This 1972 Datsun 240Z is described as being a highly original car that is equipped with a 4-speed manual transmission and a numbers-matching inline-six. The paint is not original but it is the correct color code with original paint still present in the door jams. To me, the best part about this Z car is the gorgeous cardinal red leather interior. White on red is perhaps one of the most iconic color combinations on a sports car, and this Z car’s highly original condition and mostly rust-free body make it super appealing. Find it here on eBay with bids to $24,800 and the reserve unmet.
I’m not surprised to see this particular Z still climbing toward the reserve price, as it really does check many boxes for anyone shopping for one of these 70s icons. The earliest models, known as the Series 1, are the most sought after, but a genuine 240Z of any year is a car worth owning. This one still has its original wheel covers, chrome bumpers, and unique factory exhaust. The only deviations from stock disclosed by the seller are a replacement exhaust manifold and radiator, along with air conditioning added in 1975.
Oh, that interior! White on red is my absolute favorite combination. I don’t care if it’s a Honda S2000 or a Chevrolet Corvette, this is as good as it gets for a car meant to be driven fast and look good standing still. I’m surprised the seller doesn’t call out the interior in the listing as it really is one of the best features; however, I’m not surprised he focuses on the mostly rust-free condition as the main selling point, which is what most potential buyers are looking for in one of these cars. The manual gearbox is the next critical detail, so the color combination becomes less of a focus once it’s confirmed not to be rotbox and to have three pedals.
The engine bay is nicely detailed and the seller mentions that the only reason for the replacement radiator was to upgrade to a larger assembly in support of the A/C install. The only rust identified is in the passenger side floor pan, which seems like an easy fix. The original condition will lead to this Z likely realizing $30,000 or more, as it even has the factory books and warranty card! The market for Z cars has cooled a bit on the later models, but an early 240Z in solid condition with matching numbers is still a smart buy.
Jeff, in all honesty this is the kind of ad that would get me to take notice if I were in the market for a Z-car. From what I’ve seen and heard, rust can make serious inroads on these, and I would much rather trot the seat(s) down to the upholstery shop for a redo than have to sort out any major rot.
The only question in my mind would be the quality of the added A/C. I’d want to know whether it was some sort of “universal” unit, and how well it was put in place. The larger radiator suggests some care was taken, but it’d be worth checking.
Over the years, I’ve gained a greater appreciation for 240Zs. Unless the reserve is way up in Fantasy Land, this might be a good choice. Looks as if someone cared for it.
The early Zs had dealer installed ACs from a couple companies in California and Texas. The one we ordered in ’72 was supposed to be offloaded in San Francisco and sent to the dealer for AC install. Timing was set up to pick the car up 5 days after I landed back in the States. Got to SF to find the car still on the boat in the bay because of a dock strike. Hated missing that one but wound up with a Blazer, AC in boxes in the back, and towed our MG TD to the east coast.
All respect to bobhess, we are all richer with your knowledge….240 Zed’s are hot and getting hotter!
👍🤓
The aftermarket ACs had the 5 cylinder Japanese “rotary” compressors and were as good or better than the factory units. The Blazer went to Florida and the aftermarket unit we bought with it had detailed installation instructions and worked very well in the hot, sticky climate. Friend’s ’72 Z’s AC was cold enough you hang meat in it.
… and I agree with Jeff that the pure white over red is a killer combination.
I have heard that those units were a big hit with the local butchers!!!
Properly pronounced as Zed as opposed to Zee. I always thought 240 Zee and Zee 28 sounded too wishy washy whereas Zed sounds definitive.
I will Never call the Z a Zed….. Never!! Datsun owns the last letter of the Alphabet…… Z!!!!
This should be all of the money if the notorious rot is held to just to the pan, but it seems unlikely!
I want it!
Just sold for $28,000
AGAIN….. my 1st car was a 71 240Z.. had a 4speed, Offenhouser intake, dual side draft Webbers w/canned filters… Comp cams camshaft, MSD electronic ignition, 205/75R14’s on Mag wheels… It was basically Basketball Orange (lol) but lived on a curvy road (HWY 282 from VB to Rudy, AR).. Regret selling it now…….
My dad had that same car. He would dress it up like a Jack O Lantern on Halloween. I was so mad when he sold it right before I got my license.
not factory exhaust!!!!!
They are probably rusted out… and originals may be tough to find(?) Also changing the exhaust to an aftermarket was a common change back then. This year’s Z car was a load of fun before the rust began. If kept in the right climate should be well worth the money for such a classic.
Pretty sure all of the Australian delivered manual 240Zs came with 5 speed gearboxes I have never seen a 4 speed car.
My boss had a ’71 240,red /black. Mulholland shocks and a “Whisper exhaust system”. This was 1976, Baltimore.
Any one ever hear of that exhaust brand?
Very quiet putting around,but did have a wail pushing the loud pedal!
I tried to buy it but company secretary got it. A month later rolled it in the rain on beltway ramp..:(
Had a 78 280Z that I totally loved. It was stolen and never recovered. A part of me went with that car and I still miss it today over 40 years later.
It was sold new in Eureka.I probably saw it driving
by at one point.
Having a dealer license back in the late 80’s till 2005 I bought lots of 240 Z cars as low as $200 dollars. 260Z was undesirable, but the 280Z with a 5 speed was a better car than all the rest in my opinion. I have owned them all and one 280Z I bought at the dealer auction for $750 dollars around 1995 had triple Mikuni side draft carbs. One throat for each cylinder. It had an aggressive camshaft, two piece header exhaust and it sounded AWESOME. There was so much intake noise that it almost equalled the exhaust noise. And man that sucker really hauled the mail. All Z cars are worth owning. Later on I got into the first gen Mazda RX7’s with that wonderful rotary power plant. I would own a Z or 7 before I would shell out the money for a new P.O.S. car built today. By the way I grew up on American muscle and these old sports cars are so cool to drive and enjoy. They got it right way back then. Build them again new and affordable and people would line up to buy them like they did back when the 240 came out.
Those seatbacks look thinner than early pinto std buckets.