- Seller: Ashley S (Contact)
- Location: Addis, Louisiana
- Mileage: 75,987 Shown
- Chassis #: HLS30-76568
- Title Status: Missing
- Engine: 2.4-Liter L24 Inline-6
- Transmission: 5-Speed Manual
Every so often, a true survivor surfaces — not a restoration, not a project that changed hands ten times, but a car that simply sat untouched for decades. This 1972 Datsun 240Z, offered as a Barn Finds Exclusive out of Addis, Louisiana, is exactly that kind of find. According to the seller, it has been parked in a garage since 1984, left undisturbed for nearly forty years. With everything still completely original, it’s the sort of discovery that Z-car fans dream about.
This early 240Z shows 75,987 miles and carries its original 2.4-liter L24 inline-six paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. The combination is part of what helped the Z earn its reputation: smooth power, a lightweight chassis, and a driving feel that set a new standard for affordable sports cars in the early 1970s. Because this car hasn’t been touched since the mid-’80s, enthusiasts will see the appeal immediately. Unmodified examples are becoming increasingly rare, and long-stored originals offer a great foundation for preservation or a careful, sympathetic revival.
The seller notes that the car comes with a cover purchased sometime in the 1980s — still in the box — which underscores just how frozen-in-time this Z truly is. A garage-stored, all-original 240Z is the sort of opportunity that usually stays in the same family for generations. Instead, this one is being made available to someone ready to take the next step, whether that means bringing it back to running condition or preserving its untouched authenticity.
The title is missing, which isn’t unusual for a vehicle that has been off the road and parked for nearly four decades. Buyers will need to plan accordingly depending on their state’s requirements. The VIN is listed as HLS30-76568, and all other details appear consistent with an unrestored 1972 car.
Cars that have been sitting since the early 1980s will naturally need mechanical evaluation before any attempt at running or driving, but nothing in the listing suggests the car was parked due to a major failure. Instead, it sounds like one of those stories where time simply caught up, and the Z remained tucked away until now.
For collectors, early Z-cars continue to appreciate, especially original examples that haven’t been modified or parted out. This one checks that box in a way few surviving 240Zs do. The only question is what its next caretaker will choose: preserve it as-is or carefully bring this long-sleeping classic back to life?
Elizabeth, thanks for writing this up. I’m always curious to see what people are asking/getting for these early Z’s. Probably all the more because I have one myself. There are a couple things I noticed about this car though. It shows a production date of 4/72 making it a ’72 not ’71. Also the shifter shows 4 forward gears, not 5. I believe the 5 speed was not available until the 280.
And wow, this is one I’d need to see in person before I could consider it. It looks like it had a rough 10 or 12 years if that’s all it was on the road. What happened to that right rear quarter panel? And the paint looks hammered for a vehicle that was on the road such a short time. Hagerty is at $9400 for a ’72 in #4 condition which this is a long way from. Thanks again Elizabeth. I’m curious what it will sell for.
You are right about the year; it is at least a ’72. I do not think the paint is an original color. The console is a ’72 or later too. ’72 hubcaps also.
The production date makes it a ’72!
I don’t know what this is but what it is not is a 1971 survivor. Some of the interior is not a 71 or even a 72. Better photos would help me.
If you haven’t seen the restoration that My Mechanics is doing over on YouTube, do yourself a favor and watch a few hours of some of the finest mechanical work I’ve ever seen. This is truly amazing work.
https://www.youtube.com/mymechanics
I’m a little skeptical that it has been garaged for 40+ years. Looks pretty rough and I wonder if that garage had a roof. If this is what it looked after only a 13 year life on the road, it must have had some very hard use and very little TLC. Good luck to the buyer!
preserve as-is? nope. it deserves to be rescued. it’s had a repaint. from here I see a quarter panel replacement and bare metal repaint.
In West Virginia this car is toast without a title.No ifs,ands or buts about it!
This 5 digit odometer has clearly “rolled over”. This Z is rough and no way would a 13 year old car get mistreated to the point it looks like this even after sitting “garaged?” for 40 years. Seller is trying to put something over on a buyer.
I agree with Brian, 240Zs had 4 speeds.
And apparently not worth the effort to raise the hood?
At my age, I can work with this Z to get it road ready. Also, navigate the getting a proper title for this car. This is a BarnFind that fits my capabilities.