Big Sam 240Z - Octane Magazine #86

Just bought and read the article in Octane issue 86 on the UK racing 240z, Big Sam. Aside from having some very detailed photos and history provided by none other than Alan Thomas, the car is expected to fetch £40-£60k at auction next mth. The engine setup and photos are great, especially the setup of the oil catch can, and engine placement, back more than usual. I never knew they started with an L24, then changed to L20 crank to then to rebore to a faster revving 2.4 with 250hp.

The other point to highlight to my mind is that the inclusion of the somewhat humble 240z in Octane magazine, arguably the world's best read classic car mag (this month including a ten page article on the world's most expensive car ever, the Bugatti Atlantic) can only mean one thing in terms of the car's acceptance amongst European investors and collectors, and therefore values. If you get a chance, buy a copy, it's well worth it. Also grab a 240z (no bias here!), as it appears the world is starting to like them more than ever.

And these mags are in normal newsagencies?

Can you scan and post big sam's bit?

And these mags are in normal newsagencies?

 

Yes, just got my copy, good little article with plenty of pics. 

 

There's also a write up in MotorSport magazine on how the 240Z rewrote histiory.

Car sold at auction early July? 78500 pounds $135000.

No a bad price.

Nick

Just a reality check. Note the details of the silver Zed.

Lot #118 = 1971  Datsun 240Z Coupé  Chassis no. HS30-01903 sold for £13,225 ($23,373AUS)

This right-hand drive, five-speed 240Z was delivered new to the UK and first registered here on 1st January 1972, making it one of the earliest to reach these shores. The Datsun was immediately exported to South Africa (papers available) and was acquired there in 1986 by the previous owner, who kept the car for the next 24 years and brought it back to the UK when he emigrated in 2006. Totally restored in 1994, it is described as completely standard apart from a free-flow exhaust, ported cylinder head, electronic ignition and a lightened/fully balanced crankshaft. The car is finished in silver with black interior and is described by the private vendor as in generally very good/excellent condition. A 'delight to drive quickly', this Japanese classic enjoys tax-exempt status as an historic vehicle and is offered with current MoT and Swansea V5 registration document.

Big Sam on the other hand has quite some history.

http://www.bonhams.com/cgi-bin/public.sh/WService=wslive_pub/pubweb/publicSite.r?sContinent=EUR&screen=lotdetailsNoFlash&iSaleItemNo=4655287&iSaleNo=18214&iSaleSectionNo=2#

Big sam was a legend, and gave another legend, win Percy his big start, tough car! I love the picture of the guy in the crossed up Fraser Nash on page 56, thats what you call a serious race face! LOL

Agree on the Fraser Nash 145hp in THAT car would be ridiculous .....

The one (from Octane #86) that really made me go weak at the knees was the 1961 Ferrari SEFAC 250 Competizione. Totally outrageous, and something that gives me a lot of inspiration in relation to the Brown Hornet!

Are there pictures that show the overall engine bay? From the looks of that engine mount, the engine has been pushed WAY back.

Whilst I was living in the UK from 93 to 95 I was lucky enough to see "Big Sam" at the 1994 Birmingham classic car show and a few months later at the '94 Zed Nationals in Manchester (the GB Zed Club's 25 aniversary)

As part of the Zed nationals, there was a Sprint day held at the Aintree Circuit just out of Manchester.........I had "wangled" a hot lap (as passenger ) in Big Sam ...unfortunately it p1ssed with rain all day so my ride did not eventuate. (Big Sam did not emerge from the transporter) 

Bugger trying to post some picks of the GB Zed club display.......... Big Sam and a genuine 240ZG that was purchased and imported from Japan at a cost of 20,000, GPB