To the eyes of an outsider, Petri Varjo’s 1973 Datsun 240Z is just another pristine restomod; a blend of vintage charm and updated performance. But this isn’t just another restomod. It’s a labor of love that took over five years and countless hours of blood, sweat and tears from its owner to complete.

Petri is no stranger to the world of Japanese car builds. 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 USA, where he found what he thought was the ideal candidate in a collision-free and rust-free Z.

The reality, however, was a different story. The car arrived in Finland in November 2018, where hidden crash damage quickly revealed itself. What was supposed to be a hassle-free repaint and engine swap turned into a full-scale restoration and modification project.

In some wicked sense, I’m happy it turned out this way. I feel like Petri thinks the same way too. The full rebuild allowed him to go all-in and make creative choices, resulting in a car called Dasse – Finnish slang for Datsun – that’s truly his own.

The shaved engine bay shows the lengths that have been gone to. A Nissan RB25DET engine Petri found by chance in Sweden replaces the original L-series. The engine was already upgraded with forged internals, but adding to this is a Holset Super HX40 turbo sitting on a custom PPF manifold, with a Turbosmart wastegate for boost control. A Plazmaman 72mm throttle body also features, as does an Ecumaster EMU Black engine management system. All told the turbocharged 2.5L DOHC 24-valve inline-six now makes 526hp and 620Nm of torque.

Petri didn’t stop at the engine. The Z’s driveline has been fully upgraded with a Skyline R33 5-speed manual gearbox, an R200 long nose differential with MFactory LSD, and FutoFab CV axles.

In the suspension department, Petri has gone with a custom air-ride setup built around BC Racing struts and modified BMW airbags. The air tank sits on carbon fiber 3D-printed brackets in the rear.

Given all the performance in the powertrain, there was no way Petri could rely on the Z’s original brakes to slow him down safely. But the T3 Wilwood 4-piston calipers at all four corners, Wilwood master cylinder, and 280Z brake booster now provide all the stopping power he needs.

Outside, Petri has taken the Z’s down a classic modifying path with select upgrades that perfectly complement each other. From the Marugen Shoukai fender flares to the custom aluminum front grill, Fairlady Z fender mirrors and sleek MDesign rear spoiler, it’s a great look. Matti Kettunen at Kolibri Paintshop executed the meticulous paintwork.

RS Watanabe 8-spoke wheels would be the obvious choice for a build like this, but Petri has taken a different route. He’s opted for custom-widened, three-piece, Colin Cross Fever Racing wheels measuring 15×9.5-inch -20 at the front and 15×10.5-inch -40 out back, all wrapped in Toyo Proxes R888R tires.

The interior retains its original ’70s sports car feel with added modern touches. Vintage Dashes provided the dashboard, Rodak Garage the shift knob, and the gauges – which feature Petri’s own graphics, are from Speedhut. The low-back Bride Histrix seats were ordered straight from Japan. Custom door cards from Provan and a DCW Classics interior kit complete the aesthetic, with Petri and his fiancée finishing the final details.

Dasse made its debut at the 2023 CDLC.CO Big Meet, where it won the People’s Choice award rolling on black Star Road Glow Star wheels. In the time since it’s 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 may find their way onto the engine this winter. The project will continue to evolve until Petri’s dream of owning a Kenmeri comes true. For now, we celebrate Dasse and its owner’s passion for 240Z perfection.

Vladimir Ljadov
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