Purchasing 1970 240Z

[Duffman]

I am a long-time admirer of the old 240Z and looking to acquire a 1970 first year model, with hopes of some appreciation. Any suggestions from you experienced Z owners on what to look for and stay away from?

Thanks!

[ddezso]

First thing is to compare the VIN # on the firewall in the engine compartment to the VIN's on the dash and other ID plates (like door jamb and engine compartment).

[Duffman]

Makes sense. Any concerns about having a 2.8 liter engine dropped under the hood, instead of the original?

[beandip]

If you are looking to a Z for an investment . Find a rust free '70 with a low vin number and low miles that is all origional and complete. Then don't drive it. A car that is as described will appricate more as time goes on just because of atrition . The later 240s will also but not as great as the first year of production. When these cars , like any other collectable car , are driven the value is deminished . The later cars are not as collectable epecially the 2+2 version . Personally , I drive my 240 and enjoy the experience , plus the pride of ownership . Ownership is mearly secoundary . I don't desire to have a collection even if I could afford it and have the storage area . Thats' my 5c Gary

[Arne]

If you are concerned with investment value, you want it as original as possible. If - like me - you are concerned with a nice classic car that you can drive every day, the 2.8 is no big deal. But only you can decide what you really want the car for.

[Duffman]

Got a VIN number of HLS3001399, is that low or high?

[ddezso]

That's the 1,399th one ever made and that is very low. Just double check them. Trust me.....I thought I just bought # 3137 but just discovered I didnt because of a mismatch. Still trying to unravel what I really have now. But - I LOVE the car and the experience of driving it and working on it so it does depend on your motives.

[Arne]

Quite low. HLS30 indicates a left hand drive 240Z. 01399 is the sequential number indicating the 1399th left hand drive car (more or less). A car with that number should have a build date in 1969, not 1970. Very low.

[AWC]

The value of a car that early would be much higher with its original numbers-matching engine than with a swapped-in engine. See if the seller has the original engine on site somewhere.

[Duffman]

Thanks, everyone!

Unfortunately, seller bought from someone who worked at Nissan and they replaced the engine about 8 yrs ago.

[ChrisA]

Hi Duffman, welcome to the group. Good luck with your car. Some folks will not mind if the engine isnt original. Happens all the time.

Chris

[Go240Zags]

Quite low. HLS30 indicates a left hand drive 240Z. 01399 is the sequential number indicating the 1399th left hand drive car (more or less). A car with that number should have a build date in 1969, not 1970. Very low.

I believe only the first 500 U.S. cars were built in 1969. See this page for more information: http://zhome.com/History/69ZArticle.html