The classic definition of a hot rod conjures up images of ‘32 Fords swapped with Chevy small-block V8s and fenderless T-buckets that congregate at every car show. More recently, the rat rod movement has shed any concern for glossy aesthetics, wearing rust and bare metal with a certain disdainful pride. As time marches endlessly forth, so does the encroaching appeal of a rat rod build that focuses on technical superiority over just being another pretty face.

Which brings us to this 1974 Datsun 260Z that was thrown together in three months and puts a look of pure joy on Matt Farah’s face. Boasting a boosted 2JZ VVTI inline-six taken from a Toyota Aristo (known in America as the Lexus GS300), this 395 horsepower Nixon-era rat rod is evidence that the more things change, the more they stay the same.

Consider that hot rodding really took off after World War II, especially in the 1950s and 60s. The cars most often chosen to be a hot rod candidates were old Model T and Depression-era coupes that could be had for less than a hundred bucks. Though a decent Datsun 240Z or 260Z (the latter having been built in the U.S. for just one year) will cost you more than a Benjamin, the owner Rollie got enough of a good deal that he could afford to sink most of his money into making sure this pocket rocket packs a wallop. These early Datsuns are proving particularly popular with offbeat builders, as we saw demonstrated with this off-road rally Datsun that is tackling the 10,000 mile Paris-to-Peking rally.

Although the 395 horsepower 2JZ that’s mated to a five-speed manual transmission out of a 300ZX is the star of the show, the best supporting mod award goes to the R33 Skyline axles that give the Datsun a wider-than-stock stance. The Skyline axles can also take more punishment, as Rollie had already snapped a stock 240SX axle. Weighing in at right around 2,600 pounds and sans the power steering, Rollie also installed 240SX coilovers and 300ZX brakes in true hot rodding fashion.

With the crescendo of the fuel pump humming in the background, Farah is all smiles right from the get-go as he and Rollie discuss all the things this rat rod does and doesn’t have. What it lacks in cosmetics and comfort it more than makes up for in pure driving enjoyment, to judge from Farah’s reaction every time he dips into the throttle.

Although the 1970s is known for emissions-choked engines and boat-sized sedans, there are lots of little gems like the 260Z waiting to be plucked from the scrap heap and given a second life as a rat rod. What other fun projects could you imagine from era of Gerald Ford?