What defines a 240Z as a classic?

I do call the 240Z a classic. People still respond to it when they see it-when you drive through town or anywhere don't you get the same smiles, nods, and wave-downs to talk that I do? We have an Australian teenager in the club who is just as much in love with the cars as those of us who lusted after them when they first came out-all of this is eveidence of a true and timeless classic!

But what really makes the car a classic?

In July of 2003, Classic Motorsports magazine Interviewed 11 highly visible and respected car enthusiasts and could not get a clear answer, but none of those interviewed mentioned a Zcar-though other similarly priced cars in the same category and time period were.

Funny thing, the same issue has a feature article titled:

"Datsun Z-Car stylish and Sensibly Priced '70s Sports Car."

in which the Z is called "...a sexy imported sports car...the first really interesting, afordable sports car to come along..."

The Article ends with the reason the Z was such a hit relative to its' peers. It was the best value.

The 240Z is as beautiful a car as there is, shortly before I became active on this site, I emailed one of the active members a message containing this qoute: "Other than Gods direct art (Women and Nature), there isn't much as beautiful as a 240Z. "

that is the way I feel about the cars.

But what is it that defines them as classic?

Everyone is going to have their opinion. I have a copy of Road & Track from May of 1990 that lists the 10 All-time greats, "Celebrating the 10 most significant enthusiast cars in the history of the automobile"

1927 Bugatti Type 43 Grand Sport

1938 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900 B

1947 MG TC

1948 Jaguar XK-120

1963 Mini-Cooper S

1963 Corvette

1965 Porsche 911

1968 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona

1968 Lamborghini Miura

1970 Datsun 240Z

I'd say that's some good company.

Atleast the Z made that one!

But what is it that defines a classic?

hls30.com,

I don't know what makes a classic, but I do agree with you about the looks of the 240z and the positive feelings it evokes.

Other than the crowds that seem to always gather around it at service stations, I sometimes forget the responses of other drivers. I recently met my son for lunch at a restaurant and he happened to follow me for about four blocks. He said that he was amazed at the number of "double takes" resulting from people seeing my old z. Old and young, male and female. Not all, but an amazingly high percentage of the people responded to the classic beauty of the car.

Perhaps that sort of universal recognition defines a classic. :love: It makes people happier simply by existing.

And the best part is that I don't have to visit it in a museum -- I can drive the old girl to the store!!

BILL

Originally posted by hls30.com

But what is it that defines a classic?

Well, as you know, here in Georgia you can get an <A HRef="http://www.dmvs.ga.gov/motor/plates/plate.asp?ptitle=HA">antique car license plate</A> for any car over 25 years old. That's certainly one definition of "classic". I don't think you're going to get anyone to agree on which cars are "classics" and which are not. We all know that early Z cars are classics and that's all that matters to me.

Not sure either. But for fun take a look at this site to see many really cool cars, there's even a Z in the bunch (a 2+2, but it's still a Z). Their inventory is constantly changing so you may want to bookmark it so you can browse from time to time.

http://www.automaniacs.com/index.html

Well, yes, but I would expect that all of the members of this forum believe the 240Z is a a classic, as such I hope to get more than the applejacks answer.

Btw, we (in Georgia) can't get an antique plate customized. I had to get a "prestige plate" to get HLS30.

The cars do evoke a very passionate response(the new Dominos' ad comes to mind). I ran up to the Alltel office today to have an adjustment made to my bill, and every single person in their store commented on the car. Two of the ladies (schawing!) came out to the car to look, and find out about it. There was a new 350Z parked right beside me-the driver was in the Alltel office scratching his head. I guess it hurt to spend 30K+ and have a 31 year old "classic" show up his new (derivative) Z in the eyes of fine 30-something females. Talk about proof of having a classiC!

I recently saw a show on Ferraris, in which Mr. DeCadenet said that the 250 GTO is a car that inspired the design of others for many years. I'm sure that club includes the Z-cars, as well as others. What I like about the 250 GTO is its long hood (from the V-12 engine), the curvy front fenders (like a woman?), the snug cockpit ( minimaland all business, for 1 or 2 people in a race), and the short rear deck ( accents & balances the hood). Sleek, sexy curves all over too.

Sounds like a 240. Probably the same reason(s) I don't like the boxy, angular ZXes of the 80s.

I like the 250GTO as well, so much so I am building a replica on a '77 280Z, There is a real 250GTO here in Savannah, parked side by side, I think the 240Z is a prettier car, but there is something undeniable about the 250GTO as well-I am happy with the 240Z, but I would n't be un-happy with the Ferarri either(no kidding!)

the 240z is definitely the sexiest Z, but someone married us, so sexappeal isn't everything to some people!

Let's see some pictures of your Z(s?), "hls30.com"!

The definition of a classic is similar to what one of the Supreme Court Justices said regarding pornography, paraphrazing as I don't have the original quote: "I can't give you a definition of what constitutes porn, but I know it when I see it."

There are hundreds of vehicles that came out in the late 60's, 70's and early 80's that will be considered old, and maybe qualify for a license plate that denotes them as being older than 24 years. But they would never be considered Classics.

Now, I know that some of them would elicit pangs of remembrance and even a desire to sit in it, but not the yearning to drive it and enjoy it again that a true classic evokes.

Consider:

The Pacer

The Hornet

The Pinto

The Chevette

The Fiesta

The Citation

The "K" cars

The Fairmont

As the years go by, some of these will gain collectability as their numbers go down, and seeing one is a visual treat. Yet, you still don't purposely go out to find one of them until many more years have gone by. Then you buy it just because it's an antique.

Some people would then call them "Classics".

I think I'll just enjoy my Z and let others determine whether they think mine is a classic.

Enrique

Thats too easy, check out....hls30.com

The car is getting ready to spend some time in the air, shiney side down-er sideways for a thorough going over/modification.

It looks very much like the car in the logo!

A beautiful Classic!-but mine has period slot mags!