There was a period when automakers expected their sports cars to win rallies, and that was terrific. However, the current practice of converting useful family cars into rally racers is also good. Nissan's 240Z, which it used to win the East African Safari Rally in 1971, is honoured in its most recent design for the 2023 SEMA display.
The unique rally Z, created by Tommy Pike, has been lifted using NISMO components and KW Safari suspension. The overall ride height increase is set at 2 inches, and it also receives 17 x 7.5-inch prototype NISMO Safari wheels covered in Yokohama GEOLANDAR M/T G003 tires.
Tommy Pike additionally strengthened the Z's underbelly with some protection. This comes with a set of NISMO Off-Road LED lights, a skid plate, and front bumper protectors.
The Z was equipped with Recaro Pole Position seats with four-point harnesses for the driver's safety. With a cat-back exhaust system, cold air intake, carbon fibre engine cover, coolant expansion tank, street twin-disc clutch, flywheel, and carbon fibre engine cover, the twin-turbo V6 has been adjusted by AMS to produce over 400 horsepower (298 kW/405 PS).
The Safari Rally Z Tribute, finished in red with a black hood, is modelled by the winning number 11 Datsun 240Z from the 1971 East African Safari Rally, driven by Edgar Herrmann and guided by Hans Schüller. The triumph was the second straight for the brand, which saw its first come from the Datsun Bluebird 1600SSS in 1970.
At this year's SEMA exhibition, the show vehicle will be on display next to a replica of the racer that won the rally.
