Some classics can’t help but generate interest when they hit the market, and such is the case with this 1971 Datsun 240Z. Listed to settle an estate, its overall originality, solid nature, and low odometer reading have combined to allow it to attract thirty-four bids. The seller has listed the Datsun here on eBay in Cincinnati, Ohio. The auction action has pushed the price to $5,700 with plenty of time remaining for potential buyers to stake their claim.

This 240Z is a mystery machine that raises questions that may require answers. Its former owner was a motoring enthusiast who parked it in a dry barn around twenty-five years ago. It only recently emerged, and life in a favorable climate has left it quite well preserved. The seller indicates that it underwent a cosmetic refresh about a decade before entering storage, and the paint exhibits some deterioration. However, this is where we find this classic’s main mystery. I was initially prepared to accept that the Green Metallic paint cloaking its exterior was the original color, but the engine bay shots may tell a different story. They reveal the presence of Silver, and it is unclear whether that might be the original shade, or if someone repainted the engine bay to provide a striking contrast. Only the Trim Tag will reveal the truth, but there is no doubt that the new owner will break out the spray gun at some point. Rust could be a major issue with the 240Z, but this car’s garage-kept history and dry location have restricted the problems to the rear quarter panels and lower front fenders. These areas are candidates for patches, while there are no issues with the floors or rear hatch opening. The windshield is cracked, but the remaining glass and trim are in good order.

I have long rated Datsun’s L-Series engines as among the most underrated to emerge from Japan. They don’t offer the performance of twin-cam powerplants, but their power and torque figures are typically respectable. They are also as tough as nails, often clocking more than 250,000 miles with little maintenance beyond routine servicing. Timing chains could begin to rattle, valve stem seals sometimes become brittle, and head gasket failure is possible. Otherwise, these motors can soldier on reliably for decades without requiring major attention. The 2.4-liter six-cylinder version in this car produced 151hp and 156 ft/lbs of torque when shiny and new, which fed to the road via a four-speed manual transmission. The power and torque figures don’t sound that impressive, but the 240Z had a pair of aces up its sleeve. The first was its low curb weight of 2,350 lbs, meaning that six didn’t need to shift much mass. However, the company’s decision to produce these classics with four-wheel independent suspension blessed them with exceptional handling and road-holding ability. Okay, they won’t set a drag strip alight, but the fun begins when these classics hit some winding road. The seller indicates that they recently revived this Datsun after it spent a quarter century in hibernation. They flushed to fuel system, changed the oil and filter, and dropped in a new battery. The engine sprang easily back into life, and they have confirmed that it runs and drives nicely on the property. It isn’t genuinely roadworthy, requiring a thorough inspection and possible brake work to achieve that goal. They quote an odometer reading of 59,000 original miles, and while they don’t mention verifying evidence, this classic’s history makes the reading conceivable.

Potential buyers can consider this Datsun’s Black vinyl interior serviceable, and the general condition is consistent with its survivor status. There is a small rip and visible splits in the driver’s seat, although the remaining upholstered surfaces and the carpet look surprisingly good for their age. The most significant shortcoming requiring attention is the cracked dashpad. This is a common problem that develops due to age and UV exposure. Reproduction replacements are available but will lighten the buyer’s bank account by around $800. There are no other glaring problems, and the radio/cassette player appears to be the only aftermarket addition.

The volatility of the classic market has seen values tumble for the 1971 Datsun 240Z, and it is unclear whether that trend will reverse. Buying any classic purely as an investment is fraught with danger, as many enthusiasts can attest after being bitten hard. However, the ownership experience is often about more than a potential financial return, because enjoyment must always sit high on the list of priorities. This Japanese sports car should provide that opportunity because these are among the most rewarding vehicles to drive when pointed at a twisting ribbon of bitumen. This 240Z is guaranteed to find a new home in under a week, but are you tempted to make it yours?