Family Ties: Riding the Memories of a Legacy Fairlady Z

Fairlady Z, a hand-me-down from his father

From the 1970s to the 1990s, the semi-open ‘T-bar roof’ style became popular as it made it easy to enjoy open-air driving, and many Japanese models had this feature. Mr. Yoshimitsu Kumazawa drives a Nissan FAIRLADY Z equipped with this now-rare T-bar roof. He inherited it from his father and enjoys everything from city driving to long drives.

Fulfiled his dream of driving a Z one day

More and more owners are enjoying motorsports in classic cars, and races and driving events are being actively held at circuits in many places. The 44th Tokyo Bayside Classic Cup Series (TBCC), held on 10 March 2024 at Sodegaura Forest Raceway in Chiba Prefecture, was held in conjunction with the 14th Family Circuit Day, a circuit driving event that reaffirmed the fun of driving a car. The event reaffirmed the fun of driving a car.

Mr. Yoshimitsu Kumazawa, 30 years old, who took part in Class 1 (parade run: maximum passenger capacity, no helmets or other equipment required, pace car provided), entered the course in a 1994 Nissan Fairlady Z 300ZX T-bar roof (Z32), which was given to him by his father.

“I used to ride in the passenger seat of my father’s Fairlady Z when I was in high school. Because of that influence, I dreamt that one day I would like to drive one myself, and in 2024 I finally achieved this. It has only been a short time since I started driving it, but I couldn’t help but smile when I opened the T-bar roof for the first time and enjoyed open-air driving. At the moment, that is the most memorable episode with my car.”

Mr. Yoshimitsu told us that he used to drive a Toyota Roomy, but gave it up and now enjoys everything from city driving to long drives in his Fairlady Z. We also spoke to his father, Mr. Yoshihiro Kumazawa (60 years old), who gave his beloved car to his son.

“I bought my Z32 FAIRLADY Z about 20 years ago. The current total mileage is 170,000 km, and I have kept it stock except for the alloy wheels and muffler. Although it is one of the older cars in terms of age, the engine, ignition system, suspension, brakes, drive train, and oil and grease are still well maintained.”

Because the car is 30 years old, there will inevitably be cracks in the interior plastic parts, seat creases, and deterioration of rubber parts, but Yoshimitsu, who took over the baton from Yoshihiro, will continue to enjoy his Fairlady Z life while dealing with the interior and exterior parts problems. He will continue to enjoy his life with FAIRLADY Z while dealing with interior and exterior parts problems.

“I want to enjoy it as it is forever”

Mr. Yoshimitsu made his track debut at this event, and we asked the Kumazawa father and son why this was the case. First to speak was his father, Mr. Yoshihiro.

“I went to the last TBCC with my son and observed the classic cars running in serious mode, and he was completely hooked. So I decided I wanted to drive one myself, so I entered Class 1 this time.”

Next up was Mr. Yoshimitsu.

“I took part because I wanted to drive at Sodegaura Forest Raceway and watch the races too. I am interested in circuit driving, but I don’t want to modify it for motorsport, I want to keep it like this forever and drive it in the city where I live.”