Every so often a true barn find surfaces—one that hasn’t been passed from owner to owner but comes straight from the person who bought it new. That’s the story behind this 1973 Datsun 240Z, now listed on craigslist and described as a mostly original, low-mile survivor with a clean title. It’s rare enough to find an early Z-car that hasn’t been modified, parted out, or heavily modernized, but finding a one-owner example that’s been tucked away for years is becoming almost unheard of. For someone wanting a straightforward project with mechanical work already underway, this could be a standout opportunity. Thanks for the tip, T.J.!
According to the seller, the car spent years off the road before emerging as a barn find. Once pulled from storage, it went to a local mechanic who handled much of the basic recommissioning—replacing the brakes, rebuilding or replacing the carburetors, refreshing the fuel tank, and completing a tune-up. Those items are some of the biggest hurdles in reviving a parked Z, so having them handled up front removes a lot of unknowns for the next owner.
The seller calls the car “mostly all original,” and with 128,000 miles on the odometer, it appears to have led a fairly straightforward life. This 240Z is equipped with an automatic transmission, a setup that is less common than the manual but still very desirable among collectors who appreciate period correctness or simply prefer an easier-going classic. However, pictures show a shifter that looks like a manual, but it could be a shifter boot, so we’ll leave it up to the buyer to check that detail out. It remains a rear-wheel-drive, six-cylinder sports car with all the inherent charm that made the early Z-cars such strong performers in their day.
While the ad is kept simple, the overall tone suggests a car that hasn’t been altered, hasn’t been heavily worn out, and hasn’t been left to deteriorate beyond reasonable revival. Z-cars of this era have skyrocketed in collectibility, especially those that avoid the typical rust and modification issues. A one-owner example that’s already been given mechanical attention—and priced at $9,800 firm—will appeal to buyers looking for an investment-level driver that can be improved gradually.
As with any barn find, the next step is seeing it in person, understanding the remaining needs, and deciding whether this is the kind of preserved-but-used classic that fits your vision. With prices rising and original cars getting harder to uncover, this might be the moment for someone who’s been waiting for the right 240Z project.
Would you take on a one-owner Z like this—restore it, preserve it, or simply enjoy it as-is?
Barf green, black wheels, and an automatic transmission. Nothing exciting there.
There’s 3 pedals down there.
Write up says automatic, Craigslist pictures show a brake and gas peddle.
I like the barf green!
Unusual (possibly for a reason…).
Is it really being sold by the original owner or a flipper that didn’t register it in their name?
The car needs a thorough inspection before handing over nearly $10k.
Steve R
Agree with Steve R. An inspection would clear up whether it’s an Automatic or a stick. And maybe more.
The Craigslist ad says manual and has this line ” This is a four speed manual with factory AC factory radio a.m. and FM.” I think the picture is showing the clutch pedal with the brake pedal hidden by the steering column. The automatic’s brake pedal is much wider and is closer to the accelerator pedal.
Listing deleted.
Probably a scam or someone just testing the waters.
There is another possibility – it sold.
Gone, so those of us who missed it, have no idea where the car was located. It’s not hard to include that information in a write up. Most do.
Was listed on Spokane CL.
If you hover over the link in this article, you can see the url… it was listed in the Spokane craigslist.
You are right, with Idaho plates.
Steve R
So there’s no need for the 3 words “in ‘city’, ‘state'” ever because I can find it for myself by clicking the link or some other method. Then why not just post a few pictures and the link. I can find out all of the other information by myself too.
It’s a simple thing for the fine writers on this site to include price and location in their otherwise well-written articles.
Must have been priced right to be gone that fast. Good luck to the buyer. Classic little sporter.
Rust is the killer on Zs as everyone knows. 1973 cars are the least desirable due to changes made to the carbs. Mine was titled as a ‘73 but fortunately had early carbs. You have to look at each car and see how it’s equipped.
Same color as the one I used to spend time in. (Bosses car) A manual gearbox is the only wayvto appreciate one of these. If in the market and it was/is in fact a manual transmission. I would be all over this car. It brings back some very good memories. Rest in peace Dave Drucker.
More important than collectible value, let’s remember that these were good sports cars that had good power, handled well and were very comfortable. If I wasn’t so deeply vested in old British iron, a 240Z would probably be the answer to, relatively, low priced admission into the old car hobby. These are great drivers! For a 50+ year old sports car, I think the price is good. Looks like someone already got it.
Grench Green just in time for all your X-mas shopping pleasures !
Nice orginal ones have always brought the money…..it’s nothing new….
Need Watanabes and some elbow grease. Nice one, not terrific (the color), but nice.