The Datsun 240Z is nothing short of a sports car legend, but many don't know it was a formidable rally car in the 1970s. In competition, the Z is best known for dominating SCCA road course events, but 240Zs won the East African Safari Rally in 1971 and 1973. This Baja-ified 240Z pays tribute to those cars, and it's not just for show.

Father and son owners/builders Chris and Tjerk Bury are taking this burly Datsun on the 10,000-mile Peking to Paris race, but before that, they let The Smoking Tire's Matt Farah have a go in it. Starting with a restored 240Z, the Burys installed a roll cage, skid plates, and a 26-gallon fuel cell, in addition to boring out the 2.4-liter straight-six to 2.7-liters. The engine's compression was reduced to handle lower-grade fuel, a reality in the remote regions this car will pass through.

It might not be a Land Rover or a Jeep, but this Z should be perfectly capable on dirt roads thanks to a six-inch lift and a beefy suspension setup. And it will easily be one of the most stylish competitors out there.

A Jeep is a fine, if boring choice, but a Z? Now you're off-roading in style.

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