BAT: Original Owner 1972 Datsun 240Z

[Mike]

This 1972 Datsun 240z has 150k miles and was purchased new by the seller from Forrest Datsun in Redwood City, California. The car retains its factory paint and body panels, and benefits from an extensive mechanical refurbishment performed in 2001. Work included a full rebuild of the 2.4L inline-six, rebuilt SU carburetors, new fuel pump, replacement of many cooling system parts, reseal of the 4-speed manual transmission with a new clutch, and refreshment of braking and suspension components. Modifications include 14″ mesh wheels, aftermarket mirrors and exhaust, front and rear bumper over-riders, and a period stereo upgrade. The car has been garage-kept in Washington for nearly 30 years and has been driven sparingly, with approximately 1k miles placed on it since the work was performed. This 240Z is sold with a clear Washington title in the seller’s name.

The car wears its original Red (110) paintwork that is close in color to the more popular 918 Orange often seen on early Zs, though it exhibits a darker hue when viewed in different lighting conditions. The finish retains a clean, well-preserved appearance, benefiting from frequent waxings and the avoidance of inclement weather throughout its life. The car has remained free of accidents with imperfections said to be limited to a few small door dings as well as a small development of rust along the driver-side rocker sill that can be seen in detail in the photo gallery below.

The exterior remains stock apart from the installation of period side mirrors, front and rear bumper over-riders, and a set of 14″ mesh wheels fitted with newer Bridestone Potenza rubber.

Lenses remain clear and crack free, and the chrome trim retains good shine and proper fitment. The exterior rubber trim shows equally well remaining well-preserved and free of any excessive fading.

Apart from a new carpet kit and the reupholstering of the driver’s seat, the original interior shows quite well for its age and mileage. Though the seller notes the new driver’s upholstery is not an exact match, new material for the passenger seat is included in the sale.

The original dash remains free of cracking and interior alterations are limited to the aforementioned carpet and upholstery, as well as the installation of a period cassette player and leather steering wheel wrap. Though the gauges remain fully operational, several accessories are noted by the seller as non-functional including the rear window defogger, windshield washer, overhead dome light, clock, rear hatch key lock, and the heater, which the seller describes as not producing any flow through the heater lines and will require further diagnosis.

The rear hatch area remains tidy, retaining its original trim panels and accompanied by new carpeting for the hatch floor. The quilted vinyl surfacing along the rear shock towers, wheel well, and transmission tunnel remain free of any scuffing or rips and show well in the provided images.

A removal of the carpets reveal the original floor pans that remain solid and dry.

A thorough mechanical refurbishment was carried out in 2001 that included a rebuild of the original 2.4L L24 inline-six to stock specifications, as well as some other mechanical work listed below.

• Rebuilt SU carburetors
• New clutch including master and slave cylinders
• New brake master and rear wheel cylinders
• New radiator, water pump, and hoses
• New ignition components
• New engine mounts, steering rack, and sway bar bushings
• New transmission front and rear seals
• New tie rods and ball joints
• Rebuilt front brake calipers

Following the refresh, the car has been driven just a few times a year with approximately 1k miles accumulated since 2001. The seller notes the car starts and drives well, exhibiting good driving, handling and stopping qualities.

Assorted photographs provided by the seller shows a well-preserved underside with solid front frame rails and clean mechanical components.

With its original owner status, well-preserved cosmetics, and sorted mechanicals, this 240 makes a desirable choice for Z ownership and is ready to be enjoyed by its new owner.

View it on bringatrailer.com