The Datsun Z car has a special place in history as it not only was a change in Japanese built automobiles, it was an affordable sports car that had stunning looks, and offered a driving experience that only a few cars could match. This 1973 car has spent its life with its original owner, and has only covered 23,900 miles! But all good things come to an end, and the seller is looking to part ways with his beloved Z. Very solid with a great appearance, this Datsun does need some reassembly before hitting the roads once again. Half way through the auction and the bid price is currently $3,600 with the reserve not met. Although there is a buy it now option for $10,000. Take a look as this Z here on ebay out of Cleveland, Ohio.
Although appearing original, the engine has been partially pulled down for some head work. The 2.4 inline 6 has some minor surface rust on the deck of the block, although thankfully there does not appear to be any rust in the cylinder bores. One thing I am not really crazy about is that the engine has been repainted, but poorly. There is over spray on the bell housing of the transmission, as well as on the motor mount bracket, and the coolant pipes coming out of the block. Personally I feel more value was taken away then added, as an original condition car reflects some age, but certainly isn’t touched up in such a manor. Beyond the repaint issue the engine bay appears clean other than some scuffing on the passenger side inner fender, and there is some rust developing in the typical battery tray area.
Although the seller assures the interior is nice, there are no detailed pictures of it. Z cars are great cars, and restorations are common, but some parts are just plain scarce making the cost of a proper restoration a bit pricey. We can only hope that the dash is solid and crack free. The exterior is quite nice with no evidence of any major flaws. Rust is nowhere to be seen, and the body appears quite straight. Although described as “original” this Z sustained some damage to the passenger fender in which it the car was repainted. Slightly off color, the paint in the engine bay is less orange than the exterior paint. Beyond the paint, the chrome bumpers are great, and feature the not so well loved bumper over riders. All in all, this looks like a rock solid Z that would certainly be a worthwhile project to finish up and enjoy. How many of you out there are die hard Z car fans?
One hundred and 23,000 mls
Looked at one of those in 79. Looked like fun but ended up getting a Cutlas instead. Thing was, not that many years later it seemed like every one I saw was rusting through on the body. If the body is solid, could be fun once it’s back together.
I think the bottom of the radiator pretty much explains the head removal.
Could be 24K miles, but you would want to see service receipts over the decades and check the underside, floors, etc, which aren’t shown in the very few pics in the listing. At least it still has original style braid-covered hoses, which is consistent with low miles, but will probably need replacing if original.
The engine bay looks good, with no rust except under the battery tray. Check carefully under there—perforation is possible. Rattle can paint job on the block. At least it’s the right color.
Rad will likely need a new core. Agree with stumptowngeo, the bad rad and the presence of AC probably account for the need for engine work at 24K miles…assuming the miles are actual. These engines easily go 100K+ unless treated badly. Top deck of block being rusty suggests the engine has been apart for some time.
Odd that the car is in the seller’s possession in a large garage, but no pics of underside, interior, rear hatch area, or the carbs, which could be the original troublesome flat-tops from 1973.
“1973 Datsun 240Z, 23,900 miles, original owner”
“Original owner”?—what does that mean for this sale?
No interior photos? Is that because “23,900 miles” doesn’t match the wear and tear on the seats & pedals?
I’ve owned a number of Datsuns over the years powered by the L24 and L26 engines. They are really prone to head gasket failure, especially if the engine temperature ever gets high. I suspect that’s what has happened here. Having said that, I have also seen these engines driven in excess of 250,000 miles without ever being touched. A half-decent 240Z or 260Z would make a pretty good investment now. They’re starting to become harder to find, and I believe that they will become the Japanese equivalent of the Jaguar E Type.
Something fishy here…he’s gone to the trouble of having the head redone, gas tank redone, brakes redone, and he’s almost done paining the engine…why not assemble it (over the weekend) and sell as a driver? No explanation of why the project was stopped…
This is yet another example of taking something apart and leaving it a mess. If you’re going to start a job, finish it (barring a real emergency)! In order to follow my own advice, I avoid starting overly complicated projects. I’d rather see a vehicle that needs repair than one with the almost inevitable rust, lost parts, and animal nests. The only thing worse is splotches of spray primer-usually accompanied by a gleaming 350 and/or wheels.
I knew a guy from my UTI days who had one, typical stuck up rich daddys boy who already had atleast 5 years experience in his dads personal garage thinks others our age are too dependant on their parents (Go figure) and need to get a job blah blah. His views are why he has no friends and is single but i digress. His had major rust problems to where he had to get the entire front end caged along with LOTS of other metal work, complete resto mod type: fender flares, aftermarket lightweight hood, new floor pans, some ugly looking wheels, and a rebuilt drivetrain i always wanted to know more and even wanted to ask for a ride in it but he was and still is a little too un-approachable. These cars look good and seem like a lot of fun but if i had a chance to own one id refuse as the money spent on rust repair can easily add up to a down payment on a house.
I purchased a low-mileage 1972 240Z back in 1977. I loved the handling and performance but then frame rails rusted out in 1978. I soon learned that this was quite common. I wouldn’t be at all surprised if the owner started the restoration and found that the frame rails were shot.
This seller is clearly not the original owner.. but probably a flipper. All the pics show the car in a garage.. except the one when the car is on a trailer! Meaning he took pics before he trailered it out of the original owners garage…of after he put it in his. There’s no reason an original owner would ever put the car on a trailer.
“This seller is clearly not the original owner.. but probably a flipper.”
To paraphrase Indiana Jones: Flippers… I hate these guys.