73 240 is now a 74 260

[JD73z]

I am curious what people think about 260s. I bought the car I wanted, a 240 with 280 motor and 5 speed for 3500. Turned out the frame was bent so the shop offered a gold 260 with little rust and blown head for 3k. I am putting the car together to make one good one, and I like the more solid construction of the 260 frame. So aside from the fact I overpaid for everything and was screwed on what looked like a good car - is a 74.5 260 worth a full resto?

[Oiluj]

The 260 is certainly worthy of a full restoration, but at the end of the day, the decision also depends on what you plan to do with the car.

If your goal is to restore and flip the car for profit, neither may be a good option. Cost of a restoration typically is more than immediate market value.

The 240Z is considered more desirable by collectors, especially the earlier years. Given you won't have the correct size engine & transmission, it will be considered a resto-mod and worth a bit less than an "original" car.

The 260Z will still be marketable, but perhaps to a somewhat smaller number of buyers.

If you plan to keep the car, they are pretty much equal in terms of value for your investment.

Just my 2 cents...

[Kurbycar32]

I think Oiluj nailed it but here's my 2 cents: The early 260 and 240 Z's are pretty close, and externally are indistinguishable except by a Z enthusiast. Internally the 260 has a better electrical system and a refined HVAC system, personally I think the early 260 has a more refined dash/center console. The purists however only want a 240z and it will always demand a higher price. As a 260z owner though i can tell you that a small collection of parts are extremely hard to come by since the early model was only made for 9 months, specifically some of the interior parts. I paid I think 2200 for a early 260 in "non-op" condition with a straight body that ran like a champ after 80 bucks in kragen parts so the shop might be sticking it to you on the trade. In that situation I would offer 1500 for the blown 260 and pay 2k or less and throw "stock restoration" out the window in favor of "restomod"

[JD73z]

Thanks for your insight and replying to my dilemma. I should have said resto-mod since I don't care for skinny tires and the stock steering wheel. I already ordered a nardi wheel and rims. The gold car is a late 260, so it is basically a 280 with a 2.6, it's as confused as I am. I am considering putting the 240 tail lights in the 260 by cutting a larger hole. My hesitation came when I realized it will be 5-10k for a paint job. I thought a more solid body but with 240 looks would be good. If I say it out loud it sounds crazy.

[Kurbycar32]

Paint is pricey and if you're talking to a quality shop than 5k for a paint job is fairly standard. I worked in an auto body shop over a summer in college and I can tell you a proper paint job is extremely labor intensive so you really get what you pay for.