Nissan debuts 'Custom Proto' version of new Z

[Albrecht]

Today was the Press Day at the 2022 Tokyo Auto Salon, and Nissan debuted its 'Customized Proto' new Fairlady Z show car.

At this point it is a one-off styling exercise, elements of which may or may not make it to final production as either a special limited edition (hopefully) or as upgrade parts.

The car references the PS30-SB Fairlady Z432-R model of 1969, Nissan's super-lightweight homologation variant of the S30-series range in its colour and livery, whilst it has special wheels and tyres, add-on 'overfenders' (referencing the Race/Sports Option overfenders of the 432-R) and some arguably improving body additions, especially at the front.

Apparently it has been causing quite a stir, and is very popular. It might prompt Nissan to actually make it...












The inspiration:

 

[Paul_S]

Me likey!

I think the front end is much improved over what we've seen so far. And it's nice to see it with a number plate mount too.

The only thing I'm not sure about is the tailpipes. But I'm sure I would get over that if I had one in my garage!

 

[jonbills]

rear lights are reminiscent of z32. Or is it just me?

 

[Rob Gaskin]

Well done Nissan. IMO it looks 'dumpy' with all that body kit and shallow glass.

 

[Albrecht]

rear lights are reminiscent of z32. Or is it just me?

No coincidence. Nissan's design staff have made it clear that the rear lights on the new car were inspired by those on the Z32, and that the headlamp treatment was inspired by the 240ZG's long headlamp cowls and covers.

I think the front end is much improved over what we've seen so far.

I agree. The front end of the new car is one of the things that many people point out as not working all that well. This is much better. If Nissan don't release official parts I think the aftermarket will be doing it regardless.

 

[Paul_S]

Absolutely. Now it has a horizontal line that emulates the 240Z front bumper it looks so much better. Before it looked like a 240Z with the bumper missing!

 

[Paul_S]

rear lights are reminiscent of z32. Or is it just me?

There's lots of words about it here --> https://global.nissanstories.com/en/releases/all-new-z-hidden-designs

 

[toopy]

Not keen on the 'fangs' on the front splitter, but otherwise I'm surprisingly quite taken by it, agree with Rob though it does look chunky, but then everything kinda does these days anyway. At least the bonnet visually if nothing else, appears to be longer and more in proportion to the original 240 and not the IMO somewhat snub nose of the 350 and 370

 

[Bazzateer]

Looks good for all the reasons already mentioned. I'd like to see the 'screws' mounting the wheel arch extensions though.

 

[M-j-b]

Wow!! Got to say I love it.. would possibly prefer it in non metallic paint

 

[SeanDezart]

Miles better than the blue and also yellow stumps we've seen and that gaping front 'hole' was horrendous.

This will sell IF they price it nicely.

 

[Alphabettispaghetti]

it'd be nice to see it where the arches aren't body coloured.

 

[Ped]

it'd be nice to see it where the arches aren't body coloured.

I don't think it works with black arches...

 

[Alphabettispaghetti]

I don't think it works with black arches...

I’d have them the same colour as the zg ones

 

[Albrecht]

I don't think it works with black arches...

I think you're right.

Body-coloured 'Overfenders' are another link back to the Fairlady Z432-R, and the 432-R's Sports/Race Option overfenders pre-dated the production 240ZG's by at least two years.

My feeling is that - as 99% of the general public/potential market have no idea about S30-series Z history and where the reference points for this car come from - they probably wouldn't 'get' exposed overfender fixings as per the original cars. That's where we are at.

 

[Alphabettispaghetti]

I think you're right.

Body-coloured 'Overfenders' are another link back to the Fairlady Z432-R, and the 432-R's Sports/Race Option overfenders pre-dated the production 240ZG's by at least two years.

My feeling is that - as 99% of the general public/potential market have no idea about S30-series Z history and where the reference points for this car come from - they probably wouldn't 'get' exposed overfender fixings as per the original cars. That's where we are at.

View attachment 48521

that's a lovely pic. Great to see body roll and mechanical grip on old cars.

However I stand by non matching over fenders and chrome surrounds on headlight covers!

 

[SeanDezart]

However I stand by non matching over fenders and chrome surrounds on headlight covers!

Agreed...and I prefer the black wheelarch extensions on the newbie.

 

[AD240Z]

Video

 

[M-j-b]

I do like it, shame we are not getting it

 

[richiep]

I do like it, shame we are not getting it

I'm sure plenty will arrive as imports. No thanks to Nissan UK!

I love this custom version. The only thing I'd be inclined to change is the black roof; if it were body colour, it would channel the S30 look even more. I'd have it resprayed.