What do you think... 72 240z

[Tim 76' 280Z]

I own a 76 280z auto. I have found a 72 240z with the original motor with dual carbs and a 5 speed tranny. The car has been taken apart to get ready to paint. Windshield takin out, doors off, windows out, hatch off, hood off, and the interior all takin out except for the dash which is the original with no cracks. The floor pans are solid. There is some small rust spots but not alot. Car also comes with new windshield and two spare fenders. The guy is asking 1800 dollars for the car. I have offered my 69 ford truck as a trade and I believe he is going to take it. So... should I sale my 280 and focus all my energy towards the 240 or just keep the 280 and not bother with the 240??? So far I have 2600 dollars invested in the 280 so i could sell and take the money to get the 240 painted... Whats your guys opinion???

[Arne]

I've been emailing back and forth with Mike B about the car you are looking at, Tim. Both of us are pretty certain that it is NOT a '72 as advertised, but is a '70 or really early '71. If you buy it, be certain to verify the VIN in all locations, especially the firewall. Don't trust the dash pad. Compare to the title carefully. I think it is a '70 with a later '72 dash in it. If the title matches the dash pad, but not the number stamped on the firewall, beware!

As for which car to do, you'll need to make that decision your self. A 240Z is lighter, has the original visual styling, and is a more 'pure' sports car. But a 280Z is a better daily driver for most people. It's up to you.

[Tim 76' 280Z]

Is the car you have seen a dark red with primer on top? if so its really starting to sound fishy now.

[Arne]

Yup, that's the one. I watch most all the craigslist sites in the Pacific NW for 240Zs. I'm not going to say that it's a bad car, or fishy. It might be a typo or confusion on the part of the seller. If the title matches the number stamped on the firewall, it's probably fine. Might be a bit over-priced for disassembled car, but on the other hand it has a lot of good parts included.

[Mike B]

Tim,

Yes, that's the car. Arne and I have not seen the car in person, only the couple of pictures from the ad. One of the pictures shows the rear deck without the built in tool boxes that the 71 (series 2) - 73 have. It sounds like a decent deal if it is as described, but like Arne said I would check all of the ID plates, firewall VIN, and title carefully.

-Mike

[Tim 76' 280Z]

Ok cool. Thanks for the heads up guys.

[sblake01]

If I were in your position, I'd stick with the 280Z. From what I've read about your car I don't think you'd get what you've put in it if you sold it right now. And the 240 you're describing sound to be in lesser condition with some questions surrounding it. And like Arne said it sound overpriced in it's present condition.