Series 1 Datsun 240Zs have been on a tear lately, with values of restored cars climbing to levels that put those finished examples out of reach for many casual hobbyists. Buying a project-grade example is now the best option for someone with the skills to restore it themselves, as an early Z car is one of the better investments out there. This 1971 model was a project for the seller for many years and some frustration under the hood has prompted him to put it up for sale in an effort to wind down some of his project car stash. Find the 240Z here on eBay with a perfect crack-free dash and some manageable rust issues.

The seller claims he had the 240Z running when it developed an apparent head gasket issue a short time later. He shut the car down and decided he was ready to move on, and as someone who lost a car to a head gasket issue many years ago, I can attest that seeing your temp gauge skyrocket on a somewhat needy car can be the proverbial straw that breaks the camel’s back. This Z car looks terrific in a period-correct color of primrose yellow and it rides on turbine-style wheels. The bumpers are missing and you can see rust sports around the body, but nothing that seems outright catastrophic.

If you follow Z cars of this vintage, you already know that a crack-free dash is a big deal. I actually sold a later 240Z that snapped in half as it was being moved out of the woods solely because the dash wasn’t trashed. The interior of this car has been partially stripped down and the seller notes it will need a carpet kit. The driver’s side window is also off the track, but overall, the cabin seems like it’d be an easy project to bring back. The additional photos from the seller show a set of black leather bucket seats in very good shape; a center stack that retains an original Datsun radio; and a spare tire well that shows no evidence of rot-through.

The engine bay is also quite presentable and seemingly in good order but the head gasket issue is a concern. The seller indicates later in the listing that it’s either “….a bad head or head gasket,” and that it was “…spewing water all over.” Never a good sign, so the next owner will either be removing this engine entirely or pulling the head apart for a rebuild if they wish to keep the present motor. With no reserve, I’d feel good about taking on the potential risks with this project given the rust issues seem manageable and that Series 1 cars are always in high demand. Would you restore this 240Z even with the head gasket issues?