I'm a newb, but I have an opportunity to buy one...

[260Znewb]

Hi everyone, I recently came upon a 1974 Datsun 260z for sale. The owner doesn't know if it runs and drives, and the car has most of the rocker panels rotted out and part of the floor. There is also some surface rust lurking about. It was originally his dad's car so he knows virtually nothing about it. He wants $800 for it and I'm not sure if I should pay that in case the car is a junk heap. My question is where do these cars usually rot, and do you think it's worth it if the car runs and drives? Thanks for the help, I'm looking forward to joining the community (hopefully).

[260Znewb]

I forgot to mention, the car is a 260z 2+2. Does that make it kind of rare? I saw in another thread (early 2+2s) that only 796 2+2s were made in 1974, is this true? Any answers would be greatly appreciated since I have to act soon.

[26ounce]

It sounds like the car is pretty run down and will almost certainly have more rust in it than you would think. If the seller says he is not sure if it runs then it probably won't and is likely to have been sitting there for a while.

Based on your post my advice would be to give it a miss. In my experience the 2+2 is not really collectable compared to the 2 seater, and in this case there would be a significant amount of work/cash to get it looking, and running, nice again.

note - I'm based in Australia where less desirable 2+2s outnumber coupes 3 to 1. Someone from the US would have a better idea of the collectability of a 2+2 out you way.

So what do you want a Z for: Daily driving? Project car?

[thefastestz]

From your info in your post buying that car sounds like trouble.

Especially for $800 too much.

Plus that sounds like the description for a parts car.

I think the 2 seater is the more desirable..IMO.

But I have seen pics of nice 2+2's on this site that are NICE. But other than i find them in junkyards run down.