I had envisioned the first ever 240SX National Convention to run a little bit like this (follow my train of thought now, like the bouncing white ball that hops over song lyrics in a children's television show): An epic gathering of one of Nissan's most underappreciated vehicles is happening on the coastline or on open desert plain (anywhere sand is available to give it that cowboy western feel, but not really). Enthusiasts have driven from across the nation and the congregation of so many 240s has created such a buzz of excitement that it's gotten me (and a whole lot of other people) all hot and bothered-like the girls who ask about me at car shows when I'm not even there and my co-workers don't bother to ask them for their contact info (We just made up that story to help with your self-esteem issues.-JN). To think that I'll be able to see loads of cars, from the S13 chassis to the S14 and all wannabe versions that we can replicate of the S15, excitement and nocturnal emissions are perfect words to describe what we'll be able to see. And on top of things, I'd hope that a table is set up for Ricky's two-hour autograph session-it would be cordoned off with velvet ropes and on both sides, two burly bodyguards to keep watch. He would then swoop down in a private helicopter as we all watched in amazement (or disgust, depending on who you are) and complete a freefall dive into a stretch Silvia limousine (if you couldn't tell, I'm riding the magic dragon right about now) to which he would pull up, step out, and stretch out his arms in god-like stature for his legion of fans. This fantasy would be ideal, but not totally necessary.
The actual event went nothing like what I just described to you. In fact, it was much better sans the cameo appearance by Mr. Chu. For starters, there were a ton of 240s, but it was also common to see 510s, Z cars, and non-Nissan vehicles at the meeting grounds.
This was also a three-day event, however, I could only make it to the second day, which was held at the Nissan headquarters in Torrance, California. The first day was a meet-and-greet at a local Speedzone, where everyone could have a go at racing slick carts, play video games, and eat below-average fast food. Back to the second day, we're now looking at the car show portion of the convention-cars were parked inside the main lot at Nissan and there were plenty of people around to check out KA-, SR-, and even RB-powered 240s. Also present were the new Z, a family of Skylines representing Team MotoRex, and the HKS 180 drag car. Various companies came out to show support for this event, like Endless USA, Jspec.com, and JIC Magic (to name a few), providing giveaway prizes to those who showed up to further the cause. The third day consisted of track time at the Streets of Willow racetrack-hosted by SpeedTrial USA-which gave drivers the opportunity to test out their skills on a refined road course with on-site instruction available for all participating vehicles. It's our understanding that this was perhaps the most popular day of the convention-we only wished that we could've been there to enjoy it and the scorching heat.
Arguably, this could be the premier show to check out, not only for 240 and Nissan lovers alike, but if you really just love cars in general. There are great people to meet, shoot the bull with, then stalk on the Internet afterwards.
For more information on the 240SX National Convention, log onto: www.socal240sx.org.