Stored 32 Years: 1974 Datsun 260Z

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The 260Z is the sometimes-forgotten evolution of the original Datsun 240Z, a popular Japanese sports car. It was produced for only 18 months in 1973-74 before being replaced by the 280Z. They can usually be identified because of their larger, federally mandated bumpers on cars sold in the U.S. This ’74 model was stored in a barn for the past 32 years and has since been cleaned up and made to run, although more work is needed. Located in Calimesa, California, this Z-car is available here on eBay where the bidding stands at $10,100.

Known as the Nissan N30 on its home turf, the 240Z was imported into the U.S. starting in 1970. Back in those days, the brand was known as Datsun on these shores and that continued until 1986 when the corporate name took precedent. The 240Z, with its 2.4-liter inline-4 engine, was a response to the success that English automakers were having in the sports car market. The 240Z was replaced in 1973 by the 260Z (2.6-liter motor) which itself was replaced in 1975 by the larger-still 280Z. Because the production run was the shortest of the Z-cars, the 260Z is less seen today.

Besides the larger engine and bigger bumpers, the 260Z gained electronic ignition, an electric fuel pump, and better insulation of the fuel lines to prevent vapor lock (a common problem with mid-1970s cars in the U.S. which had been detuned for improved emissions controls). The seller’s car was in dry storage for more than three decades when it emerged for a freshening up. It retains its original drivetrain and new carburetors, radiator, and battery complement the work that has been done to revive it. The Datsun runs, but need more attention and some dialing in

Amazingly, there doesn’t appear to be any rust on the body and the 48-year-old paint job looks decent, at least from a distance, The interior will need attention before the body as the seat covers have deteriorated with age and exposure. Also, one door panel looks to be missing. At 135,000 miles, this old Z-car likely has a lot of life left and is only on the auction block due to health issues on the part of the seller.

Auctions Ending Soon

Comments

  1. 370zpp 370zpp

    My next-door neighbor asked me for a ride to the Datsun dealer so he could pick up his new silver, manual trans, 260Z. After we got it back home, he let me drive it. Never forgot that first impression. Tight, fast, very impressive.

    Like 12
    • Steve Clinton

      That depends on how much the reserve is.

      Like 3
  2. Tim

    One of the rare 4-cylinder Z’s, according to the ebay listing. Looks pretty rough.

    Like 4
    • RobbyC

      The Zs only came with 6 cylinders, like the one listed here.

      Like 7
  3. Ike Onick

    “Stored” ?

    Like 1
  4. Claudio

    As a young kid raised with 3 brothers with very different views on cars
    I loved the raw acceleration of a muscle car but was impressed with the handling of these, little did i know that decades later , i would be passionate about gforces while taking onramps

    At the end of my fifties , my gf says that i race instead of driving
    Still have the passion …

    Like 8
    • 370zpp 370zpp

      Claudio,
      I get it, really. I get looks from the passenger seat for accelerating and not slowing down – in the middle of a banked turn.

      Like 5
  5. Claudio

    Ahah , for sure
    My new gf , on our first ride with my new to me MR2 , screamed so loud when i drifted into the turn
    She , later got used to the driving technique

    Like 1
  6. Rob

    I had ne of these. They were 6 cylinder motors, not 4. Also, the emission crap was terrible. I pulled all of that and put on Webers.

    From a valuation perspective, 240/260/280, the 240 is probably the most valuable, it’s the most pure sports car.

    Like 4
  7. Tim

    Yeah, I owned a 240 for several years and my daily driver now is a 370 so I’m familiar with the cylinder layouts. Point is the person who filled out the ebay form either made a mistake or isn’t so familiar. Regardless, this one looks rough. Another common option for these was to change the intake manifold to acommodate a Holly 4 BBL. Not as cool as webbers but cheaper and effective.

    Like 2
  8. RobbyC

    I drove my father’s 260Z in high school. After that I acquired two 240Zs on separate occasions. Of course I wish I had kept them…

    Like 1
  9. Steve Clinton

    It’s hard to believe these were imported for only 18 months.

    Like 1
  10. Rj

    You’re saying you forget Russ……

    Like 0
  11. Jack Leary

    Back in the mid 80’s my girlfriend had an orange one of these and we got tuned up at The Club Charles one night and she let me drive it later that night. Where did I drive it? On the greens at Mount Pleasant Golf Course. Where else as a 21 year old car guy???

    Like 2
  12. OldCarGuy

    Claudio:

    I’m 82, and still treat my 2010 Cadi DTS as an oversized Cooper S (the real on, circa 1966).My wife & relatives got so comfortable with my driving they would fall asleep at 2 am, doing a steady 110, but not on the ramps, of course.

    Power to the elders!

    Like 3
    • Claudio

      Congrats on your young 82
      Stay young
      Live more
      Enjoy more
      Drive like you stole it !
      I sure am trying hard

      Like 1

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