The Datsun 240Z demonstrated that the Japanese possessed the expertise to produce affordable sports cars. The early “Series 1” version, like our feature car, is the most desirable. It is an unmolested vehicle with no apparent needs beyond requiring a new home. It has avoided the flaws and faults common with these classics, making it the perfect candidate for someone seeking a turnkey vehicle. The seller listed it here on eBay in Prospect, Connecticut. The bidding sits at $24,100, although it is yet to reach the reserve. If you wish to stake your claim on this genuine survivor, the clock is winding down.
Unveiled in Japan in 1969 as the Nissan S30, the Datsun 240Z didn’t arrive on the American market until 1970. The company stridently denied they had drawn inspiration from the early Jaguar E-Type when designing the 240Z, but nobody was fooled on that front! While any 240Z is coveted in the current market, this is a Series 1 vehicle that lifts its desirability above mere mortals. The seller indicates it is recently restored, helping explain how it is virtually impossible to find any faults in the panels or Safari Gold paint. The car shines impressively, and its owner of five years resisted the temptation to add spoilers or aftermarket wheels. There is no evidence of rust, and the seller doesn’t mention problems in their listing. It is worth remembering that the 240Z has a few weak points, including the lower rear quarter panels, the floors, and the area around the rear hatch seals. If those spots are clean, potential buyers could be on to a winner. The chrome and original hubcaps are in good order, and the glass is flawless.
Turning our attention to the interior reveals another aspect of this Datsun featuring impressive presentation. If I were to mark it harshly, I note the quilted vinyl below the console is rippled and doesn’t fit correctly. However, stretching it into place shouldn’t be a problem since it isn’t ripped or worn. The condition of that vinyl is key to the presentation because replacement material with the correct pattern is made from pure “unobtainium.” The seats and remaining upholstered surfaces are excellent, and there’s no evidence of cracked plastic or aftermarket additions. Another acknowledged weakness with the 240Z’s interior is the dash top, which can crack in the center near the gauge cluster. Repairs can be expensive, but this one looks excellent. If I were to buy this Datsun, I would invest in a dash cover to provide protection because it could prove a cheap insurance policy. Now we’ve considered the overall condition, we must address the elephant in the room. Many readers are probably as disappointed as me to find the shifter for an automatic transmission poking through the console. I was hoping for a manual, but I guess we can’t have it all.
The seller supplies no engine photos, but we receive plenty of information on this Datsun’s mechanical health. Tilting forward the hood should reveal the 2,393cc OHC L-Series six-cylinder engine breathing deeply through a pair of Hitachi HJG 46W carburetors. Its 151hp feeds the rear wheel via the optional three-speed automatic transmission. Helping to provide an engaging driving experience is the company’s decision to develop and produce the 240Z with four-wheel independent suspension. Although the power output appears modest, it remains sufficient to propel the 240Z through the ¼ mile in 17.7 seconds. The auto’s impact on performance is worth noting because if the original owner ordered this classic with the four-speed manual, the ¼-mile ET would drop to 16.5 seconds. If the buyer isn’t concerned about spotless originality, sourcing the parts for a manual conversion would be easy and will unlock its performance potential. It is worth noting that the L-Series engines are pretty bulletproof. I’ve seen them clock 300,000 miles with nothing beyond regular maintenance. Their only weaknesses are possible blown cylinder head gaskets, leaking valve stem seals, and the dual-row timing chain can rattle as it gets old and stretched. However, like cockroaches, I suspect these motors would still be around if somebody decided to push the big red button! The seller indicates the engine and transmission were rebuilt as part of the restoration process. The car is in excellent mechanical health and is ready to provide enjoyment to its new owner.
For several decades, the Datsun 240Z fell off the classic radar. They remained largely unloved and ignored, with many making their final journey to the junkyard because nobody wanted them. However, times change, and enthusiasts recognize they offer easy maintenance, a ready supply of parts, and a rewarding driving experience. If this car has a weak point, it would be the automatic transmission. It saps performance potential and will negatively impact its potential value. However, recent sales results suggest the bidding needs to nudge $30,000 before passing the reserve, although the overall condition could see that figure slightly higher. Is the 240Z a vehicle you would allow into your life? If so, would you consider pursuing this classic further?
I would say the front frame rails are the biggest concern with these, and if you’ve been through it, you will never forget.
Owned a 72 240Z with an automatic in 1982. Was the wife’s car, she didn’t want a stick shift model. Don’t be fooled, this car could run. Had very long legs for those turnpike runs (not the wife’s, the car, although she did have great legs). Also, loved the wood steering wheel, gave great feedback. All in all it was a great car until the rust started. It never stopped.
Oh yeah. A friend of mine bought a ’72 sight unseen and had it shipped from New Jersey (RED FLAG) here to Denver. It was barbecued beyond repair. The car had 100lbs of mud on it, the interior was a natural disaster, and you could punch a pencil through the front boxed frame rails. He learned a very hard lesson from that one!
I owned four “Z” cars back in the day, a ’72 and ’73 (his and hers) followed by a ‘74.5 260Z and finally a ’77 280Z. Loved them all but none were automatics. Shortly after buying the ’77 (new) we took it from the Chicago area to Mexico to CA and then straight back home. It was a great touring car.my sports car journey with two Triumph Spitfires before going with the Datsuns. I didn’t like the “ZX” so I switched to a new “Vette in ’79. (To this day the worst car I’ve ever owned.) Went with Porsches after that with an RX7 thrown in for the wifey. I come full circle now. I’m restoring a ’71 TR6 now.
You & your wife have good taste. I like the Z better than the ZX. Yet I had great times doing road rallies with my friend in a ZX. The only Z cars that I do not care for are the 2+2 versions. IMHO if you want a 2+2 then maybe you should consider a different car. I went the TR4 route years ago, but currently am sticking to a 1982 RX7. Simple, inexpensive, and more fun than a barrel full of monkeys. Enjoy the TR6.
No thanks. $30k? There are some people who will spend stupid money on anything.
If it’s truly not rusty it should bring lots more than $30k.
Whatever floats your boat.
I had no idea that these were available with a slushbox. Damn.
Gorgeous car if not rusted. GLWTS.
The automatics were actually pretty good in these,
but the 4 speeds were SO much better to drive.
If you read the ad,it says that this was restored,&
would assume that the rails were sound.It also says that
this was a “California car”.
I had a ‘71 with the 240 logo on the rear pillar. Red/black, manual and loads of fun. Interesting thing; I had to lock it with the key, a neat em way to guarantee I couldn’t lock the key inside. Little sucker ran past a cop once at 105mph when he was sitting off the road and he never caught me. I hid in a trailer park and he rambled past me but didn’t see me in the dark.
I passed a Ohio State Trooper sitting in the median on my 79 Honda CBX at about 125-130 mph on I77 going to WVa. I know he heard me go by him as I was running open six into six headers and it sounded like a formula one car. I got off at Dover and hid in town also for awhile. Got back on I77, cranked it back up and resumed my trip. Fun times back then
Topped a hill on I-55 in Mississippi and a cop car was in the median facing me on the other side … I was over 100 in my ’75 Corvette … I nailed it and got off at the next exit which was only about a mile or so away, hid behind a McDonald’s and watched him go by … I normally don’t eat at McD’s but that day we leisurely enjoyed our Big Macs …
The amount of rust work I’ve done on these cars over the years would amaze you. Real shame too as they were good looking, fun to drive cars. The last job I did in the mid ’90s totaled three times what the car was worth.
I’ve owned 2 240s and 1 260. The shape of the car is gorgeous and a timeless classic; however, the rest of the issues that are associated with the car are troublesome. Rust obviously is a huge factor and the performance, by today’s standards leave you wanting a whole lot more
Great to see more 240Z cars out there. Not a fan of those wheels or the automatic, but hey, that is my issue, not the cars or the future buyer.
Had 2 years ago in So Cal.
A 77 auto and a 78 4 or 5 speed 280Z.
280s were better cars IMOP.
5-1/2 hours left and $30,200 current bid.
Basically a Datsun 1600 engine with 2 more cylinders & the 1600 was a Mercedes engine with 2 cylinders taken off lol , just learner this a few days ago. Datsun acquired rights to the Mercedes design when they merged with the Prince company apparently
The 1600 SSS even copied the Merc’s rear diagonal swing axle. A little Mercedes in every way except the interior. Even the cam cover looked like the Merc’s.
Almost as good as an Alfa Giulia but a lot cheaper. The Fiat 124 Special T with its twin cam engine was not quite as reliable but more refined. The 1600 SSS had an illustrious racing history in Southern Africa and is very sought after.
These are not the correct hubcaps. . .These are ’72s. The Z steering wheels were not wood, they were a plastic look-alike!!!
Bummer, no stick. Not quite the value. Too bad, nice Z.
Ended at $31,700, Reserve Not Met.
Nice car, but that seems like a lot for an automatic, maybe should have taken it.