Ah, the ambition that comes when someone lays eyes on a new project car. There is perhaps no moment wherein a man is filled with more hope than the day he brings home a rusty pair of old sports cars, certain he will restore them back to a newfound glory. The seller of these forlorn Datsun Z cars is more an owner of circumstance than desire, so perhaps the possibilities of rejuvenation will entice someone other than him. Find this pair of 1972 and 1973 Datsun 240Zs here on craigslist for $3,500.
A few years ago, the prices ran up hard and fast on vintage Zs. The Series 1 240Z was the obvious candidate to strike new levels of value, but then a rising tide tends to lifts all boats and we witnessed some very ambitious prices paid for lowly 260Zs and Series 2 cars. I wonder where those owners are now, especially as prices settle across the collector car market. The seller has two vehicles, each of which are rusty and in pieces. The silver one appears to be the worst of the two, but it has an engine.
The seller claims his dad’s friend snagged both cars as barn finds without titles and then the pair made its way to him. These are massive projects and the gray car – which looks better from the side – apparently has no engine or transmission. We’re not even getting into the rust issues both vehicles apparently have, so this will be a labor of love considering the somewhat stagnant values at the moment. I do dig the orange interior, however.
Z cars are certainly special machines, and coveted when found in pristine condition. However, they are not the most rewarding vehicles to own when found in the condition of these cars. I’m sure there are some good parts to be salvaged by the next owner, but I’m not sure I see a restoration in either car’s future. What do you think the best use for these old Zs should be?
No titles is an issue in some states…then there is the rust issues.
If both of these cars enter a garage, only one will come out alive. The black one appears to have survival potential. Without a doubt, there is more than $3,500 worth of parts if parted out. I hate to see a 240Z succumb to the crusher. Someone will offer 80% of what his is asking.
I think it’s a deal!
Agreed. Massive project that requires skill, patience and deep pockets. But I do love these 240’s!!!
I’m old enough to see a brand new 240z in 1970. I talked to the new owner of his blue 240 with polish mag wheels. I asked him what brand of car it was . He said a Datsun , no seriously I said is it a Ferrari ? No he said , it’s a Datsun 240z, and then showed me the Datsun labels. I asked how much ? $3795 + tax and license he said. Plus extra for the mag wheels. Love these in 1970 , and still do in 2023. No idea how people throw these in a field and forget about them ? ? ?. .
Anything sold north of the Mason Dixon Line (look it up) succumbed to rust and rot within 36 months. And the others took a little longer depending on who took good care in preserving the chassis. The plastic trim started failing within 25 years. Especially if in the sun a lot. The rubber seals were toast at 35 years. However: Changing the oil regularly and not over revving the engine helped to prevent a rebuild before 125K miles. I have two 1972 240Z’s. $$$$$$…The electrical systems were “poor” at best.
I have a survivor from above the Mason Dixon line. Vehicle has very little
Rust.
I worked at a Datsun dealership in West Virginia from November 1972 to April 1975 Do it in a datsun the dealership also sold Studebaker’s before they added datsun early sixty’s datsun were good cars for the money except they rusted out pretty quick in our neck of the woods.
Great fun cars until they started to morph into the heavier 280 series. These cars appear to be a fair deal for parts.