The Nissan, or more appropriately Datsun, Z chassis, has always been a favorite among car enthusiasts worldwide. The aggressive yet classic body lines have been a definitive shape in the automotive industry for decades now. Erik Jonasson’s journey is one that takes us back in time in more than one way.
In 2006 Erik bought a 350Z, which was driven everyday for nearly 4 years. As time went on he became more and more aware of the history behind that little Z badge on the front fenders. In 2010, Erik decided that it was time for something with a little more soul and character; something unique. This particular Datsun 240Z (S30) was something special to begin with, having been cared for, and rather meticulously at that, by a single owner since 1985.
The care included some tinkering as well. The original 2.8L was stroked to a 3.1, with a Nismo cam, and a Triple Weber DCOE 45 kit, all matched with a 5 speed box to really make this car move. However, it didn’t take long for Erik to dig into the car himself. The vision was to make it a real track car, a carbon fiber front diffuser and the rear bumper was ditched in favor of a tow eye. Soon after came that iconic duckbill style BRE rear spoiler, and matte black fender mirrors to replace the California mirrors it previously had, for a more authentic Japanese look.
After some more research, a real coilover option couldn’t be found, so it was time to do some custom work. Erik modified some Golf mounts to the car and welded them in, and of course brought the car down to earth to an aggressively functional height to keep in line with the track look. As time went on, the focus became less on making the car into a bona fide track car, and more about making something that would both look great and perform well. Tire sizes were changed from 285s to 225s, and the car was sent off to the body shop to have it’s slightly damaged fenders reshaped to achieve the aggressive look Erik was aiming for. The rear of the car is now 13cm (5 inches) wider than factory spec and the fronts were flared to be able to fit the new stance of the car. The whole care was then painted Ferrari Rosso red to finish of the ever-classic look.
Erik had out grown the look of the Centerlines on the car, and began the search for something that kept true to the old school Japanese track look. He had found some SSR Formula Stars in Japan, had them shipped to Sweden, and widened them from their original 14×6.5 to 14×8 et 15 and an incredible 14×10 et -47, creating some serious dish in the rear. The car’s new style didn’t end there however. Little details were added such as the JDM pole parking lamp, JDM tail lights, Nardi handbrake grip and shifter, Momo Steering wheel and pedals, and a Nismo shift knob to bring it all together.
As it sits now, Erik’s car is what many would refer to as Shakotan style, a style relatively unseen anywhere outside of Japan, which is exactly what he is aiming for. Here in Sweden, the car is extremely well known and has a presence about it where ever it goes. While it may not be for everyone, there is no denying that the car doesn’t stand out from the rest.
Erik’s future plans for the car are to step up the handling and extract some more power from the straight 6 to really make into the track car he’s always wanted. In his words, he wants to make it into what he calls the “perfect driver’s car”. Based on where the car is now, I have no trouble at all believing that Erik will be able to achieve just that.
