This listing is for a desirable Series 1 Datsun 240Z, a specimen that has been gaining steam for the past several years among the many generations of Nissan Z cars. It’s not surprising to see bidding already over $13K (with no reserve), and I suspect we’ll see this one clear $15K with ease. The 240Z is listed here on eBay as a running/driving car with original paint and some minor rust issues bubbling up.
The Datsun is described as an Oregon barn find that the seller’s brother pursued for years. Despite finally owning the car and preparing for restoration, an illness has forced the premature sale. Paint is believed to be original Safari Gold that still looks mostly presentable, but the seller does acknowledge some rust is bubbling at the top of the right fender. Period-correct American Racing Libre wheels look great.
The Datsun comes with its original black interior and a dash that is amazingly in excellent condition. Most every Z-car of this vintage has a seriously cracked dash pad by this point, and crack-free replacements are near impossible to find. Electronics are said to be mostly OK, with the exception of the non-functioning turn signals. An aftermarket stereo is noted in the dash.
The 240Z is a driver, and the seller feels it should easily provide more years of service. Factor in the early production date, totally in-period colors, largely rust-free condition, and the fact that it still runs, and it’s clear to see why so many boxes are checked with this specimen if you’re hunting for a vintage Z car. The time for a Series 1 car is now if you’ve ever wanted one – the price is only going up from here.
You are correct, the price is only going to go up on these. If you have the skills, this would be a perfect project car to bring back to standing tall. Go to a good home Z car.
One of the NCO’s I worked for bought one brand new. There was a waiting list for one. List price was IIRC about $2500. When his came in he paid cash, took the paperwork out to the showroom and sold it for a thousand dollar profit. Never saw the car.
Buy it. These aren’t getting any cheaper or easier to find in this condition. It runs, drives, and looks decent as-is. The fact that rust is minimal only makes it more worthy of a quick sale. Many a Datsun have returned to the earth as dust.
Wow, in 1986 I stopped on I-75 in FL where one was broken down with 2 guys looking depressed. They said it just shut off and wouldn’t start. They said if I gave them a ride to the bus station I could have the car. The title was in the glove box and he signed it over. I gave them a ride to the buss station (with their 4 bags of who knows what) and went back for the car. The coil blew out and it cost me a whole $12 to fix the car. Wish I still had it.
These cars were everywhere in their day!! Rust belt cars didn’t last long though!! The road salt destroyed them!! A cheap sports car for the masses!! I’ve driven them and they sure are fun to drive and handle pretty well too!!! The panel is right there not getting cheaper and to find one in this condition without a cracked dash is getting harder to find everyday!!!