Datsun 240Z as you’ve never seen it: MZR Roadsports Evolution | Henry Catchpole - The Driver’s Seat
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- Опубликовано: 22 ноя 2022
- For this episode of The Driver’s Seat, Henry Catchpole walks around the city of Bradford looking pensive until he stumbles upon a garage with a secret. MZR Roadsports is a gem of a company that is producing some beautiful restomods based on the Datsun 240Z (also known as the Nissan Fairlady Z). Since Singer Vehicle Design set the internet alight with its reimagining of the Porsche 911, there has been a vibrant market for subtly (and wildly) updated classics and although the S30 Datsun is an unusual basis for a restomod made in the UK, the result is fascinating.
With a full carbon fibre body and a larger, 3.2-litre straight-six engine, this is the first example of the company’s latest Evolution model - the Caraba commission. It sounds glorious, with hints of BMW, Jaguar and even Ferrari in the soundtrack, and it has 275bhp which is sent to the rear wheels through a modern, six-speed manual gearbox. The whole car is light, too, weighing in at just 1079kg (2379lb), wet.
Inside, there are bespoke carbon seats covered in wonderfully soft Spinneybeck leather and the dashboard is a voluptuous redesign of the original with similarities to a Lamborghini Miura. Despite being a relatively diminutive two-seater sports car designed in the 1960s, there is a surprising amount of room in the cabin, which makes you instantly imagine setting off on a road trip. It’s all topped off with a gear-lever that has something of the Atari CX40 joystick about it - in a good way. And the price for an Evolution? A remarkably reasonable £200k, including the donor car.
If all that isn’t enough to get you clicking on the film, just know that if you don’t then you’ll be missing out Glenn Winhall’s inspired idea to bring a smoke machine and multiple fluorescent tubes into the MZR workshop. The resultant slightly spooky disco vibe is a visual feast. We hope you enjoy the video - perhaps let us know in the comments which other restomods you’d like to see Henry review in the future.
Links:
/ mzr_roadsports
mzrroadsports.co.uk
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I’m so proud of my dad being a part of such an amazing company! MZR is making history! 🎉 - brilliant review!
You should, magnificent effort 👏
If possible, please congratulate him on behalf of all enthusiasts around the world. 😎👍🏻
Probably an overused word by now, but this is a masterpiece! 👏🏻😃
Give that man a hug for me!! He's doing god's work!
After I'm done saving the world, I'd love to work in this shop. Would be a dream.
What they’re doing really is something special.
In a world where the number of 911 restomods surpasses the amount of 911's ever built by Porsche, this is a breath of fresh air.
Amen Sir!!
That doesn't make sense
@@ArtVandelayOfficial yes it does
@@ArtVandelayOfficial Agree, and when you are in import export you need to know your numbers :D
Yes, defo not another whiff of Porsche this-Porsche that flatulence.
You boys are gonna need a bigger factory after this video. Singer levels of desire. Magnificent.
Especially at the price, absolutely awesome stuff
Definitely
We're gonna need a bigger boat.
@@tiki_trash ha ha
My mom had a 280Z when I was in high school. She used to race against Corvettes and Jaguars regularly. I had it out a few times myself. That is still one of my favorite cars even today. Seeing someone put the effort into bringing back the 240s at this level is awesome.
It's sad that so many 240z 260 etc were junked back in the days. They were everywhere in the 80s cause they were inexpensive small economy 70s cars. So one broke down / wrecked , junk it buy another. Find one now and they are pretty pricey.
Cool mum
Wish my mum is cool as yours
MZR will come to be known as the Singer of the Z community. Exquisite craftsmanship and pure dedication to tasteful enhancements that embody the S30 in its perfect form. I can only hope to restore and modify my 260z to this level. Simply outstanding.
One of the cleanest, smartest resto mod builds I've seen, and I've seen many of them. Makes me wanna skip across the big pond and go visit them.
Yes, super clean!
That dash and console are simply gorgeous and don't overpower the build by trying to be too modern. What a gorgeous car. I had no idea how fortunate we are in America to have nearly 90% of the original Z cars here. Kudos to the builders and the UK owners!
I am loving this. This company in the U.K. found the perfect balance between performance, originality and tastefulness with the old Z. They went and made it into something an owner would’ve loved back then when they were new, as well as something that could be loved equally as much by an owner today. It really is something special.
I am fortunate to a 240Z with a Rebello engine that makes similar power to the engine in the video, with Recaro seats, upgraded suspension, and modern brakes from Z Car Garage in San Jose, California. The look, sound, and driving experience are simply amazing.
Long live the Z
I've been waiting for someone to review this car from this amazing company for absolutely ages now!! Cheers Henry, you've made my week mate!
Knew I wasn’t the only one coming here to comment this. Made my day too. Now to get saving up!!
My pleasure! Glad you enjoyed it.
How is it that Hagerty's video production quality is better than top gear?! Their cinematography is absolutely amazing. I especially like the "on the bonnet" shot of the driver from outside of the car.
It really isn't There's nothing new here that hasn't been done by Top Gear, or any other automotive channel that values high production.
I agree, much better than arrogant topgear.
@@Alby911 It's not just the techniques. It's order and the way they use the techniques. Top gear's editing has also been choppy in recent years. I also follow a bunch of car channels and none of them use the on the bonnet view from outside of the car while the presenter is talking
@@arianawoosley2841 The bonnet view has been done to death, it offers nothing out of the ordinary. At the end of the day, great cars sell themselves irrespective of how fancy the cinematography is.
I’d argue this is better. Top Gear has gotten a bit too flashy and noisy. Also decent cameras, lenses and other equipment like drones (no longer helicopters) are a now small fraction of what they cost back when Top Gear was spending millions on production back in the early 2000’s to set the standard.
240z! My heart! I had 3 of them as a kid. Used to do SCCA solo stuff in them with my Dad. Man I wish I still had those cars. Great memories.
It makes me proud to still own and enjoy a 240Z
Such good writing, Henry - "soften the suspense just to let the car breathe with the road a little more". Take a bow! 🙏
I just swooped up a ‘78 280z three months ago. It’s in great shape and has the 5 speed transmission. I’m grateful.
What a beautiful car, very tastefully done.
And better than the new Z in every way possible. The dealer mark up on a new Z is insane and I rather have something lighter and unique.
@@brarautorepairs Not in every way, safety is certainly better than the original but nowhere near the modern day production car :) But yeah, it‘s a thing of beauty, the lines, simplicity and the character of the original but with amazing quality parts. Warms my heart to see people still put in the work to create things like that.
@@Random_Banshee Even safety wise, I see it as an upgrade from the factory. New cars have more safety features but from a driver's perspective, the old Z would be fun to drive
I love it when someone gets to experience a well put together Z for the first time. Yes it is a wonderful drivers car and MZR seems to have done a great job.
Love that you give the same attention to detail to these resto mods as the new and classic stuff you review. Awesome stuff as always, thank you!
As I child in the 70's I can easily remember the 1st time I saw a Z. It was loaded on a car carrier and tilted so you almost had an overhead view.
Quite impactful.
The only car I’ve ever wanted was a 240z, and I’ve just recently discovered your channel. This is heaven.
So good to see Henry back at what he does best. Making lovely to watch videos. I hope there are more to come.
Thank you for bringing attention to the people, the cars and the businesses like MZR . Those 240s put out by MZR are absolute works of art. Just beautiful.
Careful, there's scammers floating about in this comment section... 😂
@@danielbrealey2924 did I miss something?
Edit: I just saw that other post. It didn't show up until I went back to the posted comments. Your reply showed up in my notifications, the scammer didn't.
Absolutely awesome video, well done Henry and well done Rahail & the team
Now form an orderly queue ❤
Absolutely phenomenal! The love I have for these will never go away.
In original form the 240Z is a stunning car, beautifully proportioned .... An MZR car is next level. That engine .... Wow.
This is the sort of cottage industry we do so well in Britain.
My 15 year old son is 240Z crazy, has been for years and dreams of having an MZR car. I can see why.
What incredible creations, congratulations to the whole team for having the foresight and Kahuna's for going it alone with what in the UK was not a car we saw a lot of.
Beautiful car, amazing cinematography, and Catchpole's insightful commentary. This channel has some of the best quality auto content on youtube.
Perfection. It is a work of art. Simply beautiful in its simplicity and the attention to detail.
Henry's reviews are top-notch, but we know that already. The consistency though is something else, such a poetic approach in every video that makes you feel like you're watching a high-end (production-wise) movie that never gets old.
Congratulations once again Henry, mesmerizing work!!
And just like that the prices doubled 🎉 - Lovely restomod!
They have been rising for years and aren't about to stop.
This was so very well put together and the genuine love of these cars shows through.....
❤ one of my very first true sports cars (following a bunch of American small blocks, a handful of Mazda Rotary’s, and enough British sheet metal to hail Lucas: The Inventors of Dark). My many 240, 260 and 280Z’s are still loving memories. Wish I had the foresight to have garaged them back in the day. I could retire on those alone.
Brilliant film, folks. My dad was a 240Z owner and even though he got rid of his Z when us kids came a long we’ve always appreciated them in my family. I love that Evo unit. Amazing sound and gorgeous looks too!
You are one lucky, lucky man Mr. Catchpole. What a car. Nearly perfect for our North American roads - fast, nimble, sounds amazing, but not so absurdly rapid that you can't use it on public roads without losing your license. I love it.
Beautiful. That's the only word I can think of that sums this car up perfectly in just a single word.
The production quality is amazing. Of the car and the video. Thanks
Wow, wow, wow. That's completely epic. Looks amazing and it sounds incredible! What a magnificent car! Amazing work MKR! 👏
I've always loved the 240Z, it's an absolute classic and a great story about a miniscule company in Bradford. Well done guys. I just wish I could afford one.
I love my 280z, and I love this video. Driving a MZR car is goals for sure
Really enjoyed this piece, a little garage in Bradford knocking out cars like that brings a big smile to my face. I’ve no doubt they’ve had a few more phone calls since this release
Love this so damn much! Great video thanks so much for highlighting how amazing the work they do to create and accentuate these amazing cars!
Man I can't wait to finish my 240z
I love that!!! As always impeccable Review from wonderful talented journalist Evo Magazine
what a magnificent resto. the slight body modifications are done so tastefully and are what i would look to do if i had a 240Z myself.
Fantastic looking (and sounding) machines and as always Mr Catchpole - fantastically put together content
Amazing! I love what they done, it seems like the perfect set up for that car. It brings back memories. 😊
Gosh you guys have stepped it up. Glorious cinematic production of a spectacular restomod 👏
Beautiful. Really like these restomods.
what a work of art. These mad lads will be the next Singer. Congrats Gents!!!!
They literally are building my dream S30 restomod... i maybe throwing part of my retirement at them to a Z by them. Simply gorgeous
you should check out the S30 im building over on my channel!
I have wanted a 240 Z since I was 11 years old (1973) and was lucky enough to be able to buy an original RHD matching numbers UK car about 6 months ago. To say this was a watershed moment for me would be a massive understatement. The car is incredible to look at, to listen to and to drive and everyone who sees it loves it. I was aware of MZR from a few years ago but this review makes my mouth water with what they could do with our Z……!! Now I just have to persuade my brother to take trip to Bradford😊😊
The 240Z is still one of the most beautiful cars ever built. Back in the 1980’s you could pick them up for almost nothing and now they’re like gold, as with many other classics. What a machine!
The people that restored this one, wow it's so BEAUTIFUL! Green and orange looks so good together. Green cars for life. Amazing video too, love watching it wind down British roads.
The car looks amazing, never heard of this but so proud of amazing engineering coming out of Bradford. I wish you massive success
Nice video. My father bought one the first year in the US and it was such an amazing car I even could grasp how special it was as a small child.
Stunning work - Just beautiful !
My word. This car....looks absolutely AMAZING.....I'd love this car as a personal car. Epitomy of a restomod done right based on what I'm seeing. Given some roads in Jamaica, I'd definitely go a bit softer on the suspension, but oh my word this car is poetry and art in motion. Beautiful. Good job MZR.....well...amazing job is more fitting.....
Another wonderful film by Henry and the team
Nice one MZR! Well done. I wish you every success
Your staff at MZR, HAVE NO PEARS, Absolute Benchmark!!!!
Outstanding Craftsmanship!!!
Must say, This is really a very impressive work!
Congratulations to the builder.
So, Sooo good - The video, the presentation, and a simply glorious car...
Incredible detail, and beautiful work.
The 240Z was as a kid one of my favorite cars and even today it is timeless. fantastic looking car
Awesome cars and they are actually lovely people, so hard working and I would say the cars show that.
I am glad they are finally getting some serious recognition
These restomods are what dreams are made of. Keep it up, Hags!
Absolutely brilliant video Henry as usual.
Glad to see this company getting some well deserved recognition, they seem to have been
working quietly underground for so long, but producing cars of this exceptional quality.
I would definitely be giving them a call if I ever won the Lotto, seeing the cars and how they are finished,
the price even seems like a sort of bargain.
Was I right in hearing Henry say that they are going to put a RB engine into a car?
That will be something else!!
Continued success to everyone involved.
That thing is lovely. great video again to the team.
What a cool little company ❤
I owned a 260z in 1989. When and if the time comes, I WILL come to MZR with my wish list of a true engineered resto mod 240. Beautiful work.
An amazing chassis, reimagined in the best way possible.
Stunning
Fantastic video!! Super well done!
Always wanted a 240Z , my father had a Bluebird 411 four door back in the 60's.That little car flew on the open roads of Australia. Datsun was a brand that was very popular downunder.
Yes, I'm in California. Had lots of time in the seat of a 260Z with a buddy of mine. Glorious car.
Just beautiful creations!
Been a fan of these guys for a few years now, one day I'll be able to afford/justify one of their restomods🔥
I've had the good fortune of seeing one of these creations up close. (Lion Rock commission). Easy to see that the people who build these cars are passionate and highly capable. Stunning attention to detail! Keep up the great work.
What a beauty!!!
The color palette that MZR chooses for their cars is perfect.
Yes, do you know the name of the color by any chance?
It always was a beautiful car but these are stunning. Timeless.
Henry Catchpole is the GOAT. Your level of quality and dedication to these videos is superb. Thank you!
henry, rory, chris harris, and steve sutcliffe. all you need.
The 240Z is one of my all time favourites. Being a purist I am rarely impressed by resto-mods but this one is really nicely done. Wow.
My wife had just bought a new 73 240Z / automatic when we met. Great handling little car. A lot of maintenance. Even the dealer couldn't keep it running right because of the emissions and carbs. I was a truck mechanic and not real interested in fussing with it every month. I would do points and plugs every so often and that would improve it for a while. In 1990 we sold it for $3,000 and considering she'd paid
$5,500 for it that was a pretty good return. Bought a 5.0 hatchback. She drove it for a week and said either make this car handle like my 240Z or take it back. So, we did the subframes the shocks the whole deal. The mustang came with 273 gears we put 355s in it. She was happy then although I think the z would have still taken the mustang in the corners. But the mustang did have the muscle. We had the mustang for 24 years. She kept it showroom fresh! I still think the 240z is a beautiful car if I had one to redo today it would be the z. You can get past the emissions in the carbs and make the thing a runner. Just a stunning car.
stunning colours. Inside and out
Loved the 240s. My older brother and my uncle had them. And my dad helped a friend install a smal block in one. Amazing cars. And I also found it very refreshing to watch an adult Hagerty car review, not the usual with the juvenile "jokes" and snide remarks. I hope to see more structured this was.
Imagine a 240Z restomod with Nismo GT-R R35 engine in it. That would be epic!
I hope most people appreciate how much effort a production like this takes to pull off. Fantastic work.
wow incredible workshop and phenomenal build.
Brilliant car, absolutely breathtaking.
Absolutely stunning! ❤
Just WOW! Thanks!
My dream car… my mom had one in Jamaica 🇯🇲 when I was kid… love this channel great content 🙏🏾💯
A beautiful product. For me, as a long time Z owner, I see the MZR as a retirement toy later in life. Would LOVE to see a reimagining of a 300ZX too.
Yes, 100% with you. I own 3 Z's and my 300ZX is by far my favourite car to drive . there is something special in the way that car was put together.
I had a green racing Corgi 240z about 35 years ago. I loved that car.
Beautiful!! Amazing editing… although I have a Porsche now, I still miss my 71’ 240Z… and I’d take that car in a heartbeat
Great looking work. Tastefully done.
Beautiful. I don't think there is anything in the world I would want more than one of these!
Brilliant video, great production 👌🏼
Simply. Stunning.
Best looking reimagined 240Z I've seen