The 1971 Nissan Fairlady Z 5-Speed reflects decades of careful preservation and expert restoration. This right-hand-drive Japanese-market example now resides in Seekonk, Massachusetts, offering enthusiasts a glimpse at a fully refreshed classic. Its white exterior contrasts sharply with the black interior, maintaining the original Fairlady Z spirit while incorporating modern restoration standards.
Exterior Restoration and Features
Stripped to bare metal during restoration, the bodywork received new panels, rockers, and floor pans. The repaint in white provides a clean and period-correct finish. Polished bumpers, covered headlights, dual black fender mirrors, and Fairlady Z badging reinforce its Japanese-market authenticity. Additional touches include a locking fuel filler door, black tail panel, and stacked twin exhaust tips.
Wheels, Suspension, and Tires
14-inch steel wheels were powder-coated in black and fitted with chrome lug nuts. Accelera Eco Plush tires measure 185/70 on all corners. The suspension integrates Eibach springs over Tokico shocks, while brakes feature front discs and rear drums, all overhauled during the restoration. A full-size spare sits beneath the trunk floor.
Interior Layout and Cabin Upgrades
The cabin retains right-hand-drive configuration with black leatherette bucket seats featuring ventilation grommets. Diamond-stitched leather accents cover the tunnel and rear compartment. Fairlady Z mats line the footwells, and additional amenities include a passenger footrest, heater, defroster, and a clock with a date window.
Instrumentation and Controls
The dashboard houses a 240-km/h speedometer, 7k-rpm tachometer, and gauges for coolant temperature, oil pressure, amperage, and fuel. NISMO Datsun Competition components wrap the steering wheel and shifter, while the dashboard refurbishment ensures accurate and clear instrumentation. The odometer shows approximately 81k kilometers (~50k miles).
Engine and Performance Details
Under the hood, the rebuilt 2.0-liter L20 inline-six powers the rear wheels through a replacement five-speed manual transmission. Twin Hitachi SU side-draught carburetors were overhauled, with an orange-finished air cleaner completing the engine bay. Fuel, brake, and suspension systems were fully refreshed to ensure mechanical reliability.
Summary
The 1971 Nissan Fairlady Z 5-Speed combines a white exterior, fully rebuilt L20 inline-six, and modernized yet authentic mechanicals. Its restoration earned top honors at Japanese Classic Car and Petersen Automotive Museum shows. The right-hand-drive layout and meticulous documentation make this Fairlady Z a compelling classic for collectors seeking authenticity paired with refined performance.
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Source & Details: bringatrailer.com
