Datsun 240Z 1974
General description :
NICE CAR, STRAIGHT BODY, BEAUTIFUL GOLD METALLIC, 2.6L AUTO, PRICED TO SELL!
Japanese cars are one of the fastest appreciating segments in the vintage car market right now, and arguably none are more interesting than the tale of the 1974 Datsun 260Z 2+2. Best of all, you can pick up a highly original example of this one year only model for under $10K.
The Z cars defined 1970s motoring in America, and that's best represented in one color: Gold Metallic. It's that perfect hue that seemed as disco-friendly as the leisure suit forty years ago, and it's still an attention getter today. But really why the color still works so well is because it's on a car that has survived all these decades unmolested. Careful owners did not park this one where it would get door dings, and no one put some huge aftermarket rear wing on this Z. Instead, this coupe has survived with all the clean and sleek lines that made it iconic, and its biggest upgrade was a set of later-model 280Z alloy wheels. This level of originality is especially nice to see considering Datsun only imported the 260Z for one year, and it was also the first year the 2+2 option was available. These are two extraordinary vintage vehicle facts that will make this survivor distinguishable its entire life.
Open the door, and there is more evidence of this car's cherished life. The high-backed black vinyl bucket seats are in amazing condition. Behind that are the first-year rear seats, and they look like they've spent most of their lives folded down for better cargo room instead of steady use. Getting behind the wheel feels great thanks to features like the center console and three-spoke sports steering wheel. It's all part of an interior package where the Japanese studied the world's best sports cars, and then enhanced it with user-friendly design and unimpeachable reliability. As a result, the cockpit talks directly to the driver with gauges set into twin round pods for speedometer and tachometer. Auxiliary gauges are placed on a trio of dials set high on the specially contoured dash - a look that became so iconic, it was used for the modern Z as part of its retro-style. This Datsun even had luxury touches for its time such as the AM/FM radio and provisions for air conditioning.
But what really made these cars so great was under the hood. The 260Z had a newly enlarged 2.6-liter inline-six that could rev like a European, but built a reputation for reliability never seen before. That's why it's no surprise this car still has its original motor and three-speed automatic transmission. It now breathes a bit better than its regulation-choked days thanks to a set of Weber down-draft carburetors. The result is a car that has an unmistakable vintage sound, but it fires up and ticks through the gears with the kind of confidence not felt in many other 40+ year-old vintage coupes. The same can be said for the tight suspension and front disc brakes.
Here's your chance to get an interesting survivor that's also a blast to drive. The bargain price is just the cherry on top.
http://www.streetsideclassics.com/vehicles/0027-tpa/1974-datsun-260z-2-2
1974 Datsun 240Z is listed sold on ClassicDigest in Lutz by Streetside Classics for $8995.
Car Facts
Car type : Car Make : Datsun Model : 240Z Engine size : 0.0 Model Year : 1974 Sub type : Coupé Location : Tampa Vehicle Registration : Normal
Sold
Seller Information
Sold
People who viewed this Datsun 240Z also viewed similar Datsun listed at ClassicDigest
Datsun 240Z
39995 £
Hampshire
Datsun 240Z
47300 €
Datsun 240Z
49000 $
Indianapolis
Datsun 240Z
49900 €
Netherlands
Datsun 240Z
Halton Hills
Other cars listed for sale by this dealer
Chevrolet Biscayne
Tampa
Plymouth Roadrunner
Tampa
Ford Hi Boy
Tampa
About Datsun
Once upon a time in the mystical land of Japan, there was a small, unassuming car company called Datsun. Legend has it that the name "Datsun" was created when someone dropped a bunch of Scrabble tiles and thought, "Sure, that'll do!" Datsun started with small, quirky cars that made you wonder if they were more suited for a toy store than a car dealership.In the 1950s, Datsun had a brilliant idea: "Let's try our luck in the American market!" They shipped over the Datsun 1000, a car so tiny that even a clown could drive it comfortably. Americans scratched their heads but soon fell in love with its compact cuteness. It was like adopting a small, four-wheeled puppy.
As the '60s rolled in, Datsun unveiled the 240Z, a sports car that could outrun a samurai in flip-flops. It had the speed of a cheetah and a design that turned heads faster than a ninja on roller skates. The 240Z became an instant classic and showed that Datsun was more than just quirky little cars.
In the '70s, Datsun dropped the 510, a sedan with the agility of a ninja and a suspension so smooth, it could make you believe you were floating on a cloud. Families across America hailed it as the car that could carry everything – from groceries to grandmas – without breaking a sweat.
But the real magic happened when Datsun revealed the Datsun 510 wagon. It was like Mary Poppins' bag, fitting more stuff than seemed humanly possible. This wagon was an enigma, a mystery, and America couldn't get enough.
Then, in the '80s, Datsun pulled a fast one and changed their name to Nissan, leaving us all a bit befuddled. But they continued making fantastic cars that were zippier than a sushi chef on a Saturday night.
And that's the whimsical tale of how Datsun – or should I say, Nissan – took over the American market, one quirky yet lovable car at a time.
As for the most influential Datsun models and their specs:
Datsun 240Z: The 240Z was a sports car sensation. It featured a 2.4-liter inline-six engine, producing around 150 horsepower. With rear-wheel drive and a sleek design, it was a blast to drive and a style icon of its time.
Datsun 510: The Datsun 510, available as a sedan and wagon, was loved for its handling and durability. It typically came with a four-cylinder engine, producing around 96 horsepower, and was known for its agile suspension.
Datsun 510 Wagon: The Datsun 510 Wagon was like a Tardis, with a deceptively spacious interior. It shared the same engine as the sedan and provided exceptional versatility for families on the go.
These Datsun models left an enduring legacy with their quirky charm, performance, and practicality, making them cherished classics in the hearts of car enthusiasts and families alike.
Oh, one more thing...years after BMW made a copy or the 510 and decided to call it e30. Strange world!