My research suggested that S30 denotes JDM market not uk spec and uk started HS30.
Yes, 'S30' prefix denotes a Japanese domestic market model. Either S30-S 'Fairlady Z-L' model or S30 'Fairlady Z' model ( both shared the 'S30' chassis prefix and the same body serial number sequence ). The only way to tell the difference between the two is to look at the spec and details of the individual car, unless you have the
original Japanese bill of sale. The Z-L is the 'Deluxe' version, and the Z is the 'Standard' version ( more basic ). Both were fitted with the same L20A engine.
The Japanese market
did get 'HS30' prefixed models ( 'Fairlady 240Z', 'Fairlady 240Z-L' and 'Fairlady 240ZG' ) which all had L24 engines, and were made/sold from late 1971 until the end of 1973.
'PS30' ( 'Fairlady Z432' and 'Fairlady Z432-R' ) was the prefix used on Japanese market models with the S20 twin cam engine.
The Japanese market also got 'RS30' prefixed 'Fairlady 260Z' models for a very short period, but these were all recalled and re-engined.
'2/2' models got the 'GS30' prefix, and when new emissions and safety standards were phased in the S30-series Z was given an updated 'S31' chassis prefix ( 'S31' two seater and 'GS31' 2/2 models ).
Registration process for the UK will depend on
where it arrived from and
where it was registered previously.
Make sure you date the production period of the car correctly ( evidence is all over the car ) and watch out that the DVLA don't mis-identify the car and/or give you an inappropriate registration. The car should be correctly identified, dated and given the correct age-related number.
Please watch out for rogue information / opinion on these cars, as there's a lot of it about. In
my opinion ( some disagree ) you would be well advised to take ownership of the car
as a 'Fairlady Z' or 'Fairlady Z-L', be
proud of it being a 'Fairlady', and refrain from calling it a "Japanese 240Z". If other people don't understand it, then it's
their problem and not yours ( or the car's.... ).
Good luck.
