The early Datsun 240Z is a legend among Japanese sports cars, and this 1971 example looks like a time capsule waiting for its next chapter. Listed here on eBay and located with the seller, this car has been parked in a garage since 1994 and is now being offered with a clean title and just over 5k miles showing on the odometer. While the mileage likely reflects a rollover, what matters more is what’s underneath, and in this case, that appears to be an impressively rust-free foundation.
According to the seller, this 240Z is a true garage find that hasn’t seen the road in over three decades. The body and undercarriage are described as completely solid, with clean frame rails, rust-free floor pans, intact fender wells, and even a corrosion-free battery tray and spare tire well—typically trouble spots for these early Z-cars. This is not a stripped-down shell, either. The car still has its original drivetrain and is equipped with factory air conditioning, an uncommon and desirable option for early Z models.
Power comes from the 2.4-liter inline-six, mated here to an automatic transmission. The seller notes that the engine turns over freely, but they haven’t tried to start it. Given how long it has been parked, any serious buyer should plan on performing a full mechanical inspection before attempting to fire it up. New tires will also be needed, as the current set is reportedly dry-rotted.
The car’s bright orange paint still presents well in photos, although some fading and wear is to be expected. Inside, the black interior appears mostly complete and original but does need a deep cleaning. There are no visible signs of major damage, just the kind of wear you’d expect from a car that’s been resting under a layer of dust for 30 years.
While this Z isn’t ready to hit the road today, it could be an ideal starting point for a sympathetic restoration or even a mechanical refresh and preservation-style build. With values of early S30-series Z-cars continuing to climb, this could be a great opportunity for someone looking to break into classic Japanese sports cars without paying collector-grade premiums.
Here was mine. 71 at a car show. A/C and 4 speed.
OpaJim. Thats one absolutely gorgeous 240 you have (had?). Period rims really look good too ( and I’m usually a stock rim kind of guy).
For me, this was the epitome of Datsun Z cars. Wonderful SU carb model, automatic, although in a rare twist of fate, I’d actually rather have a stick here, a ’62 Galaxie, not so much. The Japanese XKE that didn’t leak oil. A lot of cool cars came out of Japan, but I don’t think ANY created such a buzz as the 240Z. There was a 6 months wait to get one, and at $3526 new, when a Corvette was almost twice that, the 240Z was an easy choice. Thanks to the author for not mentioning the price as her MO, like I wished, just angrys up the blood, but you know, like trying not to look at a welder, I just have to look, sometimes I’m surprised, the good way. At just over $4grand, it’s an unusual deal, and by all rights, with 219 viewers, should be long gone,,,I’d have to think it would cost a fortune today to restore.
Gone as of today. Rats the old listing won’t even come up. Clicking on the link brings it up momentarily and then it disappears.
Hmm. Works for me. 3 days left and bidding currently at $4900.
It’s still listed, has 3+ days left on the auction, reserve hasn’t been met.
Steve R
Interesting to see where this lands.
It looks pretty much pulled of garage and the put up for sell.
I would have cleaned it (including under the hood and engine area) but unfortunately people are happy getting less on an auction.
I see rust and bubbles on rocker just beyond the door . Possible mud one of them. Jack it up and provide underneath photos plus air the tire up or put the spare on the car.
Personally an old lawn tractor gas tank gravity feed fuel could have started this possibly and also boosted selling price.
Good luck with sale and hopefully not to many surprises to new owner.
Will sell for way too much $.
The bids havent gone bonkers just yet.Maybe buyers are a little hesitant knowing that its likely going to be something approaching a full restoration. Or maybe it will take off in two day’s time.
It’s still up as of 2PM Eastern DST.
Yank that automatic out of there.
Where is it?
Stone Mountain,Georgia.
I had a 72 240Z in 1982. Had an automatic and AC, bought it for the wife to drive. Before all you naysayers start dumping on the automatic, especially since very few of you ever drove a Z automatic,I can let you know that it was a fabulous running transmission. 3 Speed with long legs in third. The Z had plenty enough torque to handle the auto. Even with the AC, which by the way, I think all early Z’s (70,71,72,73) only had as a dealer added AC, none from the factory. It was a perfect car for the wife but as with most of these cars, rust was it’s final undoing. So much for thin Japanese steel and poor rustproofing, if any. But it was great while it lasted.
I had an 77 810 with the Z’s in-line six and it had a stick. I wouldn’t trade it for that slush pump 240 even if you threw in Fonzi’s motorcycle. How’s that for a 70’s reference?
I had an 77 810 with the Z’s in-line six and it had a stick. I wouldn’t trade it for that slush pump 240 even if you threw in Fonzi’s motorcycle. How’s that for a 70’s reference?
For most of the 1990’s when you went to the parts counter at one of the largest Nissan dealers in the DFW METROPLEX they displayed and sold a manual for swapping a small Chevy in these. I always thought that a little strange. Another time I was at a large more (than 12 bays) independent Nissan repair shop and they were doing two small block Chevy engine swaps at the same time, one in a 240Z and another in a 2 or 3 year old 300ZX.
Many of you say the same, why not clean it up and take some good photos. Flat tires, filthy engine bay,gas line disconnected at the fuel pump. And I believe the auto trans commands a lower price. Reserve not met with a current bid of $6100. Where are they coming from? I’m very fortunate to have found a great deal on a then non running ’71 that I’m psyched is back on the road after 20 plus years in a vacant lot in Wyoming.
Ended at $6,500.
Reserve Not Met.