It’s always a little bit sad when we see listings for cars come up for grabs as a result of an illness that is preventing the completion of plans for a grand restoration. Sure, there are some cases where health issues aside, the owner may simply decide it’s too much to take on, but sometimes, the sense of defeat seems quite real. In the case of this 1973 Datsun 240Z, it does seem like a genuine wave of the white flag that this seller is using to signal the work on this battered Z car will not commence, and sadly, it needs quite a bit. What do you think – should it be saved or parted out? Check it out here on eBay where bidding is at $2,200 with no reserve.
Now, these days, any 240Z is seemingly worth saving, particularly if it’s a genuine Series 1 car. This 240Z isn’t one of those, but it’s still a touch more desirable than the later 260Z. The seller doesn’t include particularly great photos, so it’s hard to judge exactly how rough it is, but the description does make mention of the fact that the frame rails have started to rust; whether that is surface rust only or actual rot-through isn’t divulged. The Datsun rides on aftermarket wheels and appears to have the remnants of a period body kit still attached, with an integrated rear spoiler and window louvers still attached.
The interior was quite an attractive space at one time, featuring red upholstery, door panels, and carpeting, which would have looked quite sharp against the white paint job. The interior is in stock condition, and if it’s been stored indoors, there’s a chance the dashboard isn’t even cracked. Still, it looks pretty rough in here, but the seller claims there are no major parts missing and that all electronics still work. Perhaps the fact that all the glass remains intact means dampness hasn’t sneaked in and trashed the surfaces with mold. The door panels look to be in good shape, but that’s about all you can discern from the provided photos.
The nose features a lower front air dam/valence, which all together, could represent a pretty desirable piece of kit if it’s not too badly damaged. The seller notes that the engine and transmission are healthy, but we don’t know whether that means the car is a runner or the engine simply turns freely. The listing does admit that the floors will need replacing and that the hood is dented from kids jumping on it – so I suspect this 240Z has been left in storage somewhere where it’s not under the watchful eye of its owner. A project for sure, and I have to believe the bidding reflects a belief that it should be saved.
This isn’t a car, not any longer. It’s a rolling Alka Seltzer.
As in, drop it in water and watch it dissolve…
Cheap? Sounds like every time my dad gives me something for my boat. Ends up costing me a grand.
B.O.A.T.= Break Out Another Thousand. So true!!!
BOAT – a hole in the water surrounded by wood into which one throws money …
This is a Datsun 240PU.
If you want to part it out, you could remove most of the body panels without un-bolting or cutting. Just twist them back and forth a couple off times and they will fall off.
Don’t crack too hard on the 260Z. I had an early ’74 with the smaller bumpers and it wasn’t a bad car at all. Would have liked to had a 71-72 240Z but was running a 510 at the time.
Item location:
Oak Park, Michigan
With rare exceptions, any Z with that much visible rust has a lot more elsewhere. As far as interior condition, the surface rust on the steering wheel speaks to moisture, which worries me.
From a drivability perspective, this is arguably less desirable than an early 260Z, but the auction market prefers to see “240” on the back. That said, someone swapped the carbs, so it may drive at lease a little more like an early car (?).
I paid less than the current bid for a running, driving, original owner ’75 280Z in 2007 – funny how much the market has changed!
Somebody should give it a decent burial.
Shove a Chevy 4.3L V6 and a turbo from a Ford Power Stroke Diesel and you’d have Rotsun 2.0.
Seems like a lot of stand up comedians on this one. The reality is that any pre 260Z is wanted either to restore or for parts. At the moment there doesn’t seem to be enough of either to go around.
I rescued an early Z from a scrap yard recently. It too was on the rough side. I was constantly being hounded by young guys who were not even born when Datsun was still on a sign. So finally caved in and sold it. Its now is currently being restored by a 17 year old kid and his dad. It will be back on the road.
In Japan the homeland Z’s worse than this are brought back to life. Being in Japan there is not a huge amount of NOS parts floating around as most would think. Also due to the climate they rust more than in Michigan only worse. From the top down. Real craftsman do it without the help of $1000.00’s worth of shop equipment. There are many videos. Just a different class of people who respect their heritage and don’t know the word can’t.
Sad but looks like a parts bin & only for the major machanicala.
Junk it !!
Ended: May 01, 2021 , 9:59AM
Winning bid:US $2,700.00
[ 32 bids ]