Datsun 240z and 260z
Discussion
These, along with 6 cyl Capris, were the first performance cars I had the chance to drive when I passed my test in the late 70's and as such I've always liked them. I've been looking at the prices for the Datsuns recently, on the rare occasions when they come up, and they seem a reasonable buy at present. Theres a 260z I know of which I may go and look at but before I do I wondered if anyone on here runs one or has done so recently who could comment on such things as recent running costs, spares availability, recommended specialists etc. e.g. the z farm in N Yorks which isn't too far from me. Anyone used them? Thanks.
Be very very careful......All that glitters is not gold.
These cars rotted out withing the first few years of their life here in the UK. Rust takes its hold just about everywhere on these cars the most serious rust trap is up front within the chassis rails and cross member extending into the inner wings. Many panels are not available.
I bought a US car which was virtually rot free, a genuine sunny state car which only had a minor blister at the rear of the sill. A scruffy car but the condition of the metal is vital.
These cars rotted out withing the first few years of their life here in the UK. Rust takes its hold just about everywhere on these cars the most serious rust trap is up front within the chassis rails and cross member extending into the inner wings. Many panels are not available.
I bought a US car which was virtually rot free, a genuine sunny state car which only had a minor blister at the rear of the sill. A scruffy car but the condition of the metal is vital.
vpr said:
Many panels are not available.
Hmm. This is the bit which concerns me. I was hoping to hear that due to the number made, spares were plentiful. Your comment echoes what I've heard elsewhere so buying a car which is priced to reflect bodywork issues which need addressing might not be such a good idea. Thanks.I can see the attraction in getting a largely rust free car but, I'd then have to either put up with LHD or, pay for a RHD conversion if that's possible. The idea was based around a UK car which could have been a rolling restoration.
What have you done with yours so far? Are you having it converted to RHD whilst you restore it?
What have you done with yours so far? Are you having it converted to RHD whilst you restore it?
2slo said:
I can see the attraction in getting a largely rust free car but, I'd then have to either put up with LHD or, pay for a RHD conversion if that's possible. The idea was based around a UK car which could have been a rolling restoration.
What have you done with yours so far? Are you having it converted to RHD whilst you restore it?
I wont convert mine to RHD, I quite like LHD. Its more important for me a to have a solid car. I don't think I'm gonna restore it, I've just detailed the engine bay and front and rear arches suspension etc but will leave the car rough looking.What have you done with yours so far? Are you having it converted to RHD whilst you restore it?
Just fitted a 2.8 with tripple webers, cam etc.
Yep they are superb cars and i think a bit undervalued compared to Ford , i own a 1974 240 , its been back on the road about a year now and is a joy to drive , smooth , handles well and even good on fuel , esp compared to my mates rs2000 ! one of the best classic's to own for the money 
From what I recall, there were a few unsold 240s in stock in 1974 because customers wanted the 260. Likewise when the 260 was replaced by the 280. I well remember the 280 being introduced and thinking similar to when Triumph replaced the TR6 with the TR7: 
Not that either company could have given a toss what UK customers thought, both were aimed at high volume sales in the N. American market.
The irony of that is, like VPR above, we now import American Zs to meet UK demand.
Not that either company could have given a toss what UK customers thought, both were aimed at high volume sales in the N. American market.The irony of that is, like VPR above, we now import American Zs to meet UK demand.
Edited by 2slo on Monday 19th September 17:35
2slo said:
From what I recall, there were a few unsold 240s in stock in 1974 because customers wanted the 260. Likewise when the 260 was replaced by the 280. I well remember the 280 being introduced and thinking similar to when Triumph replaced the TR6 with the TR7: Not that either company could have given a toss what UK customers thought, both were aimed at high volume sales in the N. American market.
Interesting that you should mention the TR6, given that the 240/260 are oft-cited as being the cars that killed it (although in truth the TR6 was past its sell by date before it was even built). But in the long term, the TR6 has proven to be far more durable - so may be it wasn't so bad after all. Not that either company could have given a toss what UK customers thought, both were aimed at high volume sales in the N. American market.I'd love a 240 or 260 though, especially as E-type affordability disappears over the horizon (for the time being).
Yertis said:
I'd love a 240 or 260 though, especially as E-type affordability disappears over the horizon (for the time being).
Same here, although excepting minor hiccups I can't see E type prices coming down much to make them affordable. I'm going to have a look at my brochure collection tomorrow if I get the chance, somewhere amongst many I've got an original 260Z brochure I picked up in the mid 70s which may be of interest to readers on here. It shows a metallic bronze 2 seater IIRC with passing reference to the 2+2. I've got a workshop manual for one as well! amazing what we collect
I have Owned and run 3 Z cars and rate them highly . I bought my first Z a Very rot free Silver 2 Seater 260 Z on Wolfrace alloys , VPK 426M ) Where are you now ? from a mate I'n 1986. It was one of the first 260s to be imported and was first registerd in Surrey . They were pricey new and the fuel crisis didn't help sales .
I reluctantly sold it in 87 ( to fund a Tr6 ) to a guy from Horsham I'n Surrey. He foolishly resprayed her Red and sent me a few photos. I'n late 95 I was stunned to see it going the other way along the Eastern Ave I'n Barkingside. Whilst I'n my Silver 5 GT Turbo. I turned around and gave chase but got held up I'n traffic and lost sight of it. Gutted !!
If I were after another Z car again I would hunt down one of the first batch of UK Market 260Zs . I was told that less than 200 2 seaters were imported of that first batch. Very few must have survived . As the Late Great John Bolster said I'n his 260 Z road test " Smoother , Quicker 260 Z. !!
Or a California one , but many autos and Manual US ones were only 4 Speed.
The 2 seater was dropped from the UK Market I'n late 74 early 75 , in favour of the far heavier 2 x 2 which I would avoid.
The 2 seater made a brief comeback to the UK Market I'n 77 - 79 . These late cars were ever more of a Rot Box. The S reg one I rescued from a garden was rotting everywhere, even the roof. I sold it to Samurai for spares.
I also had a very orig 74 White 240Z that I had to off load fast due to divorce. I virtually gave it away to a " So Called Z Specialist " Shark , ( in Kent ) for peanuts. He told me he would restore it But I later discovered he scrapped it...
r
In the late 80s a pal bought a rare Samurai 2 x 2 , a 74 model, in blueb which had very badly rotten Chassis rails . He Mentioned that it felt strange to drive , so we jacked it up to discover paper mâché bodged Chassis rails. He sold it fast !!
I reluctantly sold it in 87 ( to fund a Tr6 ) to a guy from Horsham I'n Surrey. He foolishly resprayed her Red and sent me a few photos. I'n late 95 I was stunned to see it going the other way along the Eastern Ave I'n Barkingside. Whilst I'n my Silver 5 GT Turbo. I turned around and gave chase but got held up I'n traffic and lost sight of it. Gutted !!
If I were after another Z car again I would hunt down one of the first batch of UK Market 260Zs . I was told that less than 200 2 seaters were imported of that first batch. Very few must have survived . As the Late Great John Bolster said I'n his 260 Z road test " Smoother , Quicker 260 Z. !!
Or a California one , but many autos and Manual US ones were only 4 Speed.
The 2 seater was dropped from the UK Market I'n late 74 early 75 , in favour of the far heavier 2 x 2 which I would avoid.
The 2 seater made a brief comeback to the UK Market I'n 77 - 79 . These late cars were ever more of a Rot Box. The S reg one I rescued from a garden was rotting everywhere, even the roof. I sold it to Samurai for spares.
I also had a very orig 74 White 240Z that I had to off load fast due to divorce. I virtually gave it away to a " So Called Z Specialist " Shark , ( in Kent ) for peanuts. He told me he would restore it But I later discovered he scrapped it...
r
In the late 80s a pal bought a rare Samurai 2 x 2 , a 74 model, in blueb which had very badly rotten Chassis rails . He Mentioned that it felt strange to drive , so we jacked it up to discover paper mâché bodged Chassis rails. He sold it fast !!
mantaray said:
yep mine is reg 1974 but from what info i have found the v5 on all 240,s do say 'previously registered or used overseas' on them , but i could be wrong ?
Yes, wrong I'm afraid."Previously registered or used overseas" would mean just that: Not a new car at time of import/ registration, and quite likely not a proper UK market version ( even if RHD ).
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