I'm a newbie here and just wanted to say Hello to all. Currently own 2 Zs... a late '74 260Z and a '04 350Z (and a TR6... and a 911...what can I say...I'm afflicted!). The 260 is all original down to it's date-coded RD-150 tires. Shows 28,xxx miles and appears to have mostly original paint. Still has some new car smell! I was looking for a manual 240Z but this popped up locally some years back and I thought I would be dumb to pass on it. I have thought about making it into my version of what an early Z should be but that would include converting to a 5-speed, doing something with those bumpers, doing the suspension, and getting some more power out of the engine. Of course, part of me says it's too nice to mod... but what do I know.

Edited December 2, 201113 yr by 767driver

An outstanding survivor. I love the color of the car and the interior is just pristine.

I would be torn on the auto-to-manual conversion as well, however there is nothing the in the vehicle ID to indicate how it came from the factory. In the end you have to enjoy the car. If a manual transmission is your hearts desire, I'd make the change and keep the parts in the event you felt that it should be returned to its configuration.

Outstanding car!! I just purchased a late 74 260 but it looks NOTHING like that. I will be saving your pics for a reference when I begin resto on mine. Again, great car, enjoy!!

Wow, that Z belongs in a museum! You car is in amazing, original shape. I would say that of all first generation Z-cars ('70-78), the late 260Z is the rarest of all. They were only made for 3-4 months, and I've never seen one in such great shape.

Wow! That is beautiful. I would strongly recommend you do not make any modifications. Assuming the engine is original, runs well, and has flat tops, and it's a real 28K miles, that's a $15K car easy. Once you start making those mods that you mentioned to that car, you will have a $5K car on your hands. What a waste.

I would store that thing, or sell it for an easy $12K-$15K, then go out a buy a Z for $2K on Craigslist and modify to your hearts content.

Just my 2 cents.

I'm a newbie here and just wanted to say Hello to all. Currently own 2 Zs... a late '74 260Z and a '04 350Z (and a TR6... and a 911...what can I say...I'm afflicted!). The 260 is all original down to it's date-coded RD-150 tires. Shows 28,xxx miles and appears to have mostly original paint. Still has some new car smell! I was looking for a manual 240Z but this popped up locally some years back and I thought I would be dumb to pass on it. I have thought about making it into my version of what an early Z should be but that would include converting to a 5-speed, doing something with those bumpers, doing the suspension, and getting some more power out of the engine. Of course, part of me says it's too nice to mod... but what do I know.

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There are relatively few S30's out there today that are still original and, I suspect, even far fewer that are in the beautiful condition as your car. On the other hand, S30's that are great candidates for mods are far more plentiful - and that is not attempting to include those rusting away to oblivion.

With all that said, my counsel is to keep this great car in the original condition it is in now. Once you change it, the originality and uniqueness will be gone forever - it will become just another modded Z. Have a hankering to build one to your own specs (and I see you are a real car guy)? Then go rescue one that has fallen on harder times and bring it back to life just as you want it to be.

Just my $0.02 worth. Good luck with your decision.

Jim

Thanks for the kind words and advice. This quandary is why I barely use this car. I bet I haven't put 600 miles on it in the 10 years I have owned it. Took it to Carlisle a few times and the occasional joy ride. I should get another set of wheels and tires and drive it a little bit more. And yes, it still has flat tops on it. In fact, it always started and ran fine until the last time I went to start it. Even on choke I had to prod the gas pedal to keep it running and it sounded and felt as if it were only running on one carb. So I will have to check both ignition and fuel delivery to what's wrong. It really just sits too much and these are the sorts of things that can and do happen when parked.

A few more pics...

Edited December 4, 201113 yr by 767driver

Nice Z ,,,,, original and with A/C. PM me I live in Fulton MD and just got a 72 Cali 240. I also own a 1972 510 two door with original factory paint 'and period mods..l20b,5spd,lower suspension and feel the same. Lee

all original down to it's date-coded RD-150 tires.

Beware those tires. Rubber will age and degrade just through oxidation alone, even out of the sun, no matter how much Armorall you apply. 38 years is way old.

Nice Z ,,,,, original and with A/C. PM me I live in Fulton MD and just got a 72 Cali 240. I also own a 1972 510 two door with original factory paint 'and period mods..l20b,5spd,lower suspension and feel the same. Lee

PM sent

Beware those tires. Rubber will age and degrade just through oxidation alone, even out of the sun, no matter how much Armorall you apply. 38 years is way old.

Yep, I realize the tires could let go. I rarely drive it. And I don't use armor All much on anything. Prefer non-silicone vinyl and rubber dressings... Like Griot's.

Awesome! Love the green! Total time capsule.

Mine has the flat tops also, but I got lucky with the 4sp.

Enjoy!