The iconic Datsun 240Z combines styling cues from Jaguar, Ferrari, and the general long hood, short trunk “Pony Car” look, a genre named after America’s wildly popular Mustang. This 1970 Datsun 240Z in Minoa, New York retains its original motor and four-speed manual transmission. It runs and drives, though the seller emphasizes that it should be trailered. The pint-sized Pony Car seeks a new owner here on eBay where more than 30 bids have raised the market value above $6400.
The stock-style air cleaner cover suggests this classic miraculously dodged low-budget accessories (and hopefully other fiddling) for fifty years. The 2.4L (144 cid) inline six cylinder motor made 150 HP stock and typical straight-six torque, a potent powerplant in a car weighing about a ton. Thanks to silodrome.com and carfolio.com for details. Though it needs a going-through, the motor’s cylinders measure within 5% variation according to the seller. With a mere 14.26 lb/HP, the 240Z shone vs US pony cars like the Chevrolet Camaro. The latter Pony Car saddled it’s 350 cid (5.7L) two-seater with nearly 18 lb per HP. Furthermore, a lighter car is easier to stop and coax into changing direction when the road turns twisty. Among classics, it’s hard to beat a Datsun Z for everyday performance and efficiency.
The fastest car I ever drove was a ’72 240Z with a 1980 Datsun 2.8 built by Leitzinger Motorsport to the tune of about 320 HP. It still had the stock tachometer and the owner told me “shift when the needle disappears.” Suffice to say these lightweight prize fighters can surprise a host of stock-spec muscle cars in a straight line, and flat out embarrass them on a road course.
Did I mention Ferrari? Picture this tiny two-seater in Monte Carlo Red and the black diamond-tufted interior! The floor pan looks solid in this picture and a number of undercarriage pictures in the listing show a few pin holes of rust but mostly solid, never-restored metal.
The seats have been recently re-upholstered, and the new owner can decide whether to embark on a complete disassembly and restoration or perhaps a paint job plus targeted replacement of the worst parts. Resale should be no concern with with an early, solid, highly original specimen. Do you have any fond memories of a Datsun / Nissan “Z” car?
I always wanted to build a V8 240. The only way I would do it would be starting with one already modified, maybe an older Scarab conversion or one missing the original drivetrain and and enough parts that modifying it wouldn’t be an issue. Using an aluminum based LS, I think you could make a conversion with similar or better handling than stock. Yup, I said it, LS…
A smart buyer of this car would complete the restoration STOCK. This as a diamond in the rough.
I had a clean 240 in college. Removed the emissions systems and with some tweaking of the carbs it killed many V8 Camaros and Mustangs. My plate was Z TIKET.
It is always a bad idea to buy a car somebody else has taken apart.
Maintenance guy at a SoCal factory I worked at built a 240z w/283 4 speed. His goal was to outrun a turbo Porsche! I believe he accomplished his goal with a 350 w/turbo, turbo 400 trans and overdrive unit. 1978-79 era
These cars are coming of age, for the next generation of classics ,the values are rising.they are fun little sport car.
I had one years ago. I now have one in the garage waiting for an upcoming move to new house/garage and then get it back on the road. Dry Idaho weather, little rust. Anxious, they are fun! Also have 1600 roadster, but 240z first.