The Datsun Scarab Z brings together the best of these two different worlds. Japanese accuracy meets American muscle in one extraordinary package! You'll instantly see the sleek and flowing lines of the classic Datsun 240Z. It now packs some serious V8 power under the hood thanks to conversion kits and expert customization.
Your eyes will light up at the sight of this rare beast from the 1970s too. The Scarab Z roars to life with a Chevrolet V8 heart pumping out 250 horses of pure American muscle. Plus you get the extra features - a reinforced frame that can manage the power! You also get those styling adjustments that set it apart from regular 240Zs you see on the street. What you're looking at here is pure automotive magic. Skilled mechanics took a Datsun Z and turned it into something extraordinary.
Now let me show you the features that make this car a legend.
History of the Datsun 240Z
The Datsun 240Z burst onto the automotive community at New York's Pierre Hotel in October 1969. It forever changed the way we view Japanese cars. Nissan was ready to show the world what Japan could bring to the table against those fancy European manufacturers - and boy did they ever deliver!
Yutaka Katayama (who ran Nissan America back then) masterminded this awesome project. His vision was crystal clear. He wanted to give people a sports car that could compete with those fancy European rides without making them break the bank. Designer Yoshihiko Matsuo's wind tunnel work and focus on driver comfort made that dream reality.
Look under the hood and you'll find a tough 2.4-liter inline-six engine that cranks out 151 horsepower. This powerhouse can get you moving from zero to 60 in just 8 seconds. It lets you push all of the way up to 125 mph - pretty great right! These numbers put the 240Z right up there with those expensive European sports cars too.
The 240Z excelled at giving drivers the most bang for their dollar. You get the excitement and thrills of a European sports car without having to empty your savings account. Motor Trend magazine jumped on the bandwagon too. They handed over their "Import Car of the Year" award in 1970. Car experts just couldn't stop raving about how awesome it felt to drive.
American buyers loved this great car and the Datsun dealers could barely keep up with demand. European car makers finally had to notice what was coming out of Japan. The 240Z also started collecting racing trophies left and right. This machine proved it wasn't just about looking sleek - it meant serious business.
Japan had finally shown the world they could build sports cars that went head-to-head with the best European and American products.
As the early 1970s rolled on Nissan kept making the Z-car even better. They added an even mightier 2.6-liter engine that packed an extra punch. The 240Z kicked off the Z-car legacy that car enthusiasts still go crazy for. It opened the door for waves of outstanding Japanese sports cars to follow.
Features of the Scarab Z
A Datsun Scarab Z works as one of the most jaw-dropping custom builds in the classic car world. This awesome project can change your standard Datsun 240Z into something exceptional. The favorite happens to be a heart transplant from Chevrolet.
If you pop open the hood you'll find a beastly 327 cubic inch Chevy small block V8 engine swap waiting to roar. Through careful balancing and blueprinting, this powerhouse can pump out a whopping 250 horses. That's nearly double what rolled off the factory floor. The modern fuel injection systems give you issue-free starts and smoother power delivery.
Your eyes will immediately lock onto the wild and dramatic exterior makeover. Those muscular wide-body kits change the car's stance and make room for meatier wheels and rubber. Custom front air dams and rear spoilers keep everything glued to the pavement. Scarab Zs also have race-inspired number circles and sleek headlight covers for that competition look.
All that extra muscle needs some handling to match. Firmer struts paired with lower springs keep you planted through the corners. Lightweight aluminum control arms with grippy polyurethane bushings sharpen up the response. A beefed-up five-speed transmission usually takes the place of the stock gearbox.
The cockpit screams performance at every angle. Race bucket seats with five-point harnesses lock you in place during spirited drives. Custom gauge clusters keep you informed of what's happening with that strong V8. A properly installed roll cage adds protection and gives the whole package a more serious feel.
The tech upgrades help in the package too. LED or HID headlights light up the night better than the old sealed beams ever could. Fresh wiring harnesses manage the extra electrical needs. Some builds even pack advanced engine management systems for perfect control over that muscular V8.
Those wheel and tire combinations complete the appearance. Most builders go for RS Watanabe wheels wrapped in sticky performance rubber. Those wide fenders let you run much fatter tires than stock. Beefed-up frame rails help you use all that extra grip.
Heritage of the Datsun 240Z
You'll be impressed at how this sleek car dominated hard racing events around the globe. Back then everyone knew this as one of the most punishing races you could ever dream of entering.
You have to hear about Edgar Herrmann and Hans Schüller. They wrote their names in history by pushing their 240Z across the finish line first in that 1971 race! Even better two other 240Zs crushed it too - landing in second and seventh place. Mind you these weren't your showroom models. The race cars packed specifically tuned and modified L24 engines with Solex carburetors cranking out a solid 210 horsepower.
Just when you thought the 240Z was done showing off it came back and conquered the East African Safari Rally again in 1973! You should also know about its great run at the 1972 Monte Carlo Rally. It snagged third place. That's quite spectacular since rear-wheel-drive cars usually struggle on those slick mountain roads.
Over in America you couldn't miss the 240Z dominating the Sports Car Club of America racing series. Race driver John Morton became an absolute legend behind the wheel of his BRE Datsun 240Z. He grabbed C Production National Championships back-to-back in 1970 and 1971.
These awesome wins completely changed how you would look at Japanese cars. Finally everyone realized these machines weren't just budget-friendly options. They were serious contenders ready to take on the best from Europe and America.
The race glory sent the 240Z's showroom popularity through the roof in America. How could you ignore a Japanese car that was beating Porsches and Fords on race day?
Customization Process for the Scarab Z
You'll need to put serious time and money into converting your Datsun 240Z into a Scarab Z! Your mechanical expertise and custom car skills need to be good for this hard build. Most enthusiasts take on the project themselves with a conversion kit. Or they let specialty shops manage the work.
First things first - you'll have to strip your 240Z down to its bare essentials! The real excitement begins when you swap out the inline-six for a Chevy V8 engine. Making that V8 fit in your engine bay takes some complete problem-solving skills. You'll need to know the technical facts to make all parts work together.
That muscular V8 will need suspension upgrades too. No surprise there. You'll want to add heavy-duty springs and beefed-up shock absorbers to your parts list. Your braking system needs big improvements to manage the extra horsepower under the hood.
Your Scarab Z's exterior modifications will turn heads at car shows! The custom fiberglass body panels change your ride's appearance completely. Some creative builders even add parts from other vehicles. Those sleek Ferrari taillights look amazing on these builds.
Finding parts for your Scarab Z project can be a fun process - or not so fun, depending on the rarity of the parts. Conversion kits aren't available at your local auto parts store. You might spend a few months looking for pieces. Many builders end up making their own parts or buying some on eBay and restoring them. The original parts are too hard to find in good condition. They're over 50 years old after all. Rust is always an issue with older cars.
Each Scarab Z can become a reflection of its builder's vision and abilities. Your personal touches make your car one-of-a-kind. The rare factory-built versions now fetch premium prices from collectors. They're valued for their numbered plates and history.
Most builders spend a few months completing their Scarab Z transformation. You'll have technical challenges throughout the process. From positioning the engine to fine-tuning the suspension and weight distribution.
While professional shops can handle Scarab Z conversions, their expertise costs quite a bit. Many enthusiasts opt for the project themselves and learn useful skills. You'll find the Scarab Z community supportive and will help you overcome common challenges.
Collectibility and Limited Editions
The custom-built Scarab Z cars sit right at the top of the classic car collecting world. These special machines started their life as regular Datsun Z cars. The skilled craftsmen at Scarab changed them into something extraordinary.
Each Scarab Z model comes with a numbered plaque that shows its exact place in the production line. The selling price of these cars will blow your mind too. Just like other rare Z-car variants, a well-maintained Scarab at auction will fetch serious money.
The mind-blowing attention to detail in every Scarab conversion makes these cars stand out from the crowd. You can see how the modifications completely change the looks and performance of these machines. The original paperwork and numbered plaques from the factory build make your investment even more desirable.
The classic car market is wild about Japanese sports cars from the 1970s right now. Scarab Z cars capture this fun era in automotive history. You're seeing somethingspecial here. It's rock-solid Datsun engineering mixed with exclusive American modifications. These vehicles are now so rare that collectors practically fight over them when one appears for sale.
Any collector will tell you how well the Scarab Z brings Japanese and American car culture together. The outstanding work of these master craftsmen took a sports car and turned it into something magical. Those lucky enough to keep their Scarabs in pristine condition now own an absolute treasure.
The rising popularity of vintage Japanese cars means that Scarab Z owners are laughing all of the way to the bank. Your car's selling price will take off if you have the documentation from recent auctions.
Most enthusiasts think these cars pack more punch than standard limited-edition Z models. The individual production numbers make your Scarab one-of-a-kind.
Build Your Dream Car
These classic cars are now opening up fun new possibilities thanks to modern tech. You can keep your treasured classic running strong while staying true to its roots through innovative services. 3D printing technology lets you make those hard-to-find replacement parts. Plus you now have the choice to swap in an electric powertrain. This breathes new life into these classic machines for future generations to enjoy.
Your journey with Japanese classics will connect you to an awesome network of fellow enthusiasts. Other owners at local meetups and online forums are always ready to share their expertise and experiences. You'll find helpful services for repairs. You'll also get fresh ideas for your build. These friendships with people who share your passion will last for years to come.
Skillard helps turn your Z-car vision into something extraordinary with our precision-engineered parts. Every component we make aligns with our deep obsession with quality and accuracy. Your restoration project deserves the best materials. We have custom aluminum door cards, sleek center consoles and aerodynamic spoilers. Our designed front and rear bumpers also give your vintage Datsun that perfect finishing touch.
Ready to transform your Z-car into something exceptional? Head over to Skillard.com and check out our complete line of custom parts!
