Z cars may remain with their loving owners for years, change ownership or even get spotlighted in the media at some point. Our “where are they now” series features past Z Car Garage vehicles with updates on their status. Kicking it off with our very first foray into the world of online auctions is this 1972 Datsun 240Z known as “Melo Z”.

 

Melody’s Z

In 2012 our client and friend Gary S acquired this Z from its original owner, a very enthusiastic lady named Melody. She purchased it brand new from Berkeley Datsun in September ’72 and enjoyed driving, even using it to complete the Bob Bondurant driving school – check out the plaque on the dash. Melody unfortunately had back problems and underwent surgery in 1988 so the Z was put up on jackstands in her garage where it remained until 2012.

 

Originally Persimmon Red, Melody had it repainted metallic brown in 1975. Despite the color change this Z was remarkably original down factory-stamped chassis bolts, engine bay decals, interior and more. When we got it back to the shop it was clear how well-preserved the car was with 30k miles. Melody provided all records including the Datsun warranty card:

 

Bring a Trailer

 

Z Car Garage got the Melo Z running in top form. Gary enjoyed it for a few years but felt it was too nice and unmolested to modify. Around 2015, Bring a Trailer’s online auctions were gaining popularity so we considered listing it. You can view the April 2015 BaT auction for Melo Z here.

This was our first time listing a Z car on BaT. It was both exciting and nerve wracking. If you want to be entertained check out the rad auction comments. 7 years ago people could not fathom $20k for an S30…now look at the prices! Bonus side bar…Melo Z did not sell and was bid up to $19,750 but our reserve was, wait for it… $20k. So much has changed in the Z car world and community. Although it did not sell on BaT, there is no denying their presence and reach in the market. BaT remains THE best place to list your classic car for sale, bar none. We thank them for accepting our Melo Z listing and in the end it went to the right owner!

We are also proud of our listing virtually starting the trend and setting the bar for future, high-dollar z listings. This comment said it all:

“Every auction listing should come with a video like that. Awesome.”

Indeed, I included multiple high-res pictures in all lighting conditions. Underbody/chassis/rust-prones areas. A driving video both in-car and from outside and cold-starting. I also went to great lengths to answer specific questions about the Z, like showing the lighter and clock functioing:

 

The 96 auction comments ranged from praise to laughable…look how far the Z audience has come 7 years later on BaT with skyrocketing auction results. Melo Z has come a long way too, now with a well-deserved (and pampered) lifestyle….

 

At Home With Griot’s Garage

 

Though it dd not sell on BaT, there was a silver lining. A day later Rob got a phone call from founder of Griot’s Garage, Richard Griot. He reached out to Z Car Garage to express how impressed he was with the Z. Rob and Richard made a deal and it went to the right home as Richard sent it to his own Griot’s Motors restoration shop for the next chapter in Melo Z’s journey:

“The car was so original to begin with it was a perfect candidate to put back in its original state…. (Though we did change the interior from white to black, but saved everything in case someone want the white again…”

 

The team at Griot’s Motors performed a “sympathetic” restoration at their facility.  Melo Z’s metallic Brown paint was restored to its original 110 Red Persimmon, and put aside the original white interior for black:

 

They even maintained Melody’s personalized plaques and stickers earned at Bob Bondurant’s School of High Performance Driving.

 

Melo Z is truly in good company now. Really glad that Richard Griot is the current owner:

 

Tune in for another “where are they now” client Z car we are happy to see again!