The Datsun 240Z (and later 260Z and 280Z) was Nissan’s Japanese answer to those economical European sports cars. And they turned out to be more reliable than some of their British competitors. The 240Z first appeared in 1969 and some variants were in production through 1978. This nifty example – with a low VIN – has been treated to what appears to be a complete, nut-and-bolt restoration, which would explain the seller’s asking price. Located in La Puente, California, this orange beauty is available here on eBay where the current bid is $10,050, the reserve is unmet, and the BIN price is $69,000.
Nissan sold its products in the USA (and some other export markets) under the Datsun moniker until 1986. The 240Z would become instantly popular upon its introduction in the U.S. and this 1970 edition carries a VIN of 00229, which the seller says is very low (built in November 1969), suggesting this is the 229th copy produced for 1970. Its owner has had the little car for four years and much of that time was likely spent being redone from head to toe, with only a few miles added since the rejuvenation took place. We’re not treated to any “before” photos, just a few “in progress” and how the car is now.
This Datsun does not have its original engine. What’s there is a completely rebuilt L24 which displaced 2.4 liters and was rated at 148 hp with dual side-draft carburetors. The machine has an E31 head and its original 4-speed manual transmission which we assume was gone through, too. The seller provides a list of new or rebuilt parts which is quite extensive, so it might boil down to anything that wasn’t renewed or refurbished.
From what is presented, it might be hard to find any 1970 240Z in nicer condition than this one. From the work performed, it may even be better than new with an odometer of 14,000 miles (add another 1 in front of it?). This should be a turnkey car that ought to turn a lot of heads when you show it off but acquiring it won’t be cheap. As a teaser, when new, this was a $3,600 sports car.
It is apparent that this was redone with true appreciation of the car. If you ever owned or have wanted to own one, this is the Golden Chalice of the 240Z series.
Having had a ‘72 in the same configuration it makes me miss mine all the more though it wasn’t anywhere close to being this nice regardless of how well I thought I took care of it.
GLT the next lucky owner.
Who remembers Nissans special promotion in the mid/late nineties where the factory restored several 100 Z cars for sale through dealerships? I had hoped this approach would catch on with Chevy Z28/Pontiac Trans Am/Ford Mustang cars/dealers as well. Unfortunately it didnt last long
The ’72 I ordered and never got because of a dock strike in San Francisco was this color. I had already bought a set of slotted mag wheels to put on it and wound up selling them. My Z turned into a Chevy Blazer before it was all over.
Closest I ever got to another one was on the autocross course running my Porsche against them. This is a beautiful car. Glad to see one in this condition.
i owned one, same color… I got black flagged one Sat nite at the local dirt track but put 2 laps on the board..lol I can tell you for a fact , it was not a fast car, my buddy tried to out run the Ga State Patrol , we lost badly. I traded a 70 GTO for that baby….ain’t life grand…Today , i drive a C8 as my daily truck..
Awesome looking Datto! My late brother and sister-in-law owned a Datsun 240Z back in the 1980s. It wasn’t as nice as this particular car, but it was a daily driver.
Owned a 72 in what I called “Pumpkin Orange”. Mine had the auto. Most fun car I ever owned. Once took an on ramp marked 15mph at 60.
While on leave in the Navy, visited the Datsun dealership to see a fantastic orange 240Z. I have pined for that car, but never did. Still envious!
Japan’s first “perfect” sports car.
Their next “perfect” sports car was, of course, the BRZ.
Actually the second was the FB RX7. Some might say that the Miata was third, and then the BRZ was fourth. Everyone will have a slightly different take on this. But the bottom line is that Japan produced some excellent nimble no-nonsense road-race worthy sports cars.
Hard to believe this came from the same company that
brought us the Juke,Cube,& Murano.
I think that later,they hit almost every vehicle they sold with
an Ugly Stick.
Right? I’ve seen these vehicles, and I find them super-mega-fugly.
Great car article. I have a 71 240Z that I purchased back in 1978 and still have it. Forest green, 4 speed and 100% original Datsun parts during past 45 years of restoration. Great car to drive.
I used to see these all over the place! Can’t remember last time i saw a recent modern Z car – i’m surprised Nissan still makes em.