I grew up in Trinidad and Tobago, an island rich with JDM culture, where Nissan dominated the streets. Among my fondest childhood memories are the times spent with my uncle and his two Z cars—an S30 and an S130. The sound, the feel, the sheer excitement of being in those cars left an indelible mark on me.
Years later, after an arduous 13-year visa application process, I finally made my way to Tennessee in the United States. The passion for Nissan and the Z cars never faded, and as soon as the opportunity arose, I began searching for my own S30—a car I could transform into something truly special. I envisioned a restomod, a classic beauty fused with modern technology, bridging the gap between heritage and innovation.
In 2008, I found the perfect candidate—a one-owner, manual 1970 Datsun 240Z. Originally purchased from a dealership in California, its owner later migrated to Tennessee, bringing the car along, where it eventually sat in a state of neglect. It was dilapidated, but to me, it was a blank canvas. However, upon deeper research, I realized I had stumbled upon something extraordinary: a relatively low-VIN "Series 1" 240Z—one of the very first Z cars to grace American shores in the fall of 1969.
This discovery threw me into a dilemma. Should I proceed with my restomod dream, or should I preserve this piece of automotive history in its original form? After much contemplation and internal debate, I made my decision—to restore the car to what I coined its "Fresh off the Boat" condition, just as it was when it first arrived in the U.S. over 50 years ago.
The restoration took three painstaking years. Every nut, every bolt, every panel was meticulously brought back to life. Throughout the process, doubts crept in—what if I had made the wrong choice? What if, after all this effort, the car didn’t live up to my expectations? Could a 50-year-old machine still deliver the driving pleasure of modern performance cars?
All those doubts disappeared the moment I got behind the wheel. The 240Z, in its stock form, was a revelation. Its inline-six engine was smooth yet potent, perfectly paired with the car’s lightweight chassis. The independent rear suspension, advanced for its time, made every corner an experience. I finally understood why this car was such a sensation in the 1970s—why it had captivated so many enthusiasts then and continues to do so today.
Then, in 2021, the pinnacle of my journey as a Z owner and Nissan enthusiast arrived. My Z—my pride and joy—was chosen to take center stage at the world premiere of the all-new RZ34 Z in Brooklyn, New York. It sat in a stunning lightbox, admired by enthusiasts and industry leaders alike. Not only that, but I was featured in the official reveal video—an absolute dream come true.
To this day, I cherish every moment with my Z, every mile we’ve shared. And as I look ahead, I hope that one day, my son will love this car as much as I do, continuing the legacy of passion that began all those years ago in the streets of Trinidad.