To the outside eye, Petri Varjo’s 1973 Datsun 240Z looks like just another pristine restomod; a mix of vintage charm and updated performance. But this is no ordinary restomod. It’s a labor of love that took over five years and countless hours of its owner’s blood, sweat, and tears to complete.
Petri is no stranger to the world of Japanese car building. Icons like the Nissan S14 and a MkIV Toyota Supra paved the way for his ultimate project: a stunning Datsun S30 Z.
The search for the perfect base car began in Finland. Eventually, it led Petri across the Atlantic to the US, where he found what he thought was the ideal candidate in a crash-free, rust-free Z.
The reality was a different story. The car arrived in Finland in November 2018, where hidden crash damage quickly revealed itself. What should have been a smooth repaint and engine swap turned into a full-fledged restoration and modification project.
In a way I’m glad it turned out this way. I have a feeling Petri feels the same way. The complete rebuild allowed him to go wild and make creative choices, resulting in a car called Ties – Finnish slang for Datsun – that really is its own language.
The shaved engine bay shows just how far they’ve gone. A Nissan RB25DET engine that Petri happened to find in Sweden replaces the original L-series. Already upgraded with forged parts, the engine now gets a Holset Super HX40 turbo sitting on a modified PPF manifold, with a Turbosmart wastegate for boost control. A Plazmaman 72mm throttle body is also present, as is an Ecumaster EMU Black engine management system. All told, the turbocharged 2.5L DOHC 24-valve inline-six now produces 526 hp and 620 lb-ft of torque.
Petri didn’t stop at the engine. The Z’s drivetrain is fully upgraded with a Skyline R33 5-speed transmission, an R200 long nose differential with MFactory LSD, and FutoFab CV axles.
In terms of suspension, Petri has opted for a custom airride setup built around BC Racing struts and custom BMW airbags. The air tank sits on 3D-printed carbon fiber brackets at the rear.
Given all the performance packed into the drivetrain, there was no way Petri could rely on the Z’s stock brakes to safely stop him. But T3 Wilwood 4-piston calipers on all four corners, a Wilwood master cylinder, and a 280Z brake booster now provide all the stopping power he needs.
Outside, Petri has taken the Z’s down a classic modification path with select upgrades that complement each other perfectly. From the Marugen Shoukai fender flares to the custom aluminum grille, Fairlady Z fender mirrors and sleek MDesign rear spoiler, it’s a killer look. Matti Kettunen from Kolibri Paintshop handled the meticulous paintwork.
RS Watanabe 8-spoke wheels would be the obvious choice for a build like this, but Petri went a different route. He opted for custom, three-piece Colin Cross Fever Racing wheels, measuring 15×9.5-inch -20 on the front and 15×10.5-inch -40 on the rear, all wrapped in Toyo Proxes R888R tires.
The interior retains the original 70s sports car look with added modern touches. Vintage Dashes supplied the dash, Rodak Garage the gearshift and gauges – with Petri’s own graphics, are by Speedhut. The low Bride Histrix seats were ordered directly from Japan. Custom door panels from Provan and a DCW Classics interior kit complete the aesthetic, with Petri and his fiancée adding the finishing touches.
Ties made its debut at the 2023 CDLC.CO Big Meet, where it won the People’s Choice Award for its black Star Road Glow Star wheels. Since then, it has proven to be as reliable as it is beautiful.
Petri’s journey with his Z is far from over. RB26 ITBs are next on the wish list and could find their way onto the bike this winter. The project will continue to evolve until Petri’s dream of a Features becomes reality. For now we celebrate Ties and the owner’s passion for the perfection of the 240Z.
Vladimir Lyadov
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