This 1973 Datsun 240Z may not be a Series 1, but that doesn’t dilute the desirability on display. It has been nearly restored with plenty of big-ticket jobs completed, including a respray, engine rebuild, and transmission conversion to a manual gearbox. The interior is a rarely-seen shade of cardinal red, and while I can’t be certain it’s factory, it does look OEM. The seller notes some minor self-inflicted cosmetic damage, but aside from that, this 240Z looks like the kind of car you can get in and begin enjoying immediately. Find it here on eBay with bids to $10,100 and the reserve unmet.
While we’re growing increasingly accustomed to seeing 240Zs completely restored, it’s nice to see one that has absolutely been reconditioned but isn’t so nice you’re scared to drive it. The repsray is a question mark in terms of the quality of the job; you’re only going to be able to tell for sure if you physically lay hands on it. The period-correct aftermarket wheels fit the car perfectly, and the small details – like the badges, antenna, and chrome bumpers – all look good here. The 240Z also appears to sport an aftermarket muffler, but no word on whether it’s a complete system.
I am 99 percent sure this is a factory interior, but you just don’t see the red cockpits all that much. The seller doesn’t say much about the interior except for one big detail: the dashboard is still crack-free, which is something you just don’t see on an older Z car. Crack-free dashes are the stuff of fantasy for many owners, so that feature alone makes the interior a home run. The seller does note that the carpet kit is new and that the window gaskets have been replaced. Overall, it appears that the seller or a previous owner did what needed doing but didn’t needlessly restore the car.
The inline-six engine has been rebuilt and is equipped with new Weber carbs and a new radiator. The seller believes the mileage is accurate at 140,000, and those may in fact be very gentle miles given automatic transmission sports cars tend to live a quieter existence than manual models. With this 240Z having been swapped from an automatic to a stick, you may find the car isn’t as tired underneath as a factory four-speed, but there’s obviously no guarantees in that regard. The 240Z has some light damage to the left-side rear skirt that the seller caused when backing into a parking spot, but it otherwise looks like an excellent choice for a summertime sports car.
I don’t recall seeing a red interior on a 240Z either but any car with a red interior gets a big thumbs up in my book. I really like the early Z cars. I’m surprised I haven’t owned one yet. Don’t know if I ever will but I would be happy driving one. Especially with red guts.
I had four Z cars back in the day, a ’72, a ’73, a ’74-1/2, and a ’77. For awhile we had his and hers ( the ’72 and the ’73). My ’73 was white with the red interior.
4speed swap? I stuffed a 350 and th350 in my 73. Wasn’t well balanced anymore but it was fun overall. Other than going through crush sleeves in the rear end. I would have liked to put a jag rear end in ig as well.
I have seen the red interior in a black car and a white car. Don’t remember what our options were on the ’72 we ordered.
A 5 spd would have been just as easy.
And power steering.
I always wanted one of these. All I ever got was the key chain. Which I still have…
Im no expert, but back in the late 80s i was buying mostly 76-79 Zed cars regularly for between $800 n 1500 one of em i swapped a 350 into cuz engine had horrible clunk in it, yet still drove. I blew the rear end in it. Then swapped same motor into a 74 Landcruiser which also blew that rear end. Put a 9″ ford in it then traded for 2 Broncos 74/77. Wish i had any one of those rigs now!
I’ve had two 240z cars both the same color yellow/green with black interior, both 1973. The first was back in ‘73 when I turned 16. It was a rocket on a roller skate. I took a little red haired girl to the prom in that car and later got my first ticket that same night. Lost my license (65 in a 25 zone then went to 75 in a 25 zone after I argued with the cop) and never saw the red haired girl again. Her dad was a cop and wouldn’t let me see her. (Obviously a smart dad).
The second car was in ‘99. Never could get it running right and when money was tight I sold it for a truck. What a mistake. Hard to believe that lighting will strike a third time, but I’m still on the lookout for another z same year and same color. They were the best!!
I wouldn’t mind finding one with a dead V8 conversion and swap in an all aluminum LS2. The weight difference is likely 50 lbs or so.