Datsun claimed that it never drew influence for the 240Z from Jaguar’s iconic E-Type, but few people believed them. From its long hood to the rear hatch and the straight-six under the hood, it was hard to deny the striking similarities. This 1972 example is a two-owner survivor showing 30,000 miles on the clock. The seller performed work to recapture its factory form, but feels it needs a new home with someone who will slip behind the wheel regularly and enjoy this gem as its creators intended. Therefore, they have listed the 240Z here on eBay in Hubbard, Ohio, with a BIN of $25,000 and the option to make an offer.

The seller purchased this 240Z from the first owner in 2016, and immediately set to work ensuring that it returned to as close to its factory form as possible. It had undergone a repaint prior to their purchase, but the paint shade was incorrect. Therefore, the seller removed every piece of glass before applying a fresh layer of Mexican Orange, as per the Trim Tag. They replaced the window seals and gaskets when reinstalling the glass, ensuring that there are no leaks or other problems. The panels are straight, and with the first owner handing the Datsun to the fine folks at Ziebart when it was new, the floors and other prone areas are rock-solid. The seller mentions one small rust spot, but I can’t identify it in the supplied photos. The trim and glass are in good order, and this 240Z has avoided the plague of aftermarket wheels.

I’ve previously described Datsun’s “L-Series” engines as some of the greatest to emerge from Japan during this era, and my years of hands-on experience with these motors haven’t changed my opinion. They may not produce quite the power of a twin-cam, but they often clock phenomenal mileage with little more than basic maintenance. As its model name suggests, the six-cylinder hiding under the hood of this 240Z has a capacity of 2.4-liters, sending 150hp to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission. With excellent brakes and four-wheel independent suspension, the 240Z provides a surprising amount of mechanical grip when the roads turn twisting. The seller treated the carburetors to a rebuild following their purchase and has only clocked around 1,000 miles behind the wheel since 2016. They believe the odometer reading to be correct, although they hold no documentary evidence. However, the Datsun runs and drives well, allowing the buyer to fly in and drive it home.

Probably the weakest aspect of any 240Z is its interior. Seatcovers can rip, the diamond-patterned vinyl on the sides of the transmission tunnel can become worn and tattered, and dashpads are notorious for cracking. However, you will find none of these issues inside this Datsun. The seatcovers are new, but it appears that the remaining upholstered surfaces and the pad are original. The wheel exhibits slight deterioration, but it remains serviceable in its current form. The seller states that potential buyers shouldn’t have high expectations for the Blaupunkt radio/cassette player, with the sound described as mediocre.

Apart from styling and engineering cues, the Datsun 240Z shared other characteristics with the Jaguar E-Type. Originally conceived as a lithe and agile sports car with a focus on performance, the Z-Car became heavier and “softer” with each model upgrade. It wasn’t until the release of the 350Z in 2002 that the “Z” badge recaptured the essence of what made the 240Z one of the great cars to emerge from Japan. This two-owner example is a beauty, and the BIN looks extremely competitive when compared to recent successful sales. I think that it should easily find a new home, but do you agree?