After years on the side line at motorsport events, Allan decided it was time to have a go himself, so in 2004 he competed in the Targa Tour in a BMW Z3 Coupe. That was that – he was hooked. He was worried the Z3 wouldn’t have enough power to compete in the main Targa, so a plan was hatched to shoe horn a big motor into a small car. This was the birth of the 240z V8 that Allan built himself. Allan’s first competition event was Targa Rotorua 2007 and he has competed in most Targa events since. Last year Allan had the opportunity to have a go at the Leadfoot Festival, which he really enjoyed and he is hoping to become a regular.

Allan Lewis - 1972 Datsun 240z V8

After years on the side line at motorsport events, Allan decided it was time to have a go himself, so in 2004 he competed in the Targa Tour in a BMW Z3 Coupe. That was that – he was hooked. He was worried the Z3 wouldn’t have enough power to compete in the main Targa, so a plan was hatched to shoe horn a big motor into a small car. This was the birth of the 240z V8 that Allan built himself. Allan’s first competition event was Targa Rotorua 2007 and he has competed in most Targa events since. Last year Allan had the opportunity to have a go at the Leadfoot Festival, which he really enjoyed and he is hoping to become a regular.

1972 Datsun 240z V8:

The 240z V8 was built between 2005 and 2007 to compete in Targa-type events as well as the odd track day. The start point was a standard 240z that Allan fitted with a supercharged LS1 Chevy V8 under the hood. To handle the 700-odd-horspower, everything else in the drive line had to be upgraded. Over the next couple of years more horsepower was added, with further upgrades need for the drive line to cope. The theory was if the engine had to come out, it had to go back with more power – who can argue with that? For the last few years the car has run trouble-free and is one exciting ride.