Datsun 240Z Super Samuri, Fujimi, 1/24

[Matt Bacon]

There have been many tuners who have gone to work on Datsun/Nissan's 240Z (Fairlady Z). None is better known in the UK than Spike Anderson. Between 1973 and 1986, his company produced 77 Super Samuris, They originally came in two specifications: the "cooking" Super Samuri with a work of art for a cylinder head and 3 double Weber carbs; and the Road Racer spec which had a whole host of other track-focused upgrades to brakes, suspension, exhaust, cooling, safety gear and even bigger carbs. Since they were built, many have enjoyed further development. Which means that you can pretty much choose your spec and find a car that it matches. Needless to say, there is no handy kit of a cult British-tuned version of the 240Z, though there are many different Japanese ones (and one US BRE spec kit). This one started life as a Fujimi "432R", because it's one I happened to have in hand after an inspiring visit to Donington Historics this year, where about 10% of the UK's Samuris were on show. The 432R is a different (very) hot Z, fitted with a Skyline GTR 2-litre engine. Despite being kerbside, with the hood moulded shut, the kit came with a regular engine as well as the GTR special, mostly to provide what you can see between the wheels under the chassis. I opened up the hood, and then added the very distinctive front air dam. Most of the engine bay parts are scratch built or robbed from other kits, copying the Tamiya kit details where possible. The carbs are 3D-printed and bought off eBay, the wheels are Minilites from Motobitz, etched details and badges from Model Car Garage, and the distinctive script "Samuri" decals were ALPS-printed for me by a member on another forum, for which huge thanks to Jorgen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now I'm off to do something simpler. Though I must admit to having acquired a Hasegawa 432R kit (again curbside), first because they are also super cool and secondly, I have to do _something_ with that engine, don't I?

best,

M.

 

Edited September 7, 2023 by Matt Bacon

[Jim B]

Great looking Datsun. Very well done. 

[karbuildr]

Matt, that's a great build. The two tone paint is very cool, very well done details.

[Yeah Nah]

Interesting take on the 240Z! Epic effort on reproducing this one Matt.

[SpikeSchumacher]

Beautifully done Matt!

[michelle]

looks amazing great job

[happy grumpy]

Cool Z always liked this body style.

[Hard_2_Handle_454]

That looks great.  I may have to get one.

[TarheelRick]

Very impressive build. That particular style Z has never been improved upon by Nissan, but your adaptation sure does make it look better.  Great job.

[atomicholiday]

Super-cool is what I'd call it!   Great job! 

[Mittagskind]

Excellent work.

[XYHARRY]

Well done Matt, that's a great looking 240Z. Your attention to making this an accurate rendition of the Super Samuri is impressive. Thanks for sharing. 

Cheers, 

David. ??

 

[slusher]

Outstanding!

[ChrisR]

Looks great!

[Bainford]

I love this build, Matt. You have captured feel of the 1:1 perfectly. Nice work and great attention to details. Very nice indeed. I am also amazed at just how good orange and brown look together.

[Spottedlaurel]

You've captured the look of it very nicely Matt, the colours look spot-on.

[ea0863]

Came out beautiful Matt, just like the 1:1 car! 

[spencer1984]

Beautiful job on this!

[Curt]

Nice work, Matt.  I looked up the real car and you modeled it brilliantly!

[Dann Tier]

Brilliant job!  i love these little rockets!

[Nacho Z]

Very cool, Matt, very cool indeed!  I’ve never seen this before.

[athlon]

Very nice