For fans of classic Japanese sports cars, this 1974 Datsun 260Z project listed on craigslist in Elk River might be a great place to start. The seller is asking $5,000 and describes it as a mostly solid car that’s ready for the next owner to take across the finish line. It’s not a turn-key example — this one’s mid-project — but that’s part of the appeal for anyone who wants to build a Z car their own way.
According to the listing, the engine is currently out and disassembled, but all the components are there and ready for rebuild. The transmission, however, has already been refreshed, which should save the next owner some time and money when it’s time to get everything back together. The ad also mentions that while the body has some rust, it’s described as “overall pretty solid,” which, for a 260Z in the upper Midwest, is a promising sign.
The Datsun Z cars have built a loyal following over the decades, with enthusiasts keeping the parts market alive and well. That means you won’t be fighting an uphill battle trying to source missing or worn-out pieces. The seller even mentions that parts for these cars are “readily available,” a big plus when taking on a restoration project like this.
Visually, the 260Z sits right between the purist-favorite 240Z and the more refined 280Z. It offered slightly more displacement and comfort than its predecessor, while still keeping the clean, purposeful styling that made the Z line so timeless. Whether this one gets restored to stock or turned into a restomod, it’s a great platform with plenty of potential.
The seller notes they’re out of space and no longer have time to complete the project, which is often how these classics end up on the market — someone else’s stalled dream, waiting for a new home. For someone with mechanical know-how and the drive to finish it, this could be a fun and rewarding way into vintage Datsun ownership.
Would you bring this 260Z back to factory specs, or build it into something a little more custom?
Without 1st hand knowledge, I recall the 260 being the stepchild, like the 320 was for BMW.
When the market is sluggish, typically in the fall and winter, sellers would be wise to put more effort into their ads. Showing 5 pictures which lack detail, including the rust mentioned and a vague description isn’t likely to entice many potential buyers into acting.
Steve R
Heartily agree. I think some people selling a car like this believe it’s so cool and so desirable that “all I have to do is show that it exists and people will come running”. Besides, putting time into an ad takes away from watching the NFL and listening to Taylor Swift, lol.
Like so many things, the results are determined by the effort. And let’s not even mention the craigslist ads where they don’t post pictures….
I had the privilege of driving my next-door neighbor’s new, factory fresh 260Z the day he brought it home. What a beauty. Same color as this one.
Good points already made. Yes, 260Z is the least desirable/valuable of the early Z line. They gained weight due to crash bumpers etc. And lost power due to emissions regulations. That said, still very cool cars. But with no idea of possible rust problems and an engine that is in pieces, no interior pics at all, prospective buyers would be wise to get more detailed information. GLWTS
Good points already made. Yes, 260Z is the least desirable/valuable of the early Z line. They gained weight due to crash bumpers etc. And lost power due to emissions regulations. That said, still very cool cars. But with no idea of possible rust problems and an engine that is in pieces, no interior pics at all, prospective buyers would be wise to get more detailed information. As well, many parts are readily available. However, some are quite pricy and difficult to find. Easy to say how easy to find they are, but its rarely that simple once you dig into it. GLWTS
I would not say the 260Z as being the least desirable that title would be the 280Z. The 280Z is the one that got bigger and more of a squared body that took away from the look of the 240Z and 260Z. After the 280Z came the 280ZX that really got bloated.
Cool little car great write up and thanks for including prices now Elizabe!!
Lakota, you got me wondering how Hagerty would value these various models. All in #3 condition, it close between the 260 and 280, with the 280 just barely edging out the 260 by only a few hundred bucks. And the 240 roughly 4k above both of those. The 280s regained a bit of power, and also ditched the very problematic carburetor that plagued the 260 as well.
Yep, as the former long-time owner of a 240Z I’d rather have a 280 than a 260. Backdate the bumpers on the 280 and you have a 240Z with a reliable fuel-injected engine, no messing around with carbs. Slightly different lighting but the body styling did not change materially from 240z to 280z.
Early analog computer EFI is hardly reliable when it ages, as its programming is in the electronics. As capacitors age, the programming changes, making a good running engine an impossibility. The carbs on the 260 can easily be upgraded to Webers or even early SUs. All is well then. As an owner of a Cosworth Vega, I can speak directly to the challenges of early analog EFI computers. It doesn’t matter if they come from Bosch or Bendix. I run Webers on my Cossie and never looked back.
I spent quite a bit of time in a 240Z and loved every minute of it. It was well cared for with about 300,000 miles, upgraded struts, steering and wheels and tires. If a non-rusty, correctly priced one presented its self to me, I would snag it in a heartbeat.
Probably 20 miles from me.
I drove a buddies 260Z a couple times back in the early 80s. I remember good power. But I’ve never driven a 240Z.
It would be tempting if I didn’t have a car.
Sure would be nice for rust pictures. And more details of the disassembled engine.
I had a 260Z till I started a family and had to have a family car. Can’t agree with all the negative comments. Bumpers and extra weight, this ones is early one, no fat bumpers. After a “MG” mechanic adjusted the carburetors with velocity meters on each carb and added and extracted oil from dampers micro amounts, she ran great. Big problem I had was rotten egg smell from boiling battery, regulator was either low/high charge. Replaced alternator with one with internal regulator. If I could (wife: NO more projects) I’d explore how much rust and were at. If your comparing this car to some Dream you have in you mind, this one or any other one will always fall short. But in reality 240-260-280Z, or even 280ZX would really be fun to have a drive.