Datsun 240Z Build: Dylan Brinkworth’s Stunning Hot Wheels Legend Father-Son Project

Datsun 240Z Build:

1973 Hot Wheels Legend  Datsun 240z

Dylan Brinkworth 

Instagram: @Dylans_lil_projects, @brinkworthboyz, @saisei_db240z

Photographer: @KimojiStyle, 

Performance Stats: 301 hp/269 tq 

Growing Up in the Garage

I’m 15 years old, and  cars have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. My dad’s shop has been my second home since I was a baby—he was literally changing my diapers between working on cars. By the time I was three, he had me helping, starting with cracking bolts loose so I could remove parts, doing oil changes, sanding, and masking.

As I grew older, I learned more and could do most of what my dad does. When I was 10, we decided to start a project together—a 1973 Datsun 240Z. In just two years, we had it on the road, complete with our own widebody fender flare design inspired by Rocket Bunny, long before their Fuguz kit.

Datsun 240Z Build: The Build Journey

Over the years, we’ve constantly improved the  car. Today, it’s nearly finished. I work on customer vehicles at my dad’s shop to make extra money, which has paid for things like my gaming PC. My next project is a 1977 Datsun 620 pickup, which I’ll be able to drive when I turn 16 in May.

I’ve never driven the Z myself, but riding shotgun with my dad after all our hard work was an unforgettable moment. Winning the Hot Wheels Legends Tour brought the car international attention. People hang out of car windows to snap photos, give us thumbs up at stoplights, and crowd around at shows with cameras.

What makes our Z special is the originality—our own flare design, exhaust, and intakes. Every small detail makes it uniquely ours. Many have tried to copy it, but we were the first to do these mods.

What do you think?

Please leave your comments in the comments section at the bottom of the pag

Why Not Submit Your Car Build Here 

Datsun 240Z Build: Build List:

Engine Work

• Rebello Racing 3.0L stroker L28 with N42 head
• 89mm cast pistons, L24 rods with ARP bolts
• Turbo oil pump, P3040 crank (3.19 stroke)
• Reground camshaft (279-0.540 63DI 109)
• Triple 45 DCOE Weber carbs
• Ported and polished head, Tomei intake
• 11:1 compression

Body & Aero

• DBworkz fender flares, rear spoiler, front canards
• Custom aluminium splitter
• Custom vertical intake by MDA Fabrication
• Custom titanium tulip exhaust by MDA Fabrication

Interior

• Red Bride Low Max seats, Takata 4-point harness
• Forged carbon air intakes, rear diffuser, shift knob, taillight panel
• Nardi/Driftworks/Hot Wheels steering wheel
• Kingdom Carbon honeycomb carbon trim
• Apex Engineering rear cross strut bar
• Auto Power 4-point roll bar

Suspension, Wheels & Brakes

• Thirty 3 custom front air suspension and pneumatic valves
• Champion aluminium 3-core radiator
• Rear disc brakes, R200 rear end
• Adjustable lower control arms, sway bar
• Holley fuel pump
• Atara Racing Pisang wheels (15×10.5 -32 offset)
• Nitto tires: 275/50R15 & 225/50R15
• Seibon carbon hood, carbon front bumper, carbon air dam

Datsun 240Z Build: Future Plans

We don’t have many changes planned for this car—it’s already where we want it. My focus will be on the Datsun 620 pickup, plus other builds we have lined up: a 1971 Toyota Celica widebody, 1970 Mustang convertible widebody, 1981 custom Austin Mini, and a 1956 Morris Minor/Mazda Miata hybrid.

Advice for Builders

If I can offer one piece of advice, it’s this: build something with someone you care about. For me, the best part has been the time spent with my dad—late nights before shows, exhausted but laughing. We took our shared vision and made it real.

Ignore the haters. Whether it’s critics online or strict street laws, don’t let them dictate your build. Make it for yourself.

Dream  Car

My dream car? An R34 GTR NUR Spec. My dad’s dream ride is an AC Cobra.

Call to Action

Do you have a build story like this one? Got a build on a budget? We want to see it. Submit your story to Stance Auto Magazine, and you could be the next featured owner showing the world how to do it right—without breaking the bank.

And hey, don’t forget to tag us on socials. Use #stanceautomag onInstagram, Pinterest andFacebook so we can see (and maybe feature) your ride.

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