Datsun 240Z as you’ve never seen it: MZR Roadsports Evolution

Datsun 240Z as you’ve never seen it: MZR Roadsports Evolution | Henry Catchpole - The Driver’s Seat

Рет қаралды 327,054

Жыл бұрын

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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Full Cycle and Border Weave are part of the British Council film archive of short documentaries made by the British Council during the 1940s. The films were designed to show the world how Britain lived, worked and played. View, download and play with the archive at film.britishcouncil.org/resou....
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Like what you see? Watch our other series including:
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Пікірлер: 564

@rabiakhan1427 Жыл бұрын

I’m so proud of my dad being a part of such an amazing company! MZR is making history! 🎉 - brilliant review!

@ELZ-R Жыл бұрын

You should, magnificent effort 👏

@Roddy_Zeh Жыл бұрын

If possible, please congratulate him on behalf of all enthusiasts around the world. 😎👍🏻 Probably an overused word by now, but this is a masterpiece! 👏🏻😃

@chillbill5773 Жыл бұрын

Give that man a hug for me!! He's doing god's work!

@godtap Жыл бұрын

After I'm done saving the world, I'd love to work in this shop. Would be a dream.

@MrKnoxguy101 Жыл бұрын

What they’re doing really is something special.

@Carnold_YT Жыл бұрын

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.

@DreamDosage Жыл бұрын

Amen Sir!!

@ArtVandelayOfficial Жыл бұрын

That doesn't make sense

@gamingwithmriod1491 Жыл бұрын

@@ArtVandelayOfficial yes it does

@vokstar Жыл бұрын

@@ArtVandelayOfficial Agree, and when you are in import export you need to know your numbers :D

@Slowcarfastbeans Жыл бұрын

Yes, defo not another whiff of Porsche this-Porsche that flatulence.

@Barryeggingbode Жыл бұрын

You boys are gonna need a bigger factory after this video. Singer levels of desire. Magnificent.

@lachlanhempell Жыл бұрын

Especially at the price, absolutely awesome stuff

@ArtVandelayOfficial Жыл бұрын

Definitely

@tiki_trash Жыл бұрын

We're gonna need a bigger boat.

@snmrz 4 ай бұрын

@@tiki_trash ha ha

@ogrechan Жыл бұрын

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.

@2wheel_freedom Жыл бұрын

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.

@shane6115 Жыл бұрын

Cool mum

@catnipherb Жыл бұрын

Wish my mum is cool as yours

@kstoff2218 Жыл бұрын

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.

@tunertransformationreturns9497 Жыл бұрын

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.

@DreamDosage Жыл бұрын

Yes, super clean!

@taylorc4476 Жыл бұрын

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!

@arianawoosley2841 Жыл бұрын

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.

@Alby911 Жыл бұрын

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.

@ricardomaldini6508 Жыл бұрын

I agree, much better than arrogant topgear.

@arianawoosley2841 Жыл бұрын

@@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

@Alby911 Жыл бұрын

@@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.

@stevemiller1626 Жыл бұрын

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.

@MrKnoxguy101 Жыл бұрын

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.

@de7509 Жыл бұрын

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!

@jackspencer5676 Жыл бұрын

Knew I wasn’t the only one coming here to comment this. Made my day too. Now to get saving up!!

@HenryCatchpole Жыл бұрын

My pleasure! Glad you enjoyed it.

@make.oxtail.cheap.again1 Жыл бұрын

What a beautiful car, very tastefully done.

@brarautorepairs Жыл бұрын

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.

@Random_Banshee Жыл бұрын

@@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.

@brarautorepairs Жыл бұрын

@@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

@SpartacusSF Жыл бұрын

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

@jsco8692 Жыл бұрын

It makes me proud to still own and enjoy a 240Z

@fthyme87 Жыл бұрын

And just like that the prices doubled 🎉 - Lovely restomod!

@williamandrews1683 Жыл бұрын

They have been rising for years and aren't about to stop.

@austinstokke1548 Жыл бұрын

Man I can't wait to finish my 240z

@guridude13 Жыл бұрын

Such good writing, Henry - "soften the suspense just to let the car breathe with the road a little more". Take a bow! 🙏

@energyasylum997 Жыл бұрын

I just swooped up a ‘78 280z three months ago. It’s in great shape and has the 5 speed transmission. I’m grateful.

@SammyTheDitchDoctor Жыл бұрын

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.

@tompenny9352 Жыл бұрын

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.

@user-qq2mo1ek2r Жыл бұрын

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.

@virginiabowland6156 Жыл бұрын

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.

@jasonbletzinger3444 Жыл бұрын

They literally are building my dream S30 restomod... i maybe throwing part of my retirement at them to a Z by them. Simply gorgeous

@LooseFab 9 ай бұрын

you should check out the S30 im building over on my channel!

@nickcoates3306 Жыл бұрын

What a cool little company ❤

@coldcrums Жыл бұрын

The only car I’ve ever wanted was a 240z, and I’ve just recently discovered your channel. This is heaven.

@VictorMPR Жыл бұрын

Perfection. It is a work of art. Simply beautiful in its simplicity and the attention to detail.

@AliasHSW Жыл бұрын

The color palette that MZR chooses for their cars is perfect.

@MiguelFarahDagdug-rm7zt 7 күн бұрын

Yes, do you know the name of the color by any chance?

@SeventyRS Жыл бұрын

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.

@danielbrealey2924 Жыл бұрын

Careful, there's scammers floating about in this comment section... 😂

@SeventyRS Жыл бұрын

@@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.

@farishanafiah8461 Жыл бұрын

Imagine a 240Z restomod with Nismo GT-R R35 engine in it. That would be epic!

@makinos04 Жыл бұрын

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!!

@MarkAlanEffinger Жыл бұрын

❤ 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.

@brianglassey1537 Жыл бұрын

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.

@dwantaylor704 Жыл бұрын

Your staff at MZR, HAVE NO PEARS, Absolute Benchmark!!!! Outstanding Craftsmanship!!!

@royd72 Жыл бұрын

Absolutely awesome video, well done Henry and well done Rahail & the team Now form an orderly queue ❤

@SoCalFreelance Жыл бұрын

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.

@petert38 Жыл бұрын

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.

@karlbuckley8346 Жыл бұрын

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!

@ametti000 Жыл бұрын

The production quality is amazing. Of the car and the video. Thanks

@susie2976 Жыл бұрын

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

@jasonrogers8754 Жыл бұрын

Absolutely phenomenal! The love I have for these will never go away.

@JordanPayneLV Жыл бұрын

I love my 280z, and I love this video. Driving a MZR car is goals for sure

@paulevans5455 2 ай бұрын

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.

@TheGolfdaily Жыл бұрын

Must say, This is really a very impressive work! Congratulations to the builder.

@AleksandrHalas Жыл бұрын

I love that!!! As always impeccable Review from wonderful talented journalist Evo Magazine

@henofit Жыл бұрын

7:20 omg!!! this is beautiful!!

@aye3678 Жыл бұрын

What a beauty!!!

@primozkrajcar4144 Жыл бұрын

So good to see Henry back at what he does best. Making lovely to watch videos. I hope there are more to come.

@ohmfab Жыл бұрын

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!

@zedcar7326 Жыл бұрын

This was so very well put together and the genuine love of these cars shows through.....

@neillaw9867 Жыл бұрын

I had a green racing Corgi 240z about 35 years ago. I loved that car.

@georgetaper Жыл бұрын

Beautiful. Really like these restomods.

@SkateEverythingProject Жыл бұрын

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!

@desmondwalker4556 Жыл бұрын

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.

@FasterToTheEnd Жыл бұрын

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.

@a1oh Жыл бұрын

Beautiful car, amazing cinematography, and Catchpole's insightful commentary. This channel has some of the best quality auto content on youtube.

@AR-rs2dy Жыл бұрын

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.

@salesblackbird3508 Жыл бұрын

Stunning work - Just beautiful !

@greatheightsu Жыл бұрын

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.

@christianmichael1970 Жыл бұрын

Thats a F*cking good looking car and LOVE Love love the subtle blown arches.

@e28forever30 Жыл бұрын

Brilliant car, absolutely breathtaking.

@mjaymo Жыл бұрын

Stunning

@HoosierHacker Жыл бұрын

Just beautiful creations!

@tigran86 Жыл бұрын

Fantastic looking (and sounding) machines and as always Mr Catchpole - fantastically put together content

@lightningstrikestwice6302 Жыл бұрын

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.

@1960Murf Жыл бұрын

Incredible detail, and beautiful work.

@user-hx8fn2he9q Жыл бұрын

Fantastic video!! Super well done!

@Rek_Rc Жыл бұрын

Beautiful. That's the only word I can think of that sums this car up perfectly in just a single word.

@simonhanlon7518 Жыл бұрын

I had a 370hp 240Z 10 years ago 😊 was a fantastic car.

@kirksnyder3429 Жыл бұрын

Finally a 240z done right. I loved the original, I bought mine in April 1971, drove it and kept it nice for 20+ years. I even bought it back once before I let it go for good. While it was a wonderful drivers car back then I know it would feel and drive like a 50 year old car now. But these MZR’s are truly a 2022 interpretation of what the 240z was in the 70’s. Kudos to MZR.

@marekzalewski8447 Жыл бұрын

Nice one MZR! Well done. I wish you every success

@craigyirush3492 Жыл бұрын

Another wonderful film by Henry and the team

@usmarine69 Жыл бұрын

Amazing! I love what they done, it seems like the perfect set up for that car. It brings back memories. 😊

@ELZ-R Жыл бұрын

Gosh you guys have stepped it up. Glorious cinematic production of a spectacular restomod 👏

@jeremyhattingh Жыл бұрын

Fantastic. I had a 240 a long long time ago in South Africa. Not the funds to fix it at the time. Amazing looking car.

@clay3544 Жыл бұрын

Been a fan of these guys for a few years now, one day I'll be able to afford/justify one of their restomods🔥

@FarmerTorque Жыл бұрын

So, Sooo good - The video, the presentation, and a simply glorious car...

@kiwihame Жыл бұрын

Wow, wow, wow. That's completely epic. Looks amazing and it sounds incredible! What a magnificent car! Amazing work MKR! 👏

@christhorne7565 Жыл бұрын

In a world full of influencers in GT3s be a Henry in a 240Z. 👏

@paulmurden7621 Жыл бұрын

That thing is lovely. great video again to the team.

@iiinstructaii5354 3 ай бұрын

What an amazing car but what’s more amazing is the story!! ❤ Proud to be Bradfordian 🫶🏼 Great work all round!

@farturinn Жыл бұрын

Absalutely fantastic!

@darylkesler8470 6 ай бұрын

Great looking work. Tastefully done.

@MIKEZG Жыл бұрын

cool classic man, love it

@robsteries Жыл бұрын

stunning colours. Inside and out

@ronl471 Жыл бұрын

wow incredible workshop and phenomenal build.

@stevenwilkie2134 Жыл бұрын

Brilliant video, great production 👌🏼

@MatthewGaither Жыл бұрын

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!

@12spies Жыл бұрын

I hope most people appreciate how much effort a production like this takes to pull off. Fantastic work.

@simonzero3815 Жыл бұрын

Winner winner chicken dinner. If you can grab Mr Catchpole's attention, then you are doing something right. Great car. I want one.

@TheHooniverse Жыл бұрын

Drove a 240Z across the country years ago... still think about that car.

@abdelhalim1915 Жыл бұрын

What a craftsmanship

@matthewberman446 Жыл бұрын

Absolutely stunning! ❤

@m1keyw Жыл бұрын

Love the car and cracking cinematography!

@DakotaSchuetz1996 Жыл бұрын

An amazing chassis, reimagined in the best way possible.

@scs3drg Жыл бұрын

The car looks amazing, never heard of this but so proud of amazing engineering coming out of Bradford. I wish you massive success

@skindude9251 Жыл бұрын

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😊😊

@_Colt Жыл бұрын

Damn, I would buy one in a heartbeat. I would just want one with a dark brown leather interior and more… performance-ish looking seats. Maybe even have it in black and have rims with a silver dish while the spokes bronze or gold-ish

@Treaxvour Жыл бұрын

For 100k?

@_Colt Жыл бұрын

@@Treaxvour If I had the money, hell yeah!