Losing storage has to be one of the most dreaded phone calls for the owner of a non-running project car to get. There’s the initial shock of just trying to figure out how to get your car protected going forward, but it gets to be more of a headache quickly if you have a large cache of spare parts to move. The seller of this 1973 Datsun 240Z here on craigslist believes it has 51,000 miles and claims it is very complete despite being a long-term non-runner.
The asking price is $7,500 and the seller is located in North Buffalo, New York. First thing that comes to mind is that this Z car must be a rust bucket, but you’d be mistaken: it does have some rust, yes, but it also retains its factory undercoating job which has helped preserve the Z car’s sensitive lower extremities. The interior is complete a black interior will always pair well with yellow. Thankfully, it also has the preferred manual transmission and it’s also loaded with options, including dealer-installed air conditioning, floor mats, and a factory radio.
The familiar inline-six is a major reason why the Z car rocketed to instant fame among automotive journalists and enthusiasts alike back in the day, and the engine itself was generally pretty robust. The seller doesn’t know if it runs because he doesn’t have any keys, so the health of the motor is a bit of a mystery at the moment. The seller does confirm that the engine still turns by hand and that it has compression.
The seller does have all four hubcaps, and despite the simplicity of the design, the OEM wheel covers fit the early Z-cars perfectly. If you were looking to buy a 240Z, I would look long and hard at this one. From the eye-catching color scheme to the highly original condition, this Z car is going to make its next owner happy and potentially a shrewd investor, depending on how the market turns.
These were amazing vehicles ahead of their time. So much fun to drive!!!!
Whole heartedly agree, John.
The BRZ and GT86 are cut from the same cloth. Inexpensive, tough as nails and fun as all get out!
I’ve had two of these same color same year and would gladly get a third… if I could. Why did I get rid of them? Just stupid at the moment and let circumstances get ahold of me.
I have a problem with the big hole they cut in the roof. I’ve never understood why people do this.
Totally agree. A hole in the roof is a hole in the head. And the only guys skilled enough to patch it say
“I won’t waste my time on Datsuns.”
Hey sunroofs we thought they were cool in 1980. But this car I’d love to have. The inline 6 was a brilliant motor . I had one in my 200sx back in the 70’s . Mated to a 5 speed. My friend had one in 73. We used to race in the old blimp base Miami which is the zoo now. That car was unreal to drive. Balanced, fast, bulletproof. I’ll take it.