The Datsun 240Z (and later 260Z and 280Z) was Nissan’s Japanese answer to those economical European sports cars. And they turned out to be more reliable than some of their British competitors. The 240Z first appeared in 1969 and some variants were in production through 1978. This nifty example – with a low VIN – has been treated to what appears to be a complete, nut-and-bolt restoration, which would explain the seller’s asking price. Located in La Puente, California, this orange beauty is available here on eBay where the current bid is $10,050, the reserve is unmet, and the BIN price is $69,000.
Nissan sold its products in the USA (and some other export markets) under the Datsun moniker until 1986. The 240Z would become instantly popular upon its introduction in the U.S. and this 1970 edition carries a VIN of 00229, which the seller says is very low (built in November 1969), suggesting this is the 229th copy produced for 1970. Its owner has had the little car for four years and much of that time was likely spent being redone from head to toe, with only a few miles added since the rejuvenation took place. We’re not treated to any “before” photos, just a few “in progress” and how the car is now.
This Datsun does not have its original engine. What’s there is a completely rebuilt L24 which displaced 2.4 liters and was rated at 148 hp with dual side-draft carburetors. The machine has an E31 head and its original 4-speed manual transmission which we assume was gone through, too. The seller provides a list of new or rebuilt parts which is quite extensive, so it might boil down to anything that wasn’t renewed or refurbished.
From what is presented, it might be hard to find any 1970 240Z in nicer condition than this one. From the work performed, it may even be better than new with an odometer of 14,000 miles (add another 1 in front of it?). This should be a turnkey car that ought to turn a lot of heads when you show it off but acquiring it won’t be cheap. As a teaser, when new, this was a $3,600 sports car.
It is apparent that this was redone with true appreciation of the car. If you ever owned or have wanted to own one, this is the Golden Chalice of the 240Z series.
Having had a ‘72 in the same configuration it makes me miss mine all the more though it wasn’t anywhere close to being this nice regardless of how well I thought I took care of it.
GLT the next lucky owner.
Who remembers Nissans special promotion in the mid/late nineties where the factory restored several 100 Z cars for sale through dealerships? I had hoped this approach would catch on with Chevy Z28/Pontiac Trans Am/Ford Mustang cars/dealers as well. Unfortunately it didnt last long
She’s a beauty!! Love the 240’s.
I remember that promotion. For those that had the money to burn it was worth it. Ironically history has repeated itself as Nissan started offering to do the same thing to R32 Skylines.
The ’72 I ordered and never got because of a dock strike in San Francisco was this color. I had already bought a set of slotted mag wheels to put on it and wound up selling them. My Z turned into a Chevy Blazer before it was all over.
Closest I ever got to another one was on the autocross course running my Porsche against them. This is a beautiful car. Glad to see one in this condition.
i owned one, same color… I got black flagged one Sat nite at the local dirt track but put 2 laps on the board..lol I can tell you for a fact , it was not a fast car, my buddy tried to out run the Ga State Patrol , we lost badly. I traded a 70 GTO for that baby….ain’t life grand…Today , i drive a C8 as my daily truck..
I owned an original ‘ 70 1/2 240Z from England vin#13th manufactured. This is not an original color; looks like bad spray paint job. Mine was 5-speed, mag wheels, Coco mats, black interior with exc audio & sound system I added, wooden shifter, leather-bound steering wheel & a beautiful original golden/tangerine color. & Would that car run! For years from Charlottesville VA to Phil PA . Those were the days….
Awesome looking Datto! My late brother and sister-in-law owned a Datsun 240Z back in the 1980s. It wasn’t as nice as this particular car, but it was a daily driver.
Owned a 72 in what I called “Pumpkin Orange”. Mine had the auto. Most fun car I ever owned. Once took an on ramp marked 15mph at 60.
While on leave in the Navy, visited the Datsun dealership to see a fantastic orange 240Z. I have pined for that car, but never did. Still envious!
Japan’s first “perfect” sports car.
Their next “perfect” sports car was, of course, the BRZ.
Actually the second was the FB RX7. Some might say that the Miata was third, and then the BRZ was fourth. Everyone will have a slightly different take on this. But the bottom line is that Japan produced some excellent nimble no-nonsense road-race worthy sports cars.
Hard to believe this came from the same company that
brought us the Juke,Cube,& Murano.
I think that later,they hit almost every vehicle they sold with
an Ugly Stick.
Right? I’ve seen these vehicles, and I find them super-mega-fugly.
Great car article. I have a 71 240Z that I purchased back in 1978 and still have it. Forest green, 4 speed and 100% original Datsun parts during past 45 years of restoration. Great car to drive.
I have an early build one also 1969 that I’m selling it’s still all original and runs great needs a little TLC
@Donny Tapia – send it in and we will auction it for you!
I owned a very early Datsun 510, serial 000421 as I recall back when the VIN didn’t include so much info…. Fabulous car..for its price which was $2000 USD in 1969 less $600 bucks for a Volvo B122 trade in… I got the better of that deal. At about 80,000 miles, the clutch slipped and I traded it for a sexier but less reliable FIAT 124 sports coupe. The Datsun 510 was memorable for the aircraft landing lights as high beams that were installed for late-night runs as a journalist on country roads.
I used to see these all over the place! Can’t remember last time i saw a recent modern Z car – i’m surprised Nissan still makes em.
I owned an original ‘ 70 1/2 240Z from England vin#13th manufactured. This is not an original color; looks like bad spray paint job. Mine was 5-speed, mag wheels, Coco mats, black interior with exc audio & sound system I added, wooden shifter, leather-bound steering wheel & a beautiful original golden/tangerine color. & Would that car run! For years from Charlottesville VA to Phil PA . Those were the days….
I’m surprised Datsun went with such a small complex 148 gross hp OHC multiple carb straight 6 in 1969, when big engines were all the rage in the US. Oddly, for grandma, chevy’s 250 cube(ok 4.1 liter) strait 6 with OHVs & no timing chain or belt & a very tiny single 1 barrel rochester monojet & very inefficient intake & exhaust manifolds still put out 155 hp. & 235 ft lbs gross torque at a very low 1600 rpm.
Wouldn’t it have been a lot cheaper for Datsun to create a similar bigger displacement simpler motor for the Z instead?
Or did they simply want “the great look” under the hood to justify the car’s high price?