The 1971 Datsun 240Z is one of the more iconic sports cars to come out of the 1970s, and generally speaking, the rules of collecting them are pretty simple. The earlier the production, the better; the less rust, the better; and the higher the originality – numbers matching and that sort of thing – the better. But what about a car modified in-period in very limited quantities, and by an aftermarket specialist that knew Z cars inside and out? Well, that’s the question in front of you with this 1971 Datsun 240Z convertible, because while it’s not a factory original, it does appear to be very well done. Find the 240Z here on eBay where it’s described as being a “House of Z” conversion model and listed for $19,500.
I can recall seeing these conversions over the year, but it’s definitely been a while – this isn’t a car you see every day. And usually, when you say the words “aftermarket convertible conversion,” the results aren’t necessarily pretty, especially when dealing with a car that was already quite attractive to begin with, like the original Z car. However, in the case of a House of Z conversion, it seems like our fears can be neutralized, as the end result is quite striking. The convertible top is invisible, which makes me wonder if one exists at all – certainly, it would be far easier to create a drop-top out of a factory hardtop if you didn’t worry about creating a top frame and sourcing custom canvas material. Top or no top, the seller contends the Z hasn’t been driven in the rain over the last three decades.
I’d love to know more about the history of this particular car, as it has to be interesting. Was it converted when it was still quite new, or did it happen later in life when different exotic cars were all seemingly destined for a highly-trained chop shop to lop the roof off for a wealthy customer? The Ferrari Daytona, of course, is the car I’m referring to, which actually seems somewhat tragic in retrospect given how many original cars were chopped up to satisfy a curious need among select owners to have a removable roof. The 240Z seems like a car that would end up in a similar state simply because, at the time, owners felt like they were missing out by not having a convertible version of an iconic sports car. The interior retains sheepskin seat covers, which look hot as blazes in a car with a black interior and no sun protection. However, they’re said to be protecting recently reupholstered seats.
From this angle, it does look like there is a soft-top mechanism squirreled away behind the front seats. The seller doesn’t go into any detail about it, and to my mind, it’s one of the most critical details if you’re considering buying this converted Z. Here’s why: parts are likely very hard to come by, along with replacement tops if this one is damaged. The seller is, however, the caretaker of the last 35 years, so I’m sure he could tell you everything you need to know about the top and anything else. Recent maintenance under his care includes a “newer” radiator, U-joints, and a new clutch master cylinder and slave cylinder.
Hate to be the doomsayer here, but if that soft top looked anywhere near presentable, he would have shown it. I even suffered through the “Video” in the ebay ad which was nothing more than a collage of the same stills already included. And no shot of the (most likely very) ragtop.
The video sucks. It’s just panning back and forth of the auction pictures and a computer voice reading the description faster than a normal person would.
A 2 seater drop top from a beautiful 240 z
WOW
This looks great but the no show top is a big FAIL
It really looks good
I dont get the seller for not showing it
Looks like the conversion was done in 1987 and the seller (?) has really come down in price over the last couple of years:
https://www.240zforsale.com/1971-4-speed-manual-in-san-jose-ca/
My first concern wouldn’t have anything to do with cosmetics. I’d really, really have to be convinced that structural reinforcements had been added to keep the suddenly topless Z from being a wet noodle on the highway, or just snapping in half over a railroad crossing.
I know nothing about “House of Z.” It’s possible they put some engineering work into this. If so, you’d then have to check out possible (likely, IMO) rust issues under the added bodywork.
My limited experience with aftermarket convertible conversions tells me this is a chancy proposition.
Too bad Datsun didn’t build a 240z convertible. They would have sold a sh*t-load.
Regardless of any negatives I think it looks great. So few convertibles from coupes (factory or otherwise) speak to me. Thinking early Audi TT and the 350/370Z.
Guess Datsun could barely meet demand for the coupe let alone consider making a drop top.
Not seen one before.
There’s gotta be a good (meaning bad) reason he won’t show the ragtop.
Why do these supposed sellers play so many stupid games, are they just mental? One thing about Gullwing Motors and BHCC is that they do show you most of the good, bad and ugly aspects of their cars.
You all “Assume” this Z has a top.
Looking at the pictures and with no mention of a top in the sellers ad I’d say there is not top!
I don’t care about the lack of showing the top up. I used to own one of these and seem to remember them being uni-body’s. How did it get beefed up to handle the added flex in the body? Cool car, but it raises a lot of questions on the build.
Now I know why Datsun did offer a convertible from the factory.
Located in:San Jose, California
I clicked on sellers other items, 766 items came up, looks like all vehicles.
Hacked up a good car …
sad
Could be an optical illusion but it looks like the rear wheels are one centered in the wheel wells.
This is one of the most attractive Z I’ve seen. However, like many of the other commenters, I wonder about structural integrity, and of course a top. If you open both doors at the same time, will the body sag in the middle?
A lot of commenters have never driven the FACTORY sold convertibles
K cars
Le barons
Cavaliers
Sunbirds
Sunfires
Fox body mustangs
Most of them had the notorious/scary cowl shake
Not as much anymore but the 80’s and 90’s did
surprised the lines (w/o that great top) show so well. No top ever needed in that local. Here I’d wana snap on gass top (may B look like the lines ona fiat 124’s rag top?). Would not have to follow that of the fastback of the actual removed top.
Agreed on sompin up w/the wheels. Just the low, low profiles throw it off? Frnt/rear not centered in well…