Former Z owner reunited with the car he loved and lost

LIME ROCK — If you ask most visitors to the annual Sunday showing of cars at Lime Rock Park’s Vintage Festival, they’ll say that, in general, the older, the better.  

But many have a favorite, a model that strikes a chord or a memory.

For many, the greatest memory magnetism comes from the Datsun “Z� cars. The 240Z was introduced in 1969 and made throughout the 1970s in the 260 and 280 versions; these models were the first truly attainable sports cars. Some car buffs will debate whether these vehicles were more about show than performance —but try finding someone who owned one and didn’t love it.

Frank Thomas drove his 1973 240Z up to Lime Rock from southern Connecticut on Sunday, pulled onto the track and parked in the shade on West Bend, away from the rest of the show cars and parallel to the guardrail. With his head tucked deep down into the engine compartment, it looked like he was stuck. But, oh no, this baby was just fine, thank you.

“I’m flattered by all the attention,� Thomas said, referring to the number of people who stopped to gawk at his bright blue Z and to talk with him. A good-sized parade of middle-aged men stopped by and stared, their eyes glowing with memories.

Thomas said he was stationed with the Marines in Hawaii when he scrounged up $2,200 to buy the car, which was silver at that time.

“It was December 1973. It was my Christmas present to myself. I spent every cent I had. I couldn’t even afford to register it until January.�

He brought it stateside with him when he was reassigned. He drove it cross-country twice and across Canada once, racking up 122,000 “happy miles.�

He concocted his own metal flake copper for a new paint job. A year later, Datsun came out with pretty much the same color, undermining the uniqueness Thomas was going for.

“By 1985, it was ready for the crusher. I couldn’t afford to fix it. I was in North Carolina and on my way to live in Connecticut, so I sold it. I’ve kicked myself in the butt ever since.�

For the next 23 years, he dreamed of being reunited with his Z. He saved up money to buy it back — and eventually found it in a Maryland barn.

“I always knew it was still out there somewhere, and I am forever grateful to the sharp young kid who spent $14,000 partially restoring the car.�

Thomas said it wouldn’t have mattered what that sharp young man was asking for the car, he would have paid it anyway. But, happily, he said he got a very good deal. The car now bears a small brass plaque on the dash, expressing his gratitude to Andy Cardwell of Brandywine, Md.

“If it wasn’t for him, this car would be long gone.�

Next up, Thomas plans to paint the car silver.

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