With the Japanese collector car market heating up, the beloved Datsun 240Z is starting to get more attention. I’m not saying the same thing that happened to the Porsche market will happen to the 240Z, but prices are going up. It is hard to find anything negative to say about the 240Z, they are an all-around great performing and reliable sports car with handsome styling. If you want to get in on the classic Japanese car market before the bubble gets too big, you might want to consider this 1972 240Z for sale near Greensboro, NC found here on Craigslist for $7,500.
When the 240Z was introduced to the market, it was a game changer for Datsun and the sports car market entirely. The sports car market was largely dominated by the British, Italians, and Germans, the 240Z was a very appealing option for many buyers due to its looks, price, and reliability. The 240Z was equipped with a dual carb inline six producing 150HP, 4-speed manual and 4 wheel independent suspension, whats not to love?
The early 240s (70-71) are the most sought after but this ’72 model is still a good year to have. Rust is not mentioned in the ad and it can be a problem area on these cars, so that would be something to check on before making an offer. The car looks to be in decent shape for a project, I like the green color and the turbine wheels. The ad doesn’t say if the car runs, but the engine compartment looks complete. The car comes with some spare parts like an engine that has low miles after a rebuild, transmission, rear differential and axles. With a spare engine included, it makes me wonder if something is wrong with the one in the car.
The interior is typical of a project car, its rough and needs work, but mostly complete. I don’t know if the seat color is factory but I like the look of tan with a green center. This car is in need of a full restoration, I’m not sure that would be a good investment but if you do the work yourself it might make sense. The car looks like it may not be too far gone to make into a functioning project car you can drive. Let’s hope there is a bright future for this one.
Too late, the bubble is already too big for me. My favorite Asian car, and I don’t have many. Should have bought one 25 years ago, for $500 bucks when nobody wanted them.( there’s that shoulda’ thing, again) Problem was, you couldn’t find a rust free example anywhere north of the Mason-Dixon line. Such nice cars, the Asian XKE, which none of the hassles. I’d prefer the carb models to the F.I. ones with the 200 hose clamps, these are so much simpler. The SU’s worked fine on my MGB. Again, this car is a beater, prices for nice ones seem to go from $6g’s all the way to $30g’s, so I guess the price is about right,,,just not for me.
Looks like BF is highlighting cars I have owned…breaking my heart.
I had a 1971 with 90,000 mile when I bought it. After another, approx., 100,000 miles and completely worn out, I sold it for $1500.
Hated to see it go.
I know, sometimes, it’s downright creepy. BF’s featured my 1st car a while back, a Volvo 444. What are the chances of that?
https://barnfinds.com/original-paint-1957-volvo-pv444/
The 240Z has a lot of Mercedes heritage. The engine is based on the 4 cylinder L16 engine licensed from Mercedes. The 14″ wheels have the same lug pattern and offset as the Mercedes. (I have a set on my 220 S that replaced the 13″ wheels perfectly.) Lots of other parts are also interchangeable with Mercedes.
240Z is 4 lug, Mercedes is 5??
Went to look at one of these at a lot that specialized in sports cars mostly british; Mgs, triumphs, xke and a lotus 7 were also on the lot. I had to test drive the lotus, just for fun, and it was. But the 240z was sold when I got back to the lot, never even got a chance. Someone else realized they were nice cars.
I live in Jamestown, NC. Pleasant Garden is only 15-20 minutes away from me. If your really serious about the car, I could check it out for you (for a small fee). About 25 years ago, I owned an EARLY 1970 240z when I lived in Tempe, AZ. It was absolutely rust fee, orange/red with black vinyl interior and had a 4 speed trans. It was completely original down to the hubcaps! Wish I still had it!
Always wanted to drop a sbc into one of these. These and the old Opal GT’s. Wanna talk about a poor man’s Vette! LOL
My ex-boss had one of these with minor upgrades. (Blistein shocks, wider tires and wheels and thicker sway bars) it was just a joy to drive. Smooth, torquey and comfortable. I wish I had one today. My neighbor across the street ( we are both retired) worked at a radio station in the LA area in the early ’70s and they had 4 for company cars. Not one ever spent the night in the station lot.
These have to be one of the best ever “entry level” sports cars ever built. My other across the street neighbor has a 370Z. It sounds like a 240Z. But the ride and overall feel just is not there. It is a nice car, and he has had no problems with it. But it is just a neat car. Not the whole package.
I bought a 72 in 1975 that was already rusting away. Repaired the rust a good Maco paint job and after 1 head gasket and another 100,000 miles a friend made an offer I couldn’t refuse. Loved the car.
Had a few of these cars, loved them. They are great cars that are finally getting some respect. I sold mine before the bubble started.Still it’s not too late.
If this is a native NC car. rust will not be a big issue.