A few years ago, finding an unrestored Datsun 240Z might have enthralled the market and brought a bidding frenzy to the listing. Prices surged for 240Zs across the condition spectrum, propelled by the record-setting sale of a very original ’71 for $310,000. The post-Covid era has brought a downshift, leaving today’s example, found by Curvette here on craigslist, looking expensive. The seller wants $24,000, and the car is located just outside Eugene, Oregon, in Veneta (no hotels, but you can stay in a yurt!) This 240Z is described as factory stock other than re-upholstered seats. But the wheels, steering wheel, and air cleaner housings are aftermarket items, though the original air cleaner assembly is with the car. The odometer reads 140k miles, and it’s an automatic! Let’s zero in on the right price for this mostly unrestored 240Z.
There’s a reason more than 168,000 240Zs were sold over five years of production: the car delivered genuinely sporting performance in a reasonably-priced package. The powerplant is Nissan’s 2.4-liter in-line SOHC six cylinder, fed by twin Hitachi carburetors – a combination that generates 150 hp. A four-speed manual was available, but as noted, this example is equipped with an automatic; braking is provided by front discs and rear drums. No mention is made of specific work performed – only that the car has been garaged, well maintained, and “still runs and drives great”.
The interior is a mix of old, new, original, and aftermarket. The dash is cracked, and as mentioned, that steering wheel is an aftermarket item. Wear is evident everywhere – to be expected given the mileage reading. The recovered seats are marvelous, though. Outside, corrosion is evident in the sills, and the trim is hazed.
Long hood/short deck styling makes the world turn when you’re talking sports cars. Jaguar’s XKE, Chevrolet’s Corvette, Ferrari’s Lusso, and in the modern era, the Dodge Viper and TVR’s Griffith – these are just a few of the heart-stoppers we covet. The 240Z was designed by Yoshihiko Matsuo near the beginning of his career, and its arrival was uniquely responsible for changing minds about Japanese cars in the US. No longer relegated solely to the “economy” segment, Japanese cars began to permeate every corner of our automotive landscape. But though the 240Z was a wonderful car for so many reasons, the market has settled down: very early cars can still pull six figures if they’re perfect, but four-speed driver-quality examples can be had for mid-teens, and this snazzy ’71 – also a four-speed – with some restoration work already performed, sold for $23,750. I can understand the emotion around setting a price on a long-owned car, but if this seller is serious, a discount is in the offing.
This seems overpriced, especially being an automatic.
Automatic deducts 260K …😝
I think its a lil overpriced..
I had a 1972 240z bone stock except for wire wheels. It had a 5 speed transmission, yes I know, that’s because it was purchased in Germany and latter shipped to Texas by the soldier tha served thier .I purchased it in 1986 and restored it taking about a year. Sold it in 2016. I was 70 yrs and had trouble getting i and out. Had great time with it and got $12,500 broke Evan 💔
Between the emissions equipment and the 3-speed automatic, these later 240’s were shadows of the performers the early 4-speed cars were. Looks like a 12-14k car to me.
Had a 72 240Z with the automatic. The wife loved it. A little rust here and a little rust there will soon be a lot of rust everywhere. Inspect this one closely, rust can be deadly on early Z’s.
This Z is screaming for a stick.
at the time it came out I couldnt believe. I followed (some junk yrd buys/rehab to sell, havea car I could never afford to drive during the interm) 3 or 4 lines of 50s/60s Italian (lesser extend Brit). I had seen the Japanese tract the Brits (& others) as they ‘came back’ from ‘the War’. Not impressed by the 1600, liked the 2000 better but as said – the 240Z shorted out some of my 20 y/o brain cells (“The Japanese?!?” i said 2 myself). “Sonnett, Triumph TR6, ES1800, MGB-GT, and now 240Z. These R super cars.” untill the name was used ona actual ‘class’ of vehicles (that were toooo super 4 me).
Auto wouldnt matter to me (i Would Like one w/OD gearing, tho). Ie .7 or .8
Nice car but given the mileage and condition, I think the seller is being very optimistic. In the 1970’s, I worked with someone who owned one and rust was his only issue with it.
Supposedly, not too involved to rework the drivetrain as a manual on these. Not sure if that is true.
When I was shopping for my 280Z, the slushbox equipped were cleaner than the manual’s overall and I read that the swap was relatively easy. Ended up buying a 5spd but I was open to the best I could find at the time.
I have one going to waste in my yard it’s a 1970 240z I just don’t have the means to restore it. It runs and has a manual transmission.
Send it in so we can feature it here on the site!
Yes, please do Garrett!
I have two 240z’s Bought my 72 new and still have it. Started to restore it and then went through a divorce. 15 years later , l finished it and drive it whenever the weather is nice. It appraised last year for 52k. Then 10 years ago, l happened to find an early 70 z with serial # 405.l restored it and it appraised for 55k. Also restored a 66 roadster. Paid 12k for it 8 years ago and just appraised for 32k. I’m a Datsun fanatic. I love them so much and drive them all the time when the permits.
Very clean 72 but an automatic for me is a no-no….
I had the opportunity to go to Lime Rock Park in 1976 with the Z Club that my buddy’s sister belonged to. We got to drive the Z’s around the track for the day. It was fun. There was one car that had a 327 Corvette motor installed and it was a beast. Its would roar down the main straightaway and pass everybody, but at the end it would need to slow up because it was so nose heavy and the other stock cars would slip right by going into the turns. That was what it was like all day. There was no real advantage with all that power. It could not handle the turns very well.