1970 Datsun 240Z Z432R for auction: The million-dollar Z Car
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Rare factory racer set to break records, estimated to fetch up to AU$1.1 million
The humble Datsun 240Z has been on a tear lately; setting global auction records, then re-setting them again multiple times over the past 12 months.
But this nondescript-looking orange 1970 Datsun Z432R looks set to shatter them all, and subsequently take the mantle of ‘the most expensive Z car ever sold’.
Japanese auction house BHauction will be sending the rare factory racer under the hammer at its Tokyo Terrada auction on January 11 and 12, 2020. Official estimates at the current exchange rate predict the car to sell between (are you sitting down?) AU$985,814 and AU$1,120,857!
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The standard 240Z was a breakout sports car in its own right, but Datsun specially built 420 "Z432" badged cars, utilising the famous Datsun S20 motor which was lifted out of the original Skyline GT-R – which in turn was virtually lifted out of the Grand Prix-winning Prince R380 race car.
The 432 nomenclature refers to the use of 4 valves per cylinder, three Mikuni carburettors, and 2 camshafts. On top of those 420 Z432s built, it’s believed that Datsun built between 30 and 50 stripped out race cars called the "Z432R".
Total weight was over 100kg lighter than the standard 240Z, with the bonnet constructed of FRP and all remaining body panels produced 0.2mm thinner for more extreme weight saving. More so, the side and rear windows are made of acrylic, and there’s no radio or air-conditioning. Instead you got bucket seats, and a 100lt fuel tank underlying its endurance racing intentions.
This particular example presents in outstanding condition with just 98,040kms travelled since new.
As far as Z car collecting goes, the Z432R is as close to the Holy Grail there is. Will it truly be sold for over AU$1 million? We shall find out in a few weeks.
Stay tuned on Tradeuniquecars.com.au for all the latest news and auction highlights from around the globe!
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