One of the real joys this holiday season is the opportunity to say thank you and wish you the very best for the new year. From all of us at Z Car Garage we thank our friends, family and customers again for another exciting and productive year! Enjoy our 2019 recap and upcoming projects below. Please note our holiday closure below:
ZCG will be closed from 12/20/19 to New Year’s Day. We will re-open for business on 1/2/20
Before we take a look back at highlights from 2019, check out a few of the many customer projects coming along at the shop:
Lou’s 1973 Fairlady Z. You might recognize this RHD Z from local Bay Area fun runs and car shows over the years. What started out as a fairly stock car evolved into a canyon-carving street machine as we began modifications in 2011:
The Z featured a 250whp Rebello 3.2L engine, 240sx KA24 5-speed, Recaro seats, LSD, full-suspension, our ZCG Big-Brake Kit and Panasport C8 wheels.
Enjoy this short video showing the mellifluous sounds coming from the 3.2 engine:
Radical Changes
Lou enjoyed his Fairlady Z for many years and after ZCG’s 2nd SEMA build in 2016, Lou was inspired to take his car to the next level. The 3.2L drivetrain was sold to our customer Tim Ng to be used in his ’72 S30 build. We are currently building an IMSA-flared body Fairlady Z featuring widenened Panasport C8 wheels and a stroker RB28 engine backed by a 6-speed.
Several cars delivered will get full reports soon: Cece’s 1977 Datsun 280z, Patrick’sZ32TT and Jay’s Z32TT
Highlights from 2019
Enjoy these highlights from 2019 and Z you in the New Year! Stay tuned for our coverage of the 2019 Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion and Classic 24hr race at Daytona with John Morton and Rob Fuller co-driving the #46 BRE 240z.
Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Z Car Garage! We hope you can find time to Enjoy The Ride over the holidays. Please note our hours of operation below:
We will be closed this Thursday and Friday for Thanksgiving, re-opening Tuesday December 3.
ZCG will close on the 20th of December 2019, reopening on the 2nd of January 2020
Filed under: Events,Racing
by Alvin G @ 2:10 am on November 25, 2019
Photo: Rick Hayden
On October 4-6, the Classic Sport Racing Group (CSRG)’s Charity Challenge hosted the finale of The John Morton Cup. The 3-race series, named after legendary Datsun racer John Morton also featured the Historic B&C Sedan class with about 40 cars battling at Sonoma Raceway. It was a great weekend filled with competition, camaraderie and plenty of Alfas, BMWs and Datsuns sharing the track with John Morton (also Grand Marshal).
Z Car Garage Races Ands Supports Five Datsun 510s!
With some shuffling of schedules Rob Fuller was able to participate in the John Morton Challenge, piloting the Bay Area Datsun Dealers 510. Taz Harvey graciously volunteered his B-Sedan 510 for John Morton to drive. Z Car Garage supported and prepared five Datsun 510s including Tom Dockery’s Ex-Norm Balzer 510, the Red Farmer 510 (also owned by Taz) and Alex McDowell’s Bluebird Coupe, shown below. We also have in-car video footage from both Sonoma and Thunderhill races rom Rob Fuller, John Morton and Tom Dockery:
#7 Rob Fuller
ZCG owner Rob Fuller, Bay Area Datsun Dealers car
Here is in-car footage of Rob Fuller from both Sonoma and Thunderhill races. There is a great battle between Rob and Jon Norman in the ex-Kwech/Theodorocopulos Alfa!
#51 John Morton
John Morton, the #51 car owned by Taz Harvey. You might find this 510 familiar as it was built by our friend Troy Ermish and the previous owner was Wayne McAttee!
Here is video footage of John Morton behind the wheel of the #51 car at Sonoma, enjoy!
#80 Howard Swig
Howard Swig, Red Farmer car (also owned by Taz). Swig is an Auction Manager at Bring a Trailer and this 510 was purchased via a BaT back in 2014 (link).
#72 Tom Dockery
Tom Dockery drove his Ex-Norm Balzer 510. This car made its debut in May and we are excited to share its full story and profile Tom’s journey into racing soon.
Here is video footage of Tom Dockery behind the wheel at Sonoma. We are really proud of Tom and he’s getting faster every session!
#52 Alex McDowell
Alex driving the 1967 Bluebird Coupe. He was in Ireland and flew directly to SFO to participate in this final race!
510 Friends!
Many notable Datsun 510 racers were in the group, gunning for the trophy and sharing the honor of racing with John Morton
#33 Glenn Chiou
Glenn drove the Ex-Finn/Harris U2.5L Trans-Am ’68 510. This car made its debut in May at the SVRA event at Laguna Seca. Glenn did an admirable job (as always) getting this historically significant 510 back on the racetrack! Glenn (and Dave Stone) are the creators of the Historic B&C Sedan racing class and we thank them for organizing such an incredible group!
#93 Dave Stone
Dave Stone drove the #93 Ex-Frellsen 1973 National Champion 510. Dave is fast!
#52 Jim Froula
Race car driver and restoration specialist Jim Froula of Racecraft is ranthe Ex- Harry Stewart Datsun 510.
Charity Challenge race results can be seen below:
A Memorable Racing Event
It was so wonderful to share this experience with our friends and CSRG family. We look forward to another John Morton Cup next year and special shoutout to ZCG crew including the Corwins Josh and Keith. Running all of the cars above would not be possible without them. Big thanks to Meghan Fuller (sporting a full foot boot), the Swigs, Racecraft and legends like Larry Oka, John Morton and Sylvia Wilkinson.
Rob’s First 510 Race Experience
The John Morton Challenge was Rob’s first time vintage racing a Datsun 510. We asked him what it was like to be behind the wheel of a race-prepped Datsun 510, in a wheel-to-wheel race.
“This was the largest gathering of historic B-sedan cars, and all were being raced. It was surreal to be gridded next to John Morton, my hero. Never thought it would happen. I went from being a twenty-something watching Against All Odds to racing with him and it was surreal.”
Rob had visions of doing a vintage race and credits getting his SCCA license, specifically by racing a Mazda Miata, for his transition into vintage Datsun racing:
“When we got the IMSA Z car I always dreamed of doing a vintage race. I had watched my friends like Troy Ermish and Jim Foula at CSRG events, amazed at what they could do in a 510. But I never had racing 510 experience, despite being an owner for 25 years. Sure, I did numerous track days, even running my 400p over-kill street 510 at the track, but it doesn’t compare to a proper, race-prepped 510. Getting my SCCA license in Miatas helped me craft my skills and prepare for vintage driving.”
The challenge for Rob racing in CSRG was to see if his love for the 510 translated over to a race 510. At first, the Bay Area Datsun Dealers car didn’t handle well. ZCG adjusted/re-did the front suspension and dyno tuned the engine to get the it dialed-in. Rob was amazed, and having a blast:
“I enjoyed the camaraderie and overall atmosphere of the CSRG events. SCCA event racing is super intense and competitive. In Vintage racing however we are telling the stories of these cars, celebrating them, and driving rolling art. It’s also about hanging with friends. We all live for this stuff, and guy’s you don’t see often are out enjoying the moment. From talking trash in paddock to sharing conversation over drinks its a nice break from all-out competitive racing, I’m hooked. If you haven’t made it out to a CSRG event, I strongly urge you to do so!”
Join us for the next event CSRG David Love Memorial April 17-19 2020!
This weekend at Sonoma Raceway (October 4-6) CSRG is hosting the Charity Challenge featuring the John Morton Cup. The race is for Historic B-& C Sedans and includes our hero and legendary driver John Morton. Don’t miss this event it promises to be an epic gathering of vintage Datsun racers! Check out the schedule below, Group 9 is the one to watch for B-Sedan action:
The Historic B & C Sedan Challenge will be joining The John Morton Cup (through CSRG), and it was created by our friends and fellow racers Glenn Chiou and Dave Stone. Check out their site for more info on the series HERE
Z Car Garage Supports Five Datsun 510 Race Cars!
We will be providing race support for the following five Datsun 510s this weekend, enjoy this video preview of them below:
There will be a field of 38 B-sedans with 12 Datsun 510s mixing it up at Sonoma Raceway. John Morton is Grand Marshall and will also be racing a Datsun 510!
#7 Rob Fuller
ZCG owner Rob Fuller will be piloting the #7 Bay Area Datsun Dealers car
#51 John Morton
John Morton will be driving the #51 car owned by Taz Harvey. You might find this 510 familiar as it was built by our friend Troy Ermish and the previous owner was Wayne McAttee! Car is currently being prepped at ZCG!
#80 Howard Swig
Howard Swig is driving the #80 Red Farmer car (also owned by Taz). Swig is an Auction Manager at Bring a Trailer and this 510 was purchased via a BaT back in 2014 (link). Car is currently being prepped at ZCG!
#72 Tom Dockery
Tom Dockery is driving the Ex-Norm Balzer 510. This car made its debut in May and we are excited to share its full story and profile Tom’s journey into racing soon.
#52 Alex McDowell
Alex will be driving the 1967 Bluebird Coupe.
510 Friends!
Many notable Datsun 510 racers will be in the group, gunning for the trophy. We look forward to the challenge!
#33 Glenn Chiou
Glenn will be driving the Ex-Finn/Harris U2.5L Trans-Am ’68 510. This car made its debut in May at the SVRA event at Laguna Seca. Glenn did an admirable job (as always) getting this historically significant 510 back on the racetrack!
#93 Dave Stone
Dave Stone will be driving the #93 Ex-Frellsen 1973 National Champion 510. Dave is fast!
#52 Jim Froula
Race car driver and restoration specialist Jim Froula of Racecraft is running the Ex- Harry Stewart Datsun 510. Can Jim’s large shoe size give him the advantage this time?
Join us at Sonoma Raceway this weekend for the John Morton Trophy race and enjoy some B-sedan action!
The 2019 Japanese Classic Car Show was held on September 21, in Long Beach, CA. This is the original vintage Japanese-car event in SoCal and in its 15th year, JCCS has grown incredibly. Over 10,000(!) spectators enjoyed 400+ cars covering the lawn of Marina Green Park. The vehicles themselves remained a fantastic blend of stock, modified and restored. This is the most important show for Japanese cars, and the Z Car Garage crew keeps coming back every year to soak up the sun, see old friends and drool over some spectacular vintage builds.
ZCG Delivers Mr. K’s Datsun 240z!
We had the joy and honor of delivering Mr. K’s 1972 Datsun 240z to owners Johnnie Gable and her son Kenny Ueda at JCCS. In true “Datsuns Are Driven” form, Rob drove Mr. K’s Z 400 miles from San Jose to Long Beach and it ran flawlessly.
Joining us were ZCG customers John B and James S in their Z’s. A few pics from the road trip South:
Showtime!
We unloaded early on Friday at Marina Green Park. This location is larger and more vendor-friendly than The Queen Mary of past shows. Our booth was situated in a great spot, at the mid-point of the show with our neighbors from JDM Car Parts.
We had lots of traffic at the ZCG booth. Mr. K’s Z definitely created a buzz, and enthusiasts checked out our Big-Brake kit for small wheels, CV Axles and picked up some free swag. Thanks to customers, fans and friends that stopped by! We met many great Datsun fans and enjoyed talking cars.
James’s 1972 S30 was displayed with fellow Z car owners in the show. At the heart of this beast is a turbocharged L-series managed by Haltech. Chassis upgrades include custom full-length subframe connectors, our ZCG CV Axles and Big-Brake Kit (328mm) behind RS-8 wheels restored by Love20bee.
A stack instrument cluster was integrated into the gauge pod, viewed from leather Recaro Pole Position seats. This Z has a very unique sound. We recently tuned it on E85, dyno results and videos coming soon. We are very happy for James as he won the award for 2nd place for Best Z!
Delivering Mr. K’s Z to a very happy Johnnie Gable and Kenny Ueda:
Expect a full report on our work performed to get this precious Z back on the road.
Highlights from JCCS
Enjoy this video I made highlighting the sights and sounds of JCCS 2019:
Why do we keep coming back to JCCS? Each year the bar is raised for the show cars, and this year was truly impressive. With over 400 cars and 80 vendors it was almost impossible to see it all in the 9am-3pm show time. Here are our favorites, starting with Nissan/Datsun.
Skylines
Here are few of my favorite Nissans and Datsuns, starting with that not-so forbidden fruit commonly known as the hakosuka Skyline. Roy De Guzman’s Hako sported a new look with the premier Pandem Rocketbunny flare kit and Cross Fever wheels:
Patrick S’ Kenmeri Skyline and Mikey C’s sedan both Rb26-powered and sitting on Watanabe Gotti wheels:
Mel’s R30 4-door on Watts, next to Jay’s DR30:
I didn’t expect to see a large gathering of R32 Skylines, even a 4-door!
Z Car Extravaganza
With the 50th Anniversary of the Z cars from all generations were in full force spanning the crested lawn of the Marina Green Park. I’m a big fan of subtle modified Z’s but I can also appreciate pristine, bone-stock examples and the occasional shakotan build.
Stock is good: beautifully restored ’72:
Todd Kaneko’s iconic, turbocharged L-series Z on Chevlon wheels:
So. Many. Z’s!
The winning Z:
1975 280Z 2+2 on Epsilons from Love20bee:
Shakotan !
Larry Chen’s freshly-painted S30!
Good old triple-carb’d L-series power!
RB25DET-powered:
S130!
You can find more S30s in our gallery!
Z31s were plentiful too, in both stock and modified examples:
The Nissan S12 chassis has been growing in popularity. Known as the “200sx” stateside there were some cool examples of both hatchback/coupe bodystyles.
People
At the JCCS it is always great to see old friends and meet new enthusiasts! Thanks to everyone that visited the ZCG booth!
The Datsun Roadsters came out in full force this year, running 6 cars strong!
Raymond Lim’s 1963 1500 was the oldest car present. This 3-seater SPL310 model was driven, not trailered to the show!
Ed’s sharp 1970 SPL sporting Enkei Compe wheels:
It was also great to see Michael Anderson’s “Rock Vest” race car. This historically-significant roadster is currently being raced by Mike!
The Desirello’s also displayed their SR20-powered beauties:
More roadster pics in our gallery!
Datsun 510s
Datsun 510s dominated the field as the most represented model again this year. From sedans to wagons and a single Bluebird Coupe!
Andrew’s RHD tribute 510 won Best of Show!
TSR-built 510:
Brian Holloway’s Coupe with Recaro seats…and the coolest socks
Wagons!
Our friend Troy’s customer won Best 510!
13B and CA18DET:
Dogs Love Trucks!
Kenny’s NL320 pickup:
Toyota
Toyota always has a huge corporate involvement with an assortment of race cars. They even had the new Supra on display and a 2000GT!
AE86, Cressida, Celica’s and Corolla’s!
Great showing of RA29 (Liftback) Celicas!
Trucks:
3nd and 4th gen Celicas:
Speed Star Racing Air Stage on Tommy D’s Starlet:
Wheels For Fantasy
I personally love going to JCCS because I get to see very rare Japanese/tuner wheels and parts. Preservation of authentic wheels and appreciation of the time and effort spent to find certain specimens that most folks have never heard of in this generation is what I admire most.
Variations on the mesh wheel from BBS, Epsilon, SSR, Volk, Bahn and more. You can’t go wrong!
It is difficult to run a car show and keep up the quality and interest levels but the folks at JCCS have managed to do exactly that for 15 years! No other show gives you the chance to see obscure, pristine, modified Japanese classics…and we look forward to next year’s entrants. Koji and Terry the new venue is great, almost overwhelming with the number of cars! We hope you have enjoyed our coverage and please visit our mega-gallery for more pictures.
