- Seller: Giordano’s Vintage Motors (Contact)
- Location: Carnation, Washington
- Mileage: 60,603 Shown
- Chassis #: RLS30039895
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: 2.4-Liter L24 Inline-6
- Transmission: 4-Speed Manual
Early Z-cars have become valuable enough that restoring a rusty example can quickly turn into an expensive proposition. That makes the foundation especially important, and this 1974 Datsun 260Z has an appealing starting point: the seller describes it as a straight, low-rust Eastern Washington survivor wearing what appears to be its original blue paint. There’s also an intriguing bonus sitting in the engine bay—a loose early L24 engine that the seller believes dates to early 240Z production. Located in Carnation, Washington, this 260Z shows 60,603 miles, carries a clean Washington title, and is offered as a Barn Finds Exclusive.
The photos show a largely complete but clearly unfinished Z. Its faded blue finish has areas of surface deterioration and primer, but the body retains the clean, simple shape that made the original Z-car such a success. The seller describes it as an Eastern Washington dry-climate survivor with very little rust.
Underside photographs show surface corrosion and aging, so prospective buyers should carefully inspect the frame rails, floors, battery area, rocker panels, doglegs, and other known Z-car trouble spots. Still, the opportunity to begin with a comparatively solid shell can matter considerably more than shiny paint when taking on one of these cars.
The interior was reportedly restored years ago and is now finished in light gray with matching cloth and vinyl seats. The photos show a largely complete dashboard, steering wheel, gauges, door panels, and seating. It will need cosmetic attention, but at least it’s all here so you don’t have to try and track down hard-to-find trim parts.
The story gets more interesting under the hood. The original 260Z engine is no longer installed. Instead, the sale includes an L24 240Z engine stamped L24-07762, along with a four-speed manual transmission. The seller’s research indicates that the relatively low engine number may place it among early 1970-calendar-year L24 production. Buyers interested in that aspect should independently verify the engine number and production date, because the engine might be useful for someone with an early 240Z.
The engine and transmission are currently sitting in the engine compartment for transportation purposes only. The car is not being represented as running or drivable, so the next owner will need to inspect the drivetrain, determine exactly what components are needed for installation, and complete the mechanical restoration before hitting the road. That may actually be part of the attraction.
Rather than paying for someone else’s partially completed engine swap or questionable recent paintwork, the next owner can decide what this Z should become. Install the included L24 and build a 240Z-flavored 260Z, source a correct L26 and sell the L24, or use the solid-looking shell as the basis for a more ambitious restomod.
At $7,995, this car falls into an interesting part of the Z-car market. Finished examples can command substantial money, while recent non-running 260Z projects have sold around the $9,000-$10,000 mark. This one’s non-original and uninstalled drivetrain is a drawback, but its reportedly dry Western body could compensate if close inspection confirms the shell is as solid as described. For someone priced out of finished early Z-cars but willing to turn a wrench, this might be the more interesting way in. Would you install the early L24 and preserve the weathered blue exterior, or restore this 260Z back to its original specification?
So many questions as to what to do with it. I’ve never seen one with surface rust and no holes!
I like the idea of building this motor for higher performance since nobody wants the fuel infection on it , and go from there.
The interior would have to be done right and don’t forget the usual cracked dash.