Rob Fuller, the man behind Z Car Garage, is more than just a shop owner; he’s a true Datsun Z enthusiast. His journey, deeply rooted in a passion for these iconic Japanese sports cars, has not only defined his career but also cemented his place within the global Datsun Z community. While Z Car Garage caters to a broad spectrum of Nissan and Datsun vehicles, Rob’s heart beats strongest for the vintage Z series, a love story perfectly embodied by his cherished Datsun Z, affectionately known as “Mrs. Butters.”
Rob’s immersion in the world of cars began unconventionally. Unlike his peers who were captivated by American muscle cars, his automotive awakening came with a 1978 Honda Civic CVCC. This early experience sparked a fascination with Japanese engineering, setting him on a path that would eventually lead to the legendary Datsun Z.
Front quarter view of a Safari Gold Datsun Z parked in a garage, showcasing its classic lines and patina.
“I grew up in Duluth, GA, and my first car was a ’78 Civic,” Rob recalls. “It was different. Everyone else was into Chevelles and Mustangs. That Honda made me fall in love with Japanese cars because it wasn’t the norm.”
This initial foray into Japanese automobiles was further ignited by a magazine article featuring the Datsun 510. The article lauded the 510 as a “cult car” highlighting its independent rear suspension, rear-wheel drive, and balanced weight distribution. Intrigued, Rob sought out and acquired a disassembled Datsun 510 in 1994, spending a year meticulously rebuilding it.
Close up of the rear of a yellow Datsun Z, emphasizing the "Z Car Garage" license plate frame and the car's original paint.
The Datsun 510 became Rob’s gateway into the broader Datsun community in Atlanta. His reputation grew, leading to his first job at a Z car shop, Z Service Unlimited. Immersed in a world of Nissan and Datsun vehicles, particularly the Z cars, Rob’s passion deepened. He even had the opportunity to race, further fueling his Z car obsession. By 1998, he owned his first Datsun Z and made a pivotal move to California to work at Z Car Shop, another renowned Z-focused establishment. Finally, in 2004, Rob’s dream materialized with the opening of Z Car Garage.
Side profile of Mrs. Butters Datsun Z, highlighting the Panasport wheels and brake upgrades developed by Z Car Garage.
His initial Datsun Z, christened “GO GA Z,” became a rolling experiment. It underwent numerous engine swaps and modifications, serving as a testbed for various performance enhancements. “GO GA Z” experienced life with L-series, L28ET, RB25DET, and even the rare OS Giken TC24B1 engines. It conquered racetracks across Northern California, but its constant evolution led to its retirement from daily driving, becoming solely a development mule. This transition paved the way for “Mrs. Butters” to enter the picture.
Front view of Mrs. Butters Datsun Z parked outdoors, showcasing its Safari Gold color and original steel wheels.
The story of “Mrs. Butters” began with a letter from a gentleman named Whit. Whit, a long-time admirer of Z Car Garage, was at a crossroads. He wrote to Rob, explaining his difficult decision: “boats or Z-car.” Choosing boats, Whit wanted to entrust his beloved, original Datsun Z to someone who would appreciate its legacy. He emphasized the car’s significance in his life, having owned it since new.
Slightly angled front view of the yellow Datsun Z, emphasizing the car's unrestored condition and original features.
Intrigued by Whit’s heartfelt letter and accompanying photos, Rob and his wife Meghan visited Whit. The garage door opened to reveal a Safari Gold Datsun Z, sitting on steel wheels without hubcaps. Despite some dents and scrapes, it was remarkably original, retaining most of its factory components. For Rob, this was the most untouched Datsun Z he had ever encountered. A deal was struck, and “Mrs. Butters” found her new home at Z Car Garage.
Interior view of Mrs. Butters Datsun Z, showing the dashboard, steering wheel, and classic Z car gauges.
Back at the shop, a battery brought most of the car back to life, save for the engine. The original engine was removed, initially replaced with a three-liter from another project, maintaining the car’s untouched essence. However, “Mrs. Butters'” destiny was to become more than just a driver; she was destined to be a development platform.
Close up of the Z Car Garage brake upgrade on Mrs. Butters Datsun Z, showcasing performance parts.
Z Car Garage had always been committed to refining aftermarket parts, pushing beyond existing limitations. Rob envisioned creating components that could be accessible to Datsun Z owners worldwide. “Mrs. Butters” became the key to realizing this vision. Since acquiring her, Z Car Garage has utilized “Mrs. Butters” to develop and perfect their in-house brake system, Panasport wheels tailored to Z cars, a CD009a six-speed transmission swap kit, and a bespoke coilover suspension system.
Rear three quarter view of Mrs. Butters Datsun Z, highlighting the stance and Panasport wheels.
“We’d been making parts since 2005, but really started innovating after having Butters,” Rob explains. “Since GO GA Z was retired, we started using Butters to develop our brake system, wheels, six-speed swap, and coilover system. She allows us to prototype, revise, and finalize before we launch.” “Mrs. Butters” is more than just a car; she’s an indispensable member of the Z Car Garage family, a constant source of innovation and refinement.
Side view of Rob Fuller working on the engine bay of Mrs. Butters Datsun Z in the Z Car Garage shop.
Despite the performance enhancements beneath her skin, “Mrs. Butters” retains her original patina, dents, and scratches. This deliberate choice is part of her charm. In a world of meticulously restored classic cars, “Mrs. Butters” stands out. Her unrestored exterior becomes a conversation starter, sparking connections among fellow Datsun Z enthusiasts. Driving her is an experience unburdened by the anxieties of damaging a pristine, concours-condition vehicle. She embodies the spirit of a survivor, a car pulled from obscurity and reborn with mechanical brilliance while retaining her authentic character.
Front interior view of Mrs. Butters Datsun Z, focusing on the steering wheel and driver's seat, emphasizing the vintage feel.
Rob often hands the keys to “Mrs. Butters” to potential customers considering Z Car Garage’s services. The experience speaks volumes, allowing them to feel firsthand the culmination of Z Car Garage’s expertise without needing words. “Mrs. Butters” has cultivated her own reputation, becoming a rolling testament to Z Car Garage’s capabilities.
Close up of the Datsun emblem on the front grille of Mrs. Butters Z, highlighting the classic branding.
The name “Mrs. Butters” itself has a whimsical origin. Josh, Rob’s longest-tenured employee, suggested a name like “Colonel Mustard” upon first seeing the car. Meghan Fuller countered with “Mrs. Butters,” inspired by the car’s butterscotch-like Safari Gold color, a name that perfectly captured the car’s endearing personality.
Rob Fuller standing next to Mrs. Butters Datsun Z in the Z Car Garage shop, showcasing his pride in the car.
When asked how “Mrs. Butters” compares to his extensive collection of Datsun Zs, Rob resists drawing comparisons. Each car in his collection offers a unique sensory experience, evoking different memories and emotions. He likens it to a parent’s love for their children, appreciating each for their individuality.
Engine bay of Mrs. Butters Datsun Z, showing the upgraded engine and performance modifications.
Looking ahead, Rob envisions “Mrs. Butters” as a perpetual project, an ongoing symbol of Z Car Garage’s evolution. While a full restoration might be considered someday, for now, the combination of her patina and mechanical perfection is precisely what makes her so special. “Mrs. Butters” continues to be a driving force, converting enthusiasts into believers in the quality and passion that defines Z Car Garage and their enduring love for the Datsun Z.
Action shot of Mrs. Butters Datsun Z driving on a scenic road, showcasing its performance and handling.
Close up of the Panasport wheels and Z Car Garage brake upgrade on Mrs. Butters Datsun Z, emphasizing performance modifications.
Whit, the original owner, standing next to Mrs. Butters Datsun Z in his garage before selling it to Z Car Garage.
Meghan Fuller, Rob Fuller's wife, next to Mrs. Butters Datsun Z, highlighting the car's endearing name.
Rear view of Mrs. Butters Datsun Z driving away, emphasizing its classic silhouette and taillights.
Rob Fuller and Naveed Yousufzai standing together next to Mrs. Butters Datsun Z, capturing the car enthusiast community.
Front three quarter view of Mrs. Butters Datsun Z parked in front of Z Car Garage, showcasing the shop environment.
Close up of the "Mrs. Butters" name on a custom badge on the Datsun Z, adding a personal touch.
Action shot of Mrs. Butters Datsun Z drifting on a racetrack, demonstrating its performance capabilities.
Rear view of Mrs. Butters Datsun Z parked with other classic cars, highlighting the Datsun Z community.
Side view of Mrs. Butters Datsun Z parked in a scenic location, emphasizing its classic design against a natural backdrop.
