240z Pre-Purchase Sanity Check

[Hardway]

I have been lurking around awhile and posted a few items here and there since I sold my ’72 240z back in 2013. I love my FR-S that I drive everyday but I miss having a classic Z and the interaction between owners. I have learned from my previous Z car ownerships that I want one as done as much as possible, the best car I can afford. I want it in silver or red, black interior, 4spd or 5spd, as rust free as possible, and as original as possible meaning no V8 swaps, stanced cars, flared fenders, etc. Getting a Series-1 is a big bonus as long as it is all there but most importantly, something I can start enjoying from day 1. I have looked at and investigated a few potential classic Z’s but all have been a bust for various reasons. Recently one popped up that looks like a real winner.

I checked out a 1971 240z last weekend. It was built in 8/70 and is number 8816 if I remember correctly. In a nutshell the car is very nice with the only drawback being the quality of the paint. It looks like an older single stage paint job that has either lost its gloss or was not put down or possibly mixed properly. There are a few small door dings and scratches here and there but you have to be looking for them. Overall the paint is a 6/7 out of 10 while the body is a 9 out of 10. The only rust to speak of is on the bottom with none on the body. There is one hole the size of a small marble in the front corner driver side pan and a little some rust the passenger side rail running under the floor pan. Doors, hatch, and hood all open, close, and lock very nicely. Weather stripping is in good shape with only the hatch seal needing replacement. All of the glass is good with no chips or major scratches. The front windshield has a “240-Z” decal across the top that the previous owner started to peel off on the passenger side but stopped so it looks a little flaky. I plan to remove it anyway. Interior is good and complete with recovered and re-strapped seats, no speaker holes cut in to anything, and all gauges and lights working except the clock. The dash does have 3 small cracks above the center gauges but we all know this is very common. All of the Series-1 stuff is presented and accounted for except for the knob on the gas door which was replaced with a lock that is opened with the ignition key. Bumpers are in really good shape with only the rubber strips showing some age.

The real highlights of the car are the completely rebuilt and detailed suspension, detailed and resealed engine, rebuilt transmission, and the fact everything is matching numbers and original to the car. I know exactly how much work it takes to rebuild and detail the suspension on a classic Z as I went through that same exercise myself with the lime green ’72 240z I used to own. Driving it yielded a very rewarding experience as it ran smooth and strong, shifted gears with nice positive action, stopped good, and did not have any unusual noises or smells. As it sits the only real immediate need the car has is a set of tires. The ones on it have lots of tread but have hardened from age. My plan would be to get a set of 16”Panasports for it anyway so it is kind of a moot point but it would mean buying wheels and tires rather quickly. The wheels I would be getting with it are the turbine wheels, not the black insert wheels. Given all this info and what can be seen in the pics, do you think this car is worth $9K - $10K? I have already nailed down a deal with the seller but thought I would run this by the Z community for your thoughts and opinions. I really like the car a lot as it checks just about all the boxes I want in a classic Z. Just want to make sure my emotions are not getting the best of me. Thank you for your input!

MORE PICS -> CL Pics Photos by camaroguy1969 | Photobucket

[siteunseen]

Looks good! Turn the key and go.

[Zup]

2 words--

BUY IT!!!

[psdenno]

He who hesitates is lost. Jump on it.

Dennis

[Hardway]

Thanks guys. I already have a truck and trailer lined up to go get it Saturday morning. I will keep you posted.

[240260280z]

WELCOME BACK!

That is a nice re-entry.

[jfa.series1]

Looks like an outstanding find - looking forward to an updated profile pic!

[bacarl]

I paid $7500 for my '73 (not as good as a '71) which is in about that same condition except unrestored/detailed. I'm now doing all that work myself and while I'm enjoying it for the most part, it would definitely be worth another $2000 to have my car in that kind of condition already.

Looking forward to the updates. Welcome back.

[Hardway]

I paid $7500 for my '73 (not as good as a '71) which is in about that same condition except unrestored/detailed. I'm now doing all that work myself and while I'm enjoying it for the most part, it would definitely be worth another $2000 to have my car in that kind of condition already.

That is exactly how I am looking at this car. I sold my '72 240z for $4800 that I had over $6K in and it still needed another $4K - $6K of rust repair, paint, and bodywork and that is me still doing a lot of work. This car is a series-1 which I really like and really only needs tires to be enjoyed. A paint job would be in its future but for right now it is very presentable. If all goes to plan I will have it back home late tomorrow afternoon.

[Z fan]

Lots of potential, an easy solid driver with little coin.

[240260280z]

I want first refusal if you ever sell it