After peaking near $60,000–$70,000, well-maintained examples now sell around $50,000–$55,000. Barn-find projects become more attractive. Early BMW E30 M3: Entry-level, higher-mileage cars have softened ~10%, trading in the high $50,000s rather than beyond $65,000. Good-condition models are more negotiable. Ferrari 360 Modena & Porsche 997 Carrera: Prices dipped 10–15% from 2021 peaks; buyers can factor maintenance (e.g., IMS bearing checks, service inclusion) into acquisitions. Hunt Hidden Gems: Monitor barn finds, private sales, and marque-specific forums. Seek out cars with thorough documentation, matching numbers, and transparent histories. Negotiate Condition & Extras: Use detailed inspections as leverage. Ask sellers to include recent fluid analyses, mechanical refreshes, or spare parts/work as part of the deal to offset anticipated maintenance. Optimize Storage & Maintenance: Take advantage of eased demand to secure competitive storage rates and more flexible bookings at specialist shops. Schedule preventive services — such as timing-chain or coolant-system checks — while shops have capacity and costs are reasonable. Leverage Networks: Participate in clubs and meetups to discover upcoming sales early, and consider group-buying parts or services to reduce per-unit costs. Focus on Enjoyment: Drive more frequently — weekend cruises, rallies, and track days — since depreciation pressure is lower. Embrace restoration projects when shop availability is better than during peak-market periods. Plan Exits Thoughtfully: When preparing to sell, aim for spring or summer listings, invest in professional detailing, quality photography, and video walkarounds to help your car stand out in a quieter market. It remains important to stay educated on developments that could affect classic-car ownership. Follow marque-specific newsletters, attend workshops, and network with restorers to anticipate emerging technical or regulatory issues. Keep abreast of changes in emissions standards, import rules, and safety regulations that might alter a car's legality or maintenance burden. Parts availability can shift as suppliers adjust production; consider stocking up on consumables—such as seals or bushings—before certain items become scarcer or more expensive. Periodically review your insurance: update agreed-value coverage to reflect current market levels and adjust mileage or usage clauses if you plan to drive more often or store differently. Strive to balance your garage between higher-maintenance classics and more reliable models to smooth overall costs. Finally, maintain a reserve fund for unplanned repairs—whether a carburetor rebuild or an electronic - module fix — to avoid unwelcome surprises. This market downturn represents an opportunity for car buffs: desired models are more accessible, service and parts deals can be negotiated more favorably, and driving becomes less daunting when steep depreciation is unlikely. Prioritize authenticity, usability, and personal enjoyment — acquire and use classics on your own terms. In this cooler market, true value lies in the journey: drive, tinker, and relish every mile of the vintage-car experience. Collector Car Market Crash: Why Vintage Values Are Falling first appeared on Autoblog on Jun 22, 2025 This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Jun 22, 2025, where it first appeared.
The Drive
14-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Drive
Basic Is Back: Here Are the De Tomaso P72's Best Throwback Details
The latest car news, reviews, and features. De Tomaso is back with a new production-spec supercar called the P72. Pretty much everybody loves it, and for good reason—it's gorgeous. Not only that, but it's a staunchly old-school affair, rocking a 700-horsepower, 605 lb-ft supercharged 5.0-liter cross-plane Ford Coyote V8 that's been tuned by Roush and mated to a six-speed manual transmission. Officially billed as 'a tribute to an era when man and machine moved in perfect harmony,' this glorious, screen-free exercise in nostalgia is stubbornly analog in its details, too; you could almost call it basic. But, if you haven't heard, basic is cool again. Here are four refreshingly throwback touches on the P72 that deserve to make a comeback on performance cars that aren't Italian carbon unobtanium. The inclusion of a manual gearbox would be analog enough on its own, but De Tomaso went several steps further by blessing the P72 with a shifter linkage that's completely and beautifully exposed. De Tomaso Granted, that other boutique Italian supercar maker Pagani has been doing similar shifters for a while, but it doesn't make the P72's setup any less glorious. Also, there's something to be said about this one's swoopy, very extra, almost art deco brushed-bronze style that you don't get with the Paganis. Like pretty much every performance car post-S2000 and every car period post, like, 2012, the P72 appears to feature push-button start. Note the 'START' button in the center of the row of five located below the three analog dials (more on those later). Look to the left of this, however, is something many modern drivers have not seen in a while: a slot for a key. Top Gear got hands-on with this car and detailed the start-up process: Place the leather-lined key fob into the little triangular recessed section aft of the gear knob and press down. Remove the milled physical key into the steering-column slot and twist. Press the START button. Unnecessary? Yes. Convoluted? Sure, maybe a little. Cool as hell? You bet. De Tomaso As another wholly unnecessary but pointed design decision, the P72 dedicates a whole lot of dashboard real estate to three analog gauges measuring oil pressure, oil temperature, and battery voltage. It's a classic race car layout stemming from an era of mostly endurance racers in which keeping an eye on that stuff really mattered. It trickled into road-going performance cars around the '60s and stuck around for a while, but these days, its inclusion is mostly a nostalgia play. The old Datsun 240Z famously had a rendition of this, as did every Z car that followed, including the new one you can likely find at your local Nissan dealer. So, yeah, there's one thing the new Nissan Z has in common with the De Tomaso P72. Arguably popularized by the likes of BMW and later adopted by almost every new car available no matter how pedestrian, drive modes surprisingly aren't a thing with the P72. Granted, the push-rod suspension system features dampers that are manually adjustable, but that's it. No knobs or buttons that alter throttle response, steering weight, or how red your gauges are. You just get in it and drive. On specs and facts alone, De Tomaso's new baby sounds like it'll be a car you'll want to drive, too, 'cause it's built around a carbon unibody monocoque, the entire body is also carbon, and its Ford-sourced V8 is assembled by hand and is said to feature a header design inspired by the '60s. The six-speed manual's gear ratios were tuned for entertaining in-gear performance, not top speed. True to its name, only 72 of these things will ever be made, but between this and that one electric truck everybody won't stop talking about, basic is back and hopefully the likes of Ferrari and Lamborghini will jump on the bandwagon soon. Got a tip or question for the author about the P72? You can reach him here: Chris Tsui is The Drive's Reviews Editor. He oversees the site's car reviews operation in addition to pitching in on industry news and writing his own evaluations of the latest rides. He lives in Toronto.
