1972 Datsun 240Z

The Datsun 240Z upended the sports car world when it arrived, offering closed-coupe comfort with six-cylinder performance beyond many European roadsters and coupes on the market. The Z's performance, $3,500 price, and semi-exotic styling (for the time) made it an immediate hit. It would be the rare car enthusiast today who did not know how well the rest of the story went. Suffice to say, more than 50 years later, the Z is still with us and still impressing with the same attributes that made the original an instant legend. This 1972 Datsun 240Z (internal model code S30) has been in the same family since new, who inherited the car 11 years ago. The seller claims this is a matching-numbers car. I can describe it as original, except for a repainted portion of the car from when it hit a deer in 1980, plus maintenance items and a stereo upgrade from 2002. (The original radio/tape deck will be included in the sale.)- the car has been stored in a heated garage when not in use. Now 79, he has chosen to sell the classic Z to another enthusiast who will keep enjoying the car. The new owner will get a stack of records dating from 1972, documenting the care this Z has received up to the present. The 240Z's L24 2.4-liter inline-six engine was rated by the manufacturer at 150 horsepower at 6,000 rpm when new, as indicated right on the door tag. - the engine is original and never rebuilt. Starting the dual-carburetor engine requires use of the manual choke and cranking for about 10 seconds. Easing in the choke after a few minutes will bring the idle down to 700 rpm.- the car smokes somewhat when the choke is on, but not when the car is warmed up and the choke is off, nor does it leak any oil or other fluids.- the four-speed manual transmission shifts smoothly, and reports that the clutch, rear main seal, and driveshaft u-joints were replaced in 2008 at 100,184 miles. The owner states that a portion at the front of the 240Z was repainted in 1980, after it struck a deer. - the rest as original and somewhat faded, also indicating a few chips (see photos). The windshield and other glass are in good condition, as are seals. - the car has not been driven in the rain or snow since 1998. Photos show surface rust on the undercarriage, along with a few very small holes, but the seller affirms there is no rust in the body.- all lighting is operational and the car passed its recent New Hampshire state safety inspection. The interior, which the seller indicates is original, shows the wear and patina of a car that was used as a regular driver for many years, but no obvious damage. Photos show a tear on the driver's seat left bolster, and the seller reports that the plastic cover on the seat's adjuster is broken but in place. The carpet is indicated in good condition with no holes, and the Z's original quilt-pattern vinyl trim on the console and rear strut towers remains intact. The headliner and door panels appear to be in good condition, with no tears.- the dome light is present but does not appear to work. Heat is affirmed to work, as do all gauges, but not the clock. The seller replaced the original Audiovox AM/FM/8-track head unit in 2002 with a Panasonic CD stereo unit and new speakers and says all work well. As stated, the original stereo unit will be included. - The Datsun 240Z's four-wheel independent suspension used McPherson struts in front and Chapman struts in the rear, the latter the invention of Lotus founder Colin Chapman.- the right front shock tower was reconstructed in 2002. - the engine mounts, transmission mount, and anti-sway-bar bushings were replaced in 2015 at 102,327 miles, and that there are no obvious leaks on the struts. The front disc/rear drum brakes were refurbished in 2010 at 100,713 miles and are still in good shape, states the seller. The steel wheels are original to the car and are said to have no vibration issues. The original wheel covers are missing.- the Cooper CS4 radial tires were installed in 2009 and have 8 to 10/32nds of tread on all. The unassisted steering is described as straight with no excessive play.Extensive service receipts since 1972 will be included. This 1972 Datsun 240Z was a landmark car in its day, a huge success with driving enthusiasts and highly influential on the sports car market. Remaining in the same family for half a century, this Z is said to remain mostly original and to run well. There are some cosmetic needs, but the car could be left alone and enjoyed in its current survivor state.