‘It's Like A Japanese Tardis'

Before buying an M635CSi, six-footer Steve Hough viewed several Datsun 240Zs, but never got to drive one. Today we put that right – and the first surprise is that there’s room inside to spare

- Russ Smith

However much planning goes into one of our eader dream drive features, there’s one element that we have zero control over. And if anyone’s bucket list does include a thoroughly grey day in Grays, barely a container lorry’s braking distance from Tilbury Docks on the Thames estuary, to be honest I’d probably ather not meet them anyway. 

This issue’s participant, Steve Hough, emains upbeat about the damp and gloom outside, though – which is no small relief. He also makes a reassuring point. ‘As a former Caterham owner I’m used to a bit of weather.

‘Anyway, I think it’s easing,’ he adds, peering out of the raised roller door at the rear of Vintage and Prestige Classic Cars’ showroom. He may be on to something, too. Though the Radio 4 weather man has been very clear that we’re unlikely to be including any clichéd ‘rising sun’ photos in today’s shoot, the drizzle is definitely thinning. It’s almost time to fire up the 240Z and head for the relative delights and hopefully quieter roads of Canvey Island.

But there’s still time to finish our tea and explore Steve’s motivation behind the inclusion of the sporty little Datsun on his wishlist. ‘The 240Z’s a car I’ve always had a thing for. Before buying my BMW recently I was torn between getting a classic with two or four seats. Top of the list for two-seaters was the Datsun 240Z – good to look at, rare but with good specialist support, and in today’s market seemingly good value.