Early Datsun 240s are one of the darlings of the collector car hobby right now, and it’s easy to see why. These were the purest expressions of the Z car family, thanks to its clean lines free from ugly safety bumpers and drivetrains unencumbered by emissions-related equipment that would strangle the later cars. This example is a pleasantly rough survivor of sorts, in that it has been kept largely in original condition, save for some period-appropriate modifications that indicate long-term enthusiast ownership. Find the 240Z here on eBay with bidding to $7,100 and the reserve unmet, and located in Georgia.
The devil is in the details with Series 1 cars, and most enthusiasts want to find one that has all of the impossible-to-source Series 1 parts still attached. The seller has been listing vintage Z cars on eBay for months now, and their descriptions are robust. The listing details how the 240Z is mostly rust-free, with some rust issues noted on the front fender and damage to the dogleg, but with a solid frame and good floors. The body looks to be largely issue-free, though the seller discloses that the trunk lid has been repaired in the past. Speaking of, I think Series 1 cars should have vents in the hatch lid.
The interior looks decent by all accounts, but the seller does note some Series 1-specific details that are missing or incorrect. Obviously, the seat upholstery isn’t OEM, and the listing says there are some other Series 1 components missing. However, the 240Z does retain the correct fiberglass console and seat belts found in the Series 1 models, and the door panels look quite decent aside from a set of aftermarket speakers being retrofitted in them. It’s hard to tell for sure, but from here it looks like the dash isn’t cracked – but I find it unlikely, given how many have succumbed to the ravages of the sun.
The engine is a mixed bag, in a good way. It’s been upgraded to a later L28, ditching the original L24 block along the way. The top end of the motor remains completely original, per the seller, retaining its “…original E46 intake manifold and 4 screw carb set up with the rare series 1 air cleaner with no flapper.” The original 4-speed manual was also ditched in favor of a later 5-speed. Overall, these are desirable improvements, but if your goal is to build a sympathetic, factory-correct Series 1, then you’ll have to spend some time finding the missing parts. Would you restore this Series 1 Z car or just drive it as-is?
1984 called and asked for their seats back.
Lol…Huggy-Bear called and wants his velour track suit back.
Best Z car….the one with twin carbs.
Sell the E46 with dual Hitachi induction setup and replace it with a triple Solex 44PHH carb setup. Another hot setup of that era was replacing the stock 4-speed with the 2000 Roadster close-ratio 5-speed, not the later Z unit. Those rockers look shot, though. Japanese steel of that era was hygroscopic and rusted while you watched.
drive it !
Some of the things that hurt this car is the 2.8L engine and the wrong hatch. I’m sure there is more but that’s what jumps out.
Didn’t the early model have chrome vents below the bottom glass on the hatch?
I bought an early Z new in 1971 and swapped in a 2000 Roadster 5 speed. A really nice trans with Porsche type synchros. The overdrive 5th gear and the over all gearing make the original 3 something rear ratio way too low-I changed it for a 4.11. The cars rusted away quickly; mine was unsafe after 8 years.