what is the TRUE definition of "Series 1"

[Carl Beck]

Our Aussie 240z underwent similar changes though from the article on the z home site, we would tend to call series 1, series 1, and what they call series 2, 3 and 4 as Series 2.

Because Australia received so few cars and usually well into the Model Year, people there may not need to use the Series number to clearly identify their cars. Here in the States we use the Series number to more clearly identify which series car we actually have. Our Datsun Dealers sold/titled Series I cars as 1969 Datsun 2dr cpe., 1970 Datsun 2dr cpe and 1971 Datsun 2dr cpe.

These are just terms invented to describe the changes as the 240z evolved.

I would guess at some point, someone had to invent the word "series". However it's been around for a long time now. In the context that we are using it here, it is a very common term and practice in the Automotive Field; used to distinguish one production run from another which contained identifiable changes, yet not major enough to define a new Model.

It seems to have become popular here in the US with the British and German Cars imported Post WW-II, because they made rolling production changes though-out their model years. Most American Manufacturers held any changes until the next Model Year.

I find it interesting that the zhome article makes no mention of the changing of the differential location, or what series it changed in.

I'm not sure which article you are refereing to - but this one dealing with Production Changes includes the rearward move of the differential.

<a href=http://zhome.com/History/DesignChanges.htm TARGET=NEW> Production Changes</a>

FWIW,

Carl B.

[geezer]

Greetings all. I know this is not the proper forum to introduce myself. I have been visiting this most excellent site for a few years, finally joining a few months ago. I've been absorbing a vast amount of your collective knowledge and experience, which is greatly appreciated. I have just begun the restoration of a Series 1. It is HLS30 011730, with a build date of 10/70. This car was sold/titled in 1970. Just an update to the link Carl provided (Production Changes). I hope to keep in touch as the project progresses. Ron

[Mr Camouflage]

I would guess at some point, someone had to invent the word "series". However it's been around for a long time now. In the context that we are using it here, it is a very common term and practice in the Automotive Field; used to distinguish one production run from another which contained identifiable changes, yet not major enough to define a new Model.

Yes, I guess the point i was trying to make is that they weren't referred to as "Series" changes by the manufacturer (were they?), like they are these days with modern cars. I often see adverts on TV for the latest [insert bland econo-box appliance car name here] Series X car now with [trivial marketing gimmick].

I'm not sure which article you are refereing to - but this one dealing with Production Changes includes the rearward move of the differential.

<a href=http://zhome.com/History/DesignChanges.htm TARGET=NEW> Production Changes</a>

The article I was referring to was the link Arne posted: What year is my Z.

http://zhome.com/History/1970or1971.html

I just thought it would be appropriate to mention the diff relocation in that article too.

[Arne]

I've always thought of the series 1 cars as those with the cigar lighter next to the ashtray.

The lighter was next to the ashtray on both Series 1 and Series 2 cars (US terminology). Basically any '69-71 model year 240Z. The attached picture is of my Series 2, which is a rather late '71 (7/71). The ashtray and lighter both moved for the '72 model year.

As an aside, I seldom think in terms of a Series 3 or 4 240Z. I normally think of Series 1 as the original, Series 2 as the later '71s, and then the '72 and '73 model years as separate entities. Another way to look at it is to consider all of what we call Series 1 cars as '70 models (regardless of title year), Series 2's as '71s, etc...

[Duffman]

Back to my earlier comment about clear hatch glass, was this the norm or was the vertical defroster lines the norm on Series 1 cars? I would like to replace my glass and can't find a clear replacement, whereas I can find the vertical defrost-lined glass.

Your thoughts?

[Arne]

Back to my earlier comment about clear hatch glass, was this the norm or was the vertical defroster lines the norm on Series 1 cars? I would like to replace my glass and can't find a clear replacement, whereas I can find the vertical defrost-lined glass.

Your thoughts?

Stephen, I recall seeing that the clear glass was the norm for the first 1400 cars or so, after which they all got the vertical lines through mid-'72 or '73.

[Carl Beck]

My hatch glass is heavily scratched but clear, without the vertical lines. I am assuming the glass is original. Have thought of getting a nicer piece of glass with the vertical defrost lines, but keep thinking that I am getting away from the original look. Will replace or get louvers one of these days!

According to TSB TS72-29:

There is no provision in the vehicle wiring harness of early model 240-Z vehicles (serial number HLS30 01456).

The TSB tells the Dealers how to install the wiring and new glass with the rear window defroster Lines, in cars that did not come though with them.

FWIW,

Carl B.

[bpilati]

Has anyone ever successfully replaced their rear-window defogger, and made it look like original?

[hls30.com]

I seldom think in terms of a Series 3 or 4 240Z. I normally think of Series 1 as the original, Series 2 as the later '71s, and then the '72 and '73 model years as separate entities. ...

Arne-

Not to start an argument, or hijack the thread, but, it sounds like you are dismissing the '72 and '73 cars as non worthy of being called 240Zs.

While I do see the early cars as more valuable to a collector, I think the any year 240Z in cared for shape is one of the most beautiful cars there is.

To answer the question posed by the starter of this thread, I would agree that Zhome would have the best deffinition of a series one car.

WIll

[Arne]

Arne-

Not to start an argument, or hijack the thread, but, it sounds like you are dismissing the '72 and '73 cars as non worthy of being called 240Zs.

Will, if that's the impression that came across, I worded it poorly. My point was that the Series 1 and 2 tags are useful here in the USA because of the ambiguous nature of the changes related to the model and titled years. A '71 could be either Series 1 or 2. But all '72s are (theoretically) the same, as all '73s are (theoretically) the same. So when speaking of a '72 or '73 240Z, it is simplest to call it a '72 or '73, and not cloud the issue with "Series" references that not all will understand or agree with.

I have no issues with any 240Z, when I first started looking for an S30, I decided that I wanted small bumpers. So I seriously considered all years of 240Zs, and even a couple of early 260Zs. Sure, the earliest cars are more "collectible" but since I wanted a driver that didn't mean much to me. It was simply chance that the one I first bought turned out to be a Series 1. The fact that it was a Series 1 had no bearing on the purchase.

Actually, I seldom refer to my cars by Series anywhere but here. When talking to other car people - even other Z people - I typically refer to the yellow car as an "early '71" and the red one as a "late '71". Some people frequently refer to all Series 1 cars as '70 240Zs, regardless of the titled year. Seems to make sense, and could reduce confusion if EVERYONE did that. Most people understand that model-year terminology.

[hls30.com]

I got it, there were substantially more variations 69-71, and '72, and '73 were much less fooled around with by the factory.

I am guilty of prolonging the the ambiguity...

Will

[Duffman]

Thanks, Arne and Carl, for the feedback on the clear hatch glass!