- Seller: Jeremy G
- Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Mileage: 28,000 Shown
- Chassis #: RLS30-000096
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: 2.6-Liter Inline 6-Cylinder
- Transmission: 4-Speed Manual
Over the past decade, interest in early Datsun Z-cars has increased considerably. They were well-liked when new, as they offered great performance and looks for a reasonable price. Unfortunately, many have suffered rough lives and were recycled long ago. The example offered here as a Barn Finds Auction was ordered new by the previous owner and is the 96th car to roll off the assembly line. The seller purchased it from the original owner and has decided to move it along to someone who can restore it properly.
The 260Z was a mild refresh of the original Z, the 240. The most significant change was the enlargement of the inline-six engine to 2.6 liters. The exterior received minor changes, the interior improved, and the chassis was reinforced. As great as the 240Z is, the 260 offers a better overall driving experience.
The interior of the 260Z received a few improvements. The climate control system was fully redesigned, with better controls, especially for A/C-equipped cars. The dash and center console were reworked for the new climate control. It also received a new seat trim design and updated door panels. This example’s interior is going to need a full restoration, but it looks to be complete. As these cars have gained interest with collectors, parts supply has improved significantly, but some components still aren’t being reproduced. Thankfully, many used parts are available, so with a little hunting, you should be able to find all the needed parts to make it perfect inside.
Datsun’s L-series inline-six engine significantly influenced the Z-car’s success. Its smooth-running engine has proven durable and offers a healthy amount of power for its size. Datsun rated the engine at 162 horsepower with 157 ft-lbs of torque. It might not sound all that impressive, but considering Datsun priced these cars only slightly higher than an MGB, it was a lot of car for the money. The seller states the engine turns over and will run using starter fluid. A compression test showed even numbers around 110 psi with the engine cold, so a rebuild might be required to get performance back to original. Before pulling the engine out, we would adjust the valves, perform a full service, and then retest with the engine warmed up to see if those numbers go up closer to 150 psi.
These cars are prone to rusting, and the seller admits this one has rust, but having spent its life in New Mexico, they feel it may have been spared from severe structural issues. It’s currently rolling on new tires, so it is easy to load onto a trailer, and it comes with the original hubcaps, dealer-installed A/C system, and the original exhaust system (the previous owner had the dealer install an upgraded exhaust). The seller has the original paperwork for the car, including the window sticker, the order sheet, the maintenance records, a dealer brochure, and a service manual. While it will need a complete restoration, these cars have become sought after, especially ones built in early ’74 with the small bumpers. This one has a great history, so it’s worth rescuing! If you have any questions for the seller, please leave them in the comments below.
Bid On This Auction
Cristidjs bid $1,500.00 2024-11-29 09:13:15
Sid1891 bid $1,000.00 2024-11-27 11:43:56
Nathaniel callender bid $750.00 2024-11-22 20:05:14
J lowe bid $460.00 2024-11-22 16:43:28
Tony Martin bid $200.00 2024-11-21 14:55:35
Toasted, roasted and fully baked. That NM sun can be brutal. Lots of work needed here, but it is an early 260Z. Love ’em!
Indeed, the desert sun can be rough on plastic bits but it’s great for metal. Pick your poison, plastic or metal? Thanks for the comment, yes, number 96 off the assembly line, it is an early 260z. Bidders, any questions I will be happy to answer and will take additional pics if needed; although I do not have access to a lift.
Indeed, the desert sun can be rough on plastic bits but it’s great for metal. Pick your poison, plastic or metal? Thanks for the comment, yes, number 96 off the assembly line, it is an early 260z. Bidders, any questions I will be happy to answer and will take additional pics if needed; although I do not have access to a lift but I can put the car up on jack stands using the appropriate points of contact ofcourse if additional pics needed. However, I do not see any rust penetrating the floor boards. Also note that all the glass on this car is good, no pitting, etc..Also the oil spots on the driveway are from my f150,, lol.
I had this car’s exact twin from 1974 -1977 and unfortunately that was in Ohio, and I can attest to the rust issues, even with having a winter daily driver to keep it off the road. But – it was one fun car, and this is tempting.
Wow! It’s nice to see one almost 100% original, down to the hubcaps and flat-top carbs. Lots of work, yes, but it’s all there.
GLWTA!
Thanks for the reply, I would like to note that I do have brand new Walker rebuild kits for those flat top carbs. I also have the stock exhaust Manny and down pipe in good shape if someone was interested in going fully original. The previous owner kept nearly everything that I am aware of for this car.
Flashback! My first car was a twin of this car, minus the a/c system, not needed in NY’s Adirondack Mountains. Mine was five years old and had more rust than this one. It was $1500, had 49K miles and did not run. After bodywork, a paint job, head gasket and a valve job, I passed a cop at 115mph (top speed) and lost my license for 6 months as a 16 year old. I ended up trading it plus $800 for a ’62 Morgan +4 which termites were holding hands to keep it in one piece. Memories!
It’s rough,yet it all seems to be there, definitely has potentially as long the price is right,had a 280Z loved it
My brother-in-law bought one of these new, and cherished it. He washed & detailed it every weekend. He had owned it about a year when an unusual disaster struck. He was in the middle of detailing the interior on a beautiful day with doors and hatch open. His wife was nearby giving their shed a fresh coat of white oil-based enamel. Meanwhile his hyper-nuts terrier “Basil” was on the hunt for squirrels…… Basil began chasing a big black squirrel and was quickly catching up. The terrified squirrel first zigged and zagged to no avail, then sought refuge in the shiny Datsun. Basil ran right though the full paint tray, and ricocheted into the Datsun, like the Tasmanian Devil spreading white oil paint throughout the interior. The squirrel got away. Turpentine only spread the damage, and insurance paid for an almost complete new interior. In the end, Basil outlasted the Datsun, which died of terminal rust. Everytime I see one, I remember Basil.
These were great cars, and non-rusty projects are somewhat rare. The car here needs an interior, although Basil had nothing to do with it.
Great story.
My next door neighbor let me drive his new 260Z with 30 miles on it. Unforgettable, to this day. Well made, responsive (the car, not my neighbor).
I have a story just like yours! A friend bought a new Corvette right from the Corvette factory, and he let me drive it around a little bit in Bowling Green, Ky a couple of hours after he bought it! It was a 2006 model, and a lot of fun to drive! It was fast! 🙂
I was 14 when my 20 year old neighbor came home with a new 260Z. I’ve been hooked every day since then, was lucky enough to own a 77 280Z for 10 years and will hopefully have another someday. Hope this one gets the rebuild it deserves.
iconic,
the earlier the model the better I’d say (1st 5 yrs)
(90 in WB) w/mods U desire (if wanted. I’d give it
the 3 2v carbs of later mod, more)…
Thanks everyone for your interest, comments and bids on the 260z. Unfortunately, the results were not exactly what I was looking for this time around so she’ll probably go back into storage until next year. Happy Holidays.
I will also entertain offers. Thanks.
Offer sent
What port would be closest to Albuquerque if l want to ship to Europe?
Thanks for suggestions
I imagine it would ship out of Houston but don’t quote me on that.
Jeremy G, I sent you an offer, let me know if you didn’t get it.
Hi all. I have received comments saying that offers have been sent. I have yet to receive such offers. I have sent an email in to the site to address the issue. Could be a glitch, could be me (user error). Thanks for your patience while it’s looked into.