What to buy? 1972 240Z vs 1977 280Z

[bobc]

No arguments, just thoughtful discussion! I'd rather buy a 35 year old car with 50K miles that has been driven 15 minutes once a month or so for its life than a 10K car that's been sitting for 35 years. My experience has shown that the 50K will have a lot less problems. The difference is I drive my cars. If I wanted one to look at, hardly ever drive, and be an investment, I might consider the 10K car. However, investment wise, neither the 72 or 280 are going to be big appreciators. Notice that 5 MPH bumper on the 280Z. Just one example of slightly safer! Still wouldn't have my 18 year old drive either, but that's just me. My neighbor bought a 66 Mustang for his son when he was around that age. Lasted about 6 months before they sold it.

Here's an example http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Datsun-Z-Series-240Z-1972-DATSUN-240Z-SURVIVOR-CALIFORNIA-BLUE-PLATES-67-698-ORIGINAL-MILES-/180755458331?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item2a15dd691b#ht_837wt_1167. This car has only 67,698 original miles, but it hasn't run since 1995. It's going to take a lot of time and money to put this one back on the road.

Looks like the 280Z used to be Silver. You asked about the A/C. I don't think either is terribly complicated. Adding A/C to a 240Z is no big deal at all. Can do it in less than a day.

As to the great father/son experience. Probably so, until the son calls dad and says I wrecked the car we've spent countless hours restoring!!! :classic:

Edited November 20, 2011 by bobc

[Brubaker]

I would have to side with BobC as to driving a car like this prior to having been tested by the close call. I wanted my kids to have that close call fender bender, where no one gets hurt and they realize how fast an accident can happen. During those initial outings you want a car that is a full metal jacket with lots of protection. A manual shift would be a nice thing as it is a good thing for all kids to learn on and it gives them some bragging rights with their peers.

I think the father and son restoration bonding would be great and it will equip your son with some life long skills. He won't have to pay exorbitant prices for repair work as he will have a better understanding of how things work and hopefully not be afraid to try to fix things himself. Confidence with car repairs will lead to confidence in other areas. It probably would be a better proposition for you to tackle this and state from the beginning it is your car and involving him will allow him to learn and one day if he is very lucky and he listens to everything you say and gets good grades and never talks back (yeah right, fantasy time over) your car may be his car but not until he is ready, which may mean in his 20's.

Good luck to you whatever you decide, I think either car would be a great project. So far I have found these cars to be relatively easy to work on and this site is a tremendous wealth of information. Since he is young, make sure you always take extra safety precautions, wearing gloves, respirators and always triple check and have failsafe backup when the car is off the ground.

And when he's ready you'll be able to do this.

[ZcarFanMan]

listens to everything you say and gets good grades and never talks back (yeah right, fantasy time over)

Hahaha, as my dad would tell me about my kids.. "grand kids are your parent's revenge"

I hear you guys on the safety side of things. Thanks for the input.. We'll probably go for the 240. Unless something better comes along in the next week or so.

[ZcarFanMan]

Looking back when the '76 280z was handed over to me I was 19yrs old but responsible enough to know better & that car was with me unharmed till 1990 when it was stolen & recovered STRIPPED! That's when I got the 77 280z.. He has a several more years to show his worth so it's not like i'm gonna hand him the keys when it's done.. I have an angle in this deal too ya know. I guess you can say it will be "our" car.

BTW, where is a good place for new parts, hard to get parts & misc items for the Z in so cal? Wizard Of Z's was 5 miles away but they shut down about 7 yrs ago.

Thanks again guys!

[30 Ounce]

I would go for the '72 240Z. More potential upside as far as resale, a lot easier to work on, more raw sport car appeal. Datsun, as everyone knows, softened the Z and made it more of a comfy touring car as the years went on. And of course the US smog & safety requirement took their toll on power & weight. The 280 has beams in the doors that the 240 doesn't. There were also other modifications to the chasis to strengthen things. And of course the massive bumpers.

My dad & I just got a '72 240Z project. I can't wait to get started even though it's his. Difference is I'm 45 and he's 63 but it's still a good father son project.

Motorsport Auto is a good source for parts in southern CA. https://www.thezstore.com/store/merchant.mvc?Session_ID=47a327d3a8a5582b5cbf2bae573e231d&

[cozye]

I would go with the 240. I have a nice 280 and I'm happy with it, however the engine bay is ugly, the efi is rudimentary, finicky, and can be a real pita. I know it well at this point, but a nice 240 is so much simpler and the engine looks so much better when cleaned up. They are more desirable, easier to sell, and easier to get parts for. You will never find those bumper ends in the 240 and doing a bumper conversion is a pita(I've done it)

Knowing what I know now, I would have gone the 240 route

[bobc]

If the two cars were equal, I'd have to agree that the 240Z is a better choice for ease to work on, resale value, etc. but from the descriptions provided, they are not equal. Beside minor things like the interior needs replacing in the 240Z, the 280Z is currently running and the 240Z hasn't in 23 years and doesn't appear that it was put up properly. So with that in mind, I made the recommendation for the 280Z.

Motorsports in Orange is a great source for parts. Black Dragon and Z Car Source (see banner ad on the home page) are others. You can always go to ebaymotors and find buys as well. Watch the price and shipping. Sometimes good bargains and sometimes not.

BTW, please pardon my rudeness, welcome to the site!!! It's a great place with great people and advice (well, except mine!)

Bob

[olzed]

If you want simplicity, then the 240 hands down. Carbs are simple, and unlike 35 years old EFI very little to go wrong.

My 2c

[Oiluj]

I'm torn on this one. The 240 is the obvious choice for a father-son project, and will have better long-term value. However, I agree that an S30 Z is not a good 1st car for a teenage boy, no matter how responsible, he will be tempted to push it...

Perhaps the best choice is to do the 240 as a project, and get him a more modern, safer car to drive till he's older. Nice 240 Z's are getting harder to find, and as has been stated, lack the safety features of more modern cars.

[30 Ounce]

I'm torn on this one. The 240 is the obvious choice for a father-son project, and will have better long-term value. However, I agree that an S30 Z is not a good 1st car for a teenage boy, no matter how responsible, he will be tempted to push it...

Perhaps the best choice is to do the 240 as a project, and get him a more modern, safer car to drive till he's older. Nice 240 Z's are getting harder to find, and as has been stated, lack the safety features of more modern cars.

Totally agree with Julio. I think with his hard work & hands on experience refurbishing (rebuilding?) for the next 4-5 years (he is 12 after all) he'll have a healthy respect for what it takes to build a nice Z and will cherish it more. Hopefully that will translate into to being a carefull driver.

My son is 16 now, has his permit and has been driving the minivan. We are looking for a 510 or something similar to build for him. I wouldn't get him a Z for a daily driver 'cause it's a cop magnet! The last thing a young driver needs is more attention from the police.

[Healey Z]

240z, no smog worries, simplicity and bigger upside on resale.

[bob m]

I recommend the 240z, no question. I have one which sat for years and replaced the interior. Replacement parts are easy to get and fairly priced. The 72 is a sports car and looks/feels/drives like one.

Bob M