When the seller located this 1973 Datsun 240Z, its previous owner had left it sitting in her garage for 28-years. She had performed a color change, and with a few chips and marks to consider, the buyer could return the classic to its former glory with relative ease. Alternatively, they could choose to enjoy this roadworthy gem untouched. Located in Cedar Park, Texas, you will find the 240Z listed for sale here on eBay. The bidding has reached $13,600, although this remains short of the reserve.

It appears that this 240Z has spent its life in Texas, Arizona, and California, which is good news for potential buyers. While not as prone to rust issues as some other classics, areas like the lower rear quarter panels, floors, and the hatch opening have developed a reputation for problems. However, those areas are clean on this classic, with the owner stating that the car has no history of rust repairs or accident damage. The paint it wears looks to be Code 115 Blue Metallic, but the original owner applied this. When it was shiny and new, Code 110 Red Persimmon graced the Datsun’s panels. The existing color holds a reasonable shine, but there are a few marks and imperfections. There is also evidence of the Blue peeling on the lower rockers, leaving the next owner with some choices. Touching up the existing paint would be possible. As you will shortly see, reverting to the original shade could be the wisest and most cost-effective decision. The panels are straight, while the chrome and glass look suitable for a survivor-grade car. Refreshingly, this 240Z still wears its original hubcaps. These often make way for aftermarket wheels, and good original caps can be difficult to locate.

Lifting the hood reveals one of the primary drivers behind my suggestion to return the paint to its original shade. Whoever performed the change didn’t go to the effort of pulling the motor, so the engine bay retains its original Red. For me, that would make it a no-brainer. Restoring the car to a factory-fresh state would be the path for me. Datsun’s L-Series motors, both in four and six-cylinder forms, are some of the most bulletproof to emerge from the Land of the Rising Sun. I have seen some engines with more than 300,000 miles under their belts with nothing more than regular servicing. The 2,393cc six under the hood of this classic should produce 151hp, which finds its way to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission. While a ¼-mile ET of 16.6 seconds might not set your pulse racing, it is still respectable for a car with a modest engine capacity. The original owner parked the 240Z in 1991, and it only recently emerged from hiding. The seller worked through reviving this gem, and he left no stone unturned. The car features a new water pump, fuel pump, hoses and belts, and a three-core radiator. The clutch master and slave cylinders were both replaced, as was the brake master cylinder. There are new brake calipers and an enormous number of new suspension and electrical components. Probably most critically, the seller also swapped the timing chain and associated components. Timing chains aren’t renowned for breaking, but they can stretch and rattle fearsomely as the years pass. That list is the tip of the iceberg, but the result of all this work and expense is a Japanese classic that runs and drives well. It is a turnkey vehicle awaiting a new owner.

The owner supplies a single interior shot, making it difficult to ascertain the overall condition. It appears that the seats sport custom upholstery, and the same could be true of the door trims. There is a blanking plate where the factory radio should be, but a correct AM/FM unit is included. There is a hidden Bluetooth stereo, but the seller installed this without modifying the interior. That means that the buyer could remove it if they wish to return the entire car to its original specifications. The only glaring fault I can spot is the almost obligatory cracks in the dash pad. I’ve lost count of how many of these I’ve seen, but it is a recognized weakness with the 240Z interior. Reproduction pads are readily available for around $800, although a restored original can cost $2,000. That is hardly pocket change, but it is a choice the buyer will need to make. I will shortly discuss this classic’s possible value, which could be the deciding factor. If the winning bid leaves plenty of room to move on any restoration work, it may justify the added expense of the genuine pad. Otherwise, it could prove more sensible for the next owner to opt for the reproduction.

If you were to buy this 1973 240Z, what would be your action plan? Its presentation is good enough that its next owner could enjoy it untouched, and I would understand that decision. They may also pull the engine to complete the color change to a high standard. Alternatively, returning the car to its original color could be a wise long-term strategy. Values of the 240Z have been growing significantly over the past decade, with pristine unmolested examples changing hands for more than $40,000. However, that figure can climb to $60,000 for the right vehicle. That gives potential buyers something to think about. If I were committing my cash to this 240Z, reinstating the original color would be my choice. How about you?