1972 Datsun 240Z
"One of the best things about the new Nissan Z, which I recently reviewed, is how it deftly incorporates traits of several previous Zs. In particular, it pays tribute to its earliest ancestor, the 240Z, as well as the most tech-forward iteration, the 1990"96 300ZX. It's no mere coincidence that Nissan looked to these two generations. As Hagerty data indicate, the 240Z and 300ZX are both climbing in value and, just as important, appeal to a broad swath of car collectors." Thx to Hagerty, May 2022
For consignment, a 1972 Datsun 240Z with a title verified 94,172 actual miles, and since Datsuns are known to "run like tops," that's mid level mileage and certainly low for a car that's more than 50 years old.
Exterior
Medium Blue coats the car and the jacket is augmented by a white stripe that covers the slight bulge on the hood, thereby accentuating it. That stripe continues over the roof and onto the decklid. The front and rear both wear aftermarket cladding that adds a long chin spoiler to the front and a lower valance in the back. It gives the illusion the car is lower than it is, but the spell is broken when seen in profile as the rocker panels are standard configuration and the car sits on 14-inch wheels with 65 series tires. The recessed headlights are classic Z cars, posted at the end of a long and narrow nose, a cabin that cants reward, and a short, sloping tail that ends abruptly, all lending to a well balanced car some say ahead of its time. The black rear light panel is a nice touch and the only imperfection we note on the exterior are some scrapes on that lowered chin.
Interior
Japanese efficiency is expressed in the simple black door panels that waste no material with overwrought designs or contouring and they're in great shape. While the door is open, we note some surface rust along the rim of the doorjamb, perhaps where rubber seals have trapped some moisture. The tall black vinyl bucket seats are pure Z with their four buttons and we note some blemishes on the passenger door. The steering wheel shows some patina and is wearing an older aftermarket cover on the rim. Ahead of it, two main gauge front and center for the driver's observation and to the right of them, three more gauges relaying five bits of information including the time. The center stack looks good and houses vent controls and an AM/FM radio. A patina clad center console is home to the shifter, wrapped in a laced leather boot and the entire floor is covered in black looped carpet that appears to be in decent condition. The same material covers the rear cargo area in clean condition.
Drivetrain
Under the reverse opening hood, we find a clean 2.4 liter inline six cylinder pumping out a respectable 138 horsepower. It's fueled by dual 2-barrel Weber carburetors and in true sports car fashion, the power is directed to the rear wheels and 3.70 gears. Power brakes are onboard with discs in front and drums in the rear.
Undercarriage
This is driver quality underneath with surface rust on all of the usual components including the driveshaft, exhaust, brake components, and frame. We note no leaks underneath and no invasive rust of concern. Headers lead to an exhaust which encounters a stock style muffler before heading back where the valance makes room for the tailpipe.
Drive-Ability
These sporty cabins were made for the street, but have a race car vibe. Maybe it's the sitting position and that long nose out front, but it makes you wonder if Z stands for "zoom zoom", (sorry Mazda). The six cylinder carries us onto the test loop with confidence although we're noting a slight detune to the carbs, as if they're not fully dialed in. But the ride is great with fantastic handling, straight tracking, and visibility that takes a few minutes of practice without the right side mirror, which was the standard configuration. But it's got good acceleration for a little car. We do note that the radio is not working but all other functions operate as they should. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
Hagerty is a pretty reliable source for collector market values and Z cars have been on the rise for quite some time. When we're fortunate enough to represent one here, it elicits a response from most people who walk by. It seems they touched a nerve in the 70's and everyone at one time had some kind of experience, usually positive, with the Datsun Z cars. This one awaits the next lucky owner!
HLS30166389
H-L28E Engine
L-Left Hand Drive
S30-Model Number
166389-Sequential Unit Number
