• My account
NZ Autocar
Subscribe

No products in the cart.

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
    • Industry
  • Reviews
  • Electric
  • Utes | Vans
  • Bikes
  • Classics
  • Motorsport
  • Brands
  • Prices
    • New Car Prices
    • New Bike Prices
  • My account
NZ Autocar
SUBSCRIBE
No Result
View All Result
Home Main Categories News

The Nissan Safari Rally Z Tribute is a homage to a legend

Words: Harrison Wade | Photos: Nissan

by Harrison Wade
October 31, 2023
Nissan Safari Rally Z Tribute in desert at sunset

In preparation for this year’s SEMA Show, the American arm of Nissan has unveiled its take on a rallying legend – the Safari Rally Z Tribute.

Based on a current-generation Z, the modified sports car draws direct inspiration from the 1971 East African Safari Rally-winning Datsun 240Z with the likes of its high riding stance, various spotlights, and iconic paint scheme.

The concept was built by Tommy Pike Customs in the United States, which fitted it with custom KW Safari suspension and Nismo parts to achieve a 2-inch lift over the factory ride height.

Nissan Safari Rally Z Tribute next to 240Z rally car

In addition, a set of 17-inch prototype Safari wheels from Nismo were also fitted and wrapped in knobbly Yokohama Geolandar mud-terrain tyres.

Upgrades were also made to the 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6, including an AMS tune, Nismo cat-back exhaust system, cold air intake, carbon fibre engine cover, a twin-disc clutch, and more. All up, the motor produces upwards of 298kW.

To protect the engine and chassis when traversing rough terrain at speed, Nissan fitted a front bumper guard and skid plate. As previously mentioned, the Safari Rally Z also features an array of LED spotlights on the bonnet and lower grille that can light up the stage ahead in low-light conditions.

Nissan Safari Rally Z Tribute interior

Topping the exterior off is the car’s red bodywork and matte black bonnet, just like the ’70s 240Z rally car. Nissan also clad the car in a livery faithful to the original.

The interior has been left alone for the most part but was fitted with a custom roll bar, four-point harnesses, custom-trimmed Recaro bucket seats, and a set of all-important stopwatches for the co-driver to keep track of stage times.

Nissan will display the Safari Rally Z Tribute at the 2023 SEMA Show, held from October 31 to November 3. Now, where do we put our name down for one?

  • Nissan Safari Rally Z Tribute driving next to 240Z rally car
  • Nissan Safari Rally Z Tribute interior
  • Nissan Safari Rally Z Tribute wheel close up view
  • Nissan Safari Rally Z Tribute Nismo intake
  • Nissan Safari Rally Z Tribute front view
Previous Post

Hertz pumps brakes on EV uptake due to high repair cost

Next Post

Giltrap Group to open new showroom in Christchurch this weekend

NZ Autocar is New Zealand’s leading automotive magazine. Delivering news reviews from the automotive world, including commentary from leading automotive writers and covers the scope of motoring including new cars, classic cars, EVs and motorbikes.

Our team

Managing Editor: Richard Edwards
General Manager: Gavin Shaw
Editor: Kyle Cassidy
Senior Editor: Peter Louisson
Creative Director: Alex Schultz

To Subscribe

Subscribe

Contact Us

Advertising:
Gavin Shaw
[email protected]
.
Editorial:
Kyle Cassidy
[email protected]
.
NZ Autocar
PO Box 18121
Glen Innes
Auckland 1743
New Zealand

Categories

Useful Links

Home
News
Motorsport
Search Manufacturer
Search reviews
New Car Prices
New Bike Prices
Industry
Commercial
Subscriptions
Competitions
Contact Us
Advertising
Terms and Conditions

2025 © AUTOCAR 2024 LIMITED. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
    • Industry
  • Reviews
  • Electric
  • Utes | Vans
  • Bikes
  • Classics
  • Motorsport
  • Brands
  • Prices
    • New Car Prices
    • New Bike Prices
  • My account

2025 © AUTOCAR 2024 LIMITED. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.