1970 Datsun 240Z Series 1: A Father-Son JDM Legacy

TL;DR:

• Chris and Royce Raquel’s father-son bond inspired their 240Z build after a dream trip to Japan.

• The car blends period-correct JDM styling with modern performance upgrades like an L28 engine, Mikuni 44 carbs, and BC Racing coilovers.

• This build is a legacy project: a fully analogue, visceral driving experience that celebrates passion, heritage, and automotive craftsmanship.

Chris Raquel

1970 Datsun 240Z , Series 1

Instagram: @hakonez

Photographer: Marvin Recinos 

Instagram: @Mr2Mivin 

Performance Stats: L28 Engine Mikuni 44 Carbs

The Journey Begins: From U.S. JDM Scene to Japan Dreams

For Chris Raquel, the car journey began in the 1990s, at the dawn of the JDM wave in the U.S.—a time of midnight street runs, tuner culture, and the rise of Japanese performance icons. What started as a hobby quickly became a lifelong passion. By luck—or perhaps destiny—his son Royce inherited the same love for cars. Today, they’re inseparable whenever wheels, engines, or road trips are involved.

Whether it’s early morning Cars and Coffee meetups, epic road trips, or hunting down hidden car shows, the Raquels share a constant pursuit of automotive experiences. Their recent father-son pilgrimage to Japan was a dream realised: a week immersed in the country’s rich car culture, from driving an R34 Skyline through the winding roads of Hakone to visiting the legendary Daikoku Parking Area. But it was a spontaneous encounter—spotting a Devil Z-inspired Fairlady Z in the mountains—that truly ignited their vision.

That fleeting moment set them on a mission: to bring home a Datsun 240Z Series 1 and create a build that captured heritage, style, and the shared spirit defining their bond. For Chris and Royce, this isn’t just about cars—it’s about connection, legacy, and the pure joy of the drive.

Building the Dream: The 240Z Comes Alive

For us, the Datsun 240Z isn’t merely a classic car—it’s a connection between father and son, rooted in memories, inspiration, and craftsmanship. After their Japan trip, the mission was clear: bring the spirit of that Devil Z-inspired Fairlady home. Their 240Z build would celebrate both vintage soul and modern performance.

The car is finished in Titanium Silver from a Lamborghini Diablo, offering an exotic twist to its timeless silhouette. Under the hood, it houses a stroked and tuned L28 engine paired with triple Mikuni 44 carbs, breathing through a Fujitsubo exhaust for a raw, authentic soundtrack. Power flows through a 5-speed manual transmission to an R200 differential, delivering both reliability and a visceral, analog driving experience.

Suspension, Wheels, and Brakes: Driving Beyond Looks

The chassis is as tuned as the engine. The 240Z rides on BC Racing coilovers with additional suspension upgrades from TechnoToy Tuning, who also supplied the Wilwood Big Brake Kit, ensuring the car stops as confidently as it accelerates.

Custom forged Z Forged Wheels wrapped in sticky Toyo R888 tires give the car a period-correct, aggressive stance, enhanced by Speedforme USA fender flares. Other exterior touches include a Carbon Fiber Type 1 air dam and Speedforme ducktail spoiler, paying homage to classic styling with a modern edge.

Interior: Merging Nostalgia and Modern Comfort

Inside, the build balances driver-focused function with classic JDM aesthetics:

• Recaro LXB seats for support and style
• Speedhut gauges for precise instrumentation
• Lonely Drivers Club accessories for personal flair
• Vintage Air A/C for modern comfort
• Retrosound audio system blending retro looks with modern tech
  
  

Additional touches include fender-mounted mirrors, polished strut tower brace, and upgraded LED lighting. Every element serves the dual purpose of celebrating nostalgia while ensuring a premium driving experience.

What Makes This 240Z Unique?

The uniqueness of this 240Z isn’t in the parts—it’s in the story. Inspired by a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Japan, the build reflects Chris and Royce’s shared passion for JDM culture.

The car embraces an OEM+ approach: subtle upgrades that enhance performance without altering the iconic lines. Every detail, from the Lamborghini-inspired paint to the custom forged wheels, has meaning. The experience is purely analog—no traction control, no driver aids, just the raw connection between car, driver, and road. Each shift, corner, and throttle input is a reminder of why they fell in love with cars.

Owning and driving this 240Z isn’t just about admiration—it’s about experience. From Cars and Coffee meets to mountain carving, the Z turns heads, sparks conversations, and creates lasting memories. It’s more than a project—it’s a legacy in motion.

Build List: Chris & Royce Raquel’s 240Z Series 1

• L28 Engine
• Mikuni 44 Carbs
• Technotoy Tuning Front/Rear BBK
• MSD Ignition
• R200 Differential 3.90
• BC Racing Coilovers
• Z Forged Wheels 16x9 F / 16x10 R
• Toyo R888 Tires
• Technotoy Tuning Full Suspension Components
• Koyorad Radiator w/ SPAL Fan
• Recaro LXB Seats
• Vintage Dash
• Speedhut Gauges
• Dapper Lighting LED Headlights
• Vintage Air AC Unit
• Retrosound Stereo and Speakers
• Speedforme Rear Spoiler & Fender Flares

Work Completed By: JBZ Classics

Future Plans: The build is complete for now, with enjoyment and memories as the main goal. The Raquels will continue to refine it as inspiration strikes.

Shout Outs: JBZ Classics, 5 Star Auto, Chris Amato Bodywerks, Z Forged Wheels, all fathers and sons, and of course, Chris’ wife Shantel and daughters Sophia and Nina for their unwavering support.

Dream Car: Datsun 240Z Series 1—a dream realized, built to drive, and designed to inspire.

Further Reading: Stance Auto Magazine Features

• Building a Unique EP3: A Journey Through Passion and Gold Obsession

• Custom 1970 Datsun 240Z Series 1 L28 Mikuni Build Guide

• Widebody 1970 Datsun 240Z Build: G-Nose Ztrix Styling

• Restored Glory: The 1971 Datsun 240Z and the JDM Passion Behind It

• Restored 1970 Datsun 240Z Series 1 with L28 & Mikuni Build

Amazon Magazine Features:

• Stance Auto Magazine Japanese Classic Cars Vol2

• Stance Auto Magazine July 2025

• Modified Car Magazine The JDM Magazine

• Stance Auto Magazine The 90's JDM Classics - June 2025

• Stance Auto Magazine Modified BMWs 2025

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