1973 No Reserve Auction on BAT

[Mike]

Just posting for those who might be looking for an early series car.

 

This 1973 Datsun 240Z is a largely stock, matching-numbers example that was thoroughly restored in 2006 by the previous owner. The car has been repainted in its original silver and benefits from rebuilt suspension and a new A/C system. The seller purchased the car from the second owner in Florida, and promptly drove the car 2300 miles back to Winnipeg, Canada without issue. The restoration left the original interior intact, and the seller is a knowledgeable collector who says typical wear items on 240Z’s have been addressed. The A/C blows cold and the car is said to handle beautifully on proper sized tires with new front struts and rebuilt rear suspension. This an unmodified Z that comes with a large history file from its two previous long-term owners. Many detail shots are included in the gallery at BAT.

 

 

Paint finish is now ten years old and shows a handful of small stone chips on the nose, but remains very good overall. We like the OEM hubcaps and absence of dealer added side trim. The seller says the car has never rusted and illustrates the point by describing a recent rebuild of the rear suspension with OEM bushings and shocks that was a breeze as even the smallest 10mm bolts were easily removed with a quarter inch ratchet. Other notable details include Vredestein Sprint tires and factory stacked exit muffler.

 

 

The seller says the interior is original including good upholstery, carpets, and crack free dashboard. All gauges, lights and instruments work well, and factory A/C blows cold following a full system replacement with all new OEM components. The only non-original item to be found inside is a later ’90s Pioneer cassette deck, but its twin dial design looks better than more modern LED units.

 

 

The rear hatch view looks clean, including in the corners, and several chassis shots viewable below show that the car retains all of its factory undercoating with no visible rust. Front struts were replaced just prior to the seller’s purchase in April of 2011.

 

 

Completely unmodified apart from a thermostatically controlled electric auxiliary cooling fan, the original engine is said to start easily, idle smoothly, and pull hard throughout the rev range without any unusual noises or smoke. The electric fan was added to better cope with Florida heat, though reportedly it now only comes on in very hot weather when the A/C is on. The car has twin fuel pumps which help hot starts, and properly tuned SU carbs have never been an issue under the seller’s ownership.

 

 

The seller has a large collection and is primarily drawn to original, low-mileage survivors. He says the the 150k miles on this example is a bit higher than he normally likes, but the unmodified and original condition drew him to the car. The initial 2,300 miles back home to Winnipeg were not out of character for the seller, who drives every car he owns and says this Z is reliable and smooth. Included documentation dates from new and takes up four large envelopes.

Be sure to check out the full photo gallery here on Flickr.

 

http://bringatrailer.com/listing/1973-datsun-240z-6-2/

[Z fan]

This is the fourth 73 Z on BAT feature in the last few weeks, the 3 prior to this one got lots of attention and lots of coin. The days of low coin for a Z are gone.

[Bonzi Lon]

The flat tops were changed out, just like mine. 

 

Bonzi Lon