The December ’08 NICOclub Ride of the Month goes to Jens Hartmann (Schnorchel), a 24 year old from Stuttgart, Germany, for his 240sx convertible. Jens acquired his ‘vert in June of ’06. It was bought used from the owner of a Nissan dealership in Germany who imported the car for his wife. Rumor has it there are only 3 240sx convertibles in Germany, thus making them very rare. It is a fact that there are NONE like his.
Jens’ first order of duty was to replace the blown stock transmission. This is no easy task as the KA24de and matching gearbox were not sold in the European Domestic Market. He was able to source one in the US and have it shipped over and soon after had the car running again.
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Like a true sports car enthusiast, Jens’ first modification was to install a 3.5″ Kakimoto exhaust system with an Apexi Sound Control Valve. Shortly afterward, a set of Apex Performance coilovers with adjustable dampers were added to give this car a very strong suspension setup. The wheels are SparcoŽs in dimension of 8 and 9×17 offset 30. They are black painted with a polished lip.
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The next step in this build project was the exterior. Jens’ was able to come up with a Head Up Display digital gauge and had that installed. This is a feature you’ll never see in a 240sx ‘vert unless the owner installed it himself. An aggressive type-x style body kit was installed with an eye-catching Kawasaki pearlescant orange paint)
job for the exterior along with a glossy white paint for the engine bay. Several parts of the engine bay and so on are chromed. The dream-sicle was born!
The crown jewel of this build, and the biggest reason it’s being recognized for NICO’s coveted Ride of the Month is the incredible and unique rebuild of the interior.The first step was custom black carpeting with orange tiger stripes down the side by the center console. Next, the entire interior seats, dash, and panels included were recovered in white leather! Even the steering wheel, A pillars, and trunk trim were redone in beautiful white skins. Jens didn’t forget about the electronic toys either. With multiple LCD monitors installed in the dash, headrests and trunk, along with an impressive sound system and a Greddy infometer, this interior is top-notch in every way.
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This project is finished for this year! just in time to be stored in the garage for winter. Jens’ is looking forward to next spring and summer turning lots of heads while cruising the Autobahn and German countryside.
Next job will be a MT Swap. Not yet decided what engine it will be. Possibly CA18 or SR20 …
Latest pictures (Aug, 2008):)
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