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Easy Project? 1972 Datsun 240Z

Noticing the success that the European carmakers were having in the lucrative sports car market, Nissan rolled out the Fairlady Z in 1970. In the U.S., the car would be imported as the Datsun 240Z with the numerical part of the name referring to its 2.4-liter engine (which would give way to the 260Z, 280Z, and 300ZX later). This largely original ’72 edition will drive around the block but needs more attention to be roadworthy. Located in Tucson, Arizona, this Z is available here on eBay where the bidding has reached $5,999 but the reserve has not yet been met. Thanks for the tip, Dayle Gray!

This 1972 240Z has recently been revived from having been parked in a carport for the last four years. For being nearly 50 years old, the car looks reasonably solid but there is quite a bit of surface rust in a few places. And it goes a little deeper in the front floorboards. The Datsun was repainted several years old in what may be its original color. The front bumper is rusty and both bumpers should be re-chromed.

Under the hood resides the car’s original motor and 4-speed manual transmission. After sitting, it came back to life easily, but you should assume there will be things needed mechanically as you spend more time with the car. The original SU carburetors have been replaced with dual Webers which the seller believes is an upgrade for the old Z.

The red interior is going to need almost everything, from seat covers to door panels and carpeting. The odometer reading is said to be 84,000 miles, which could be authentic, but no claims are made. A walk-around video is provided to help interested parties further evaluate the merits of the car. Everything seems to be there with nothing obvious missing. The first purchase the next owner will likely make is a set of tires as the ones on the car now are no better than rollers.

Comments

  1. Avatar photo DayDreamBeliever

    There is more rust in this car than the seller’s description would lead one to believe.

    A lot of work will be needed to make the car nice.

    Like 3
  2. Avatar photo bobhess Member

    Agree with DDB. Just for information, the red Cherry Bomb muffler ranks second from the bottom of a list of least and most restrictive mufflers on the market. The multi disc Super Trap is worst of the 12 to 14 brands listed. Borla makes a beautiful exhaust system for the Zs. Do hope someone out there puts the work in to rebuild this car.

    Like 4
  3. Avatar photo Motorsport Whse

    I dont think there is a Z out there without rust or rot, but this one is easily one of the more solid ones up for grabs these days for what could be a fair price.
    If you ever owned an Az sw climate owned car you would understand more.
    I like the color combo myself, very different, would even go as far as painting it a cool silver and keep the red interior.

    Like 0

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