I remember watching an old episode of Wheeler Dealers where the boys bought a ’72 Datsun 240Z and decided that the fun quotient was lacking due to its automatic transmission. No worries, master wrench Edd China knew exactly how to swap the slushbox out for a manual. But…what would have happened had he not undertaken that involved challenge? Well, you would have ended up with today’s find, courtesy of Todd, a 1972 Datsun 240Z equipped with an automatic transmission. Desirable or not? It’s hard to say but let’s give it the once over and see if we can make a determination. Located in Sacramento, California, this iconic Japanese sports car is available, here on craigslist for $8,500.

The seller of this Z suggests that less than 1% of 1972 models were assembled with an automatic transmission so that means there were about 600, assuming a total output of 60,025 (according to Zhome.com).  OK, I’d suggest that statistic puts this car in rarified air territory but is it “good rare” territory or “not so good rare territory”? My thought is that a sports car with a 151 HP, 2.4-liter in-line, six-cylinder engine needs some gears, manually shifted of course. The seller states, ” last time the vehicle was started about your ago” which I guess means a year ago, and if that’s the case, this 91K mile example should still have some bonzai that it can deliver. The engine appears to be complete and original – if a bit crusty.

The exterior lines of this immediately recognizable Japanese “grand tourer” are marred by a rainbow of primer – Run out of red? Hand me the gray. That’s gone? Try the darker gray…I guess the original finish gave it up so the primer was applied to halt surface rust but who knows for certain. Regardless, the body looks like it’s pretty straight and there’s no evidence of rust/rot. Being a ’72 model, this Datsun still has the standard “tucked-in” bumpers – a huge visual improvement over the later federalized five MPH rammers. The seller refers to this car as “non-molested” and I would agree it seems complete and sound enough to serve as a good project basis.

As for the interior – you’re looking at it. There are no other images, minus one of some dash instruments, so its overall condition is unknown. The seating upholstery does show some bolster wear, likely caused by ingress and egress but any additional details will need to be gleaned from the seller.

The verdict? I really don’t think the automatic gearbox is going to help with the cause – especially considering this 240’s exterior condition and unknown motivation capability. I’d suggest that it’s a detraction and it might be worth a call to Edd and see if he wants to convert another Z car. As for the $8,500 price, what’s your thought, priced right or not quite?