It's Official, I'm a 240Z Owner!!!!

[texasz]

After many months of daily searching I now own one! First I'd like to thank everyone who helped in one way or another during my search!

The end to a long journey! I will post pix to my gallery later this week. She ain't much to look at right now but she will be when I'm done with her! OH!! It's an early '71 (8/70 production date) 240Z, VIN HLS30-08215

So here's the story. I was on my way to a wedding on 5/10 and saw a Z in front of an office building but was in a hurry and did not have time to stop. On my way home I noticed that it was still there so I stopped to try and talk to the owner to see if it was for sale. The office was locked up and there was nobody around. I decided to leave a note on the windshield asking if the car was for sale or if they would consider selling it.

After one full week went by with no call I figured that they did not want to sell...no big deal, it was worth a shot. Two full weeks had now passed and the owner called to tell me that the car was for sale. Great news! I asked a few questions about it and then asked about the price. They wanted $3500, to which I replied that it was out of my budget but thank you for calling me. She talked with her husband (it was his car but he did not speak much English) and then said that he would sell it for $2500. For those of you who had seem my post know that this was still too much for me and I again explained and thanked her. She talked with her husband again then came back and asked when I wanted to see it. I figured what the heck and made arrangements to look at it two days later.

After a test drive and inspection I took my list of my findings and told them that I'd have to look into the cost of repairs and call them back. After adding up the parts needed (no labor) there was no way I could even pay $2k for the car so I called to inform them and thank them for their time. She explained that she really wanted to see me get the car as she could tell that I would take care of it and the other person interested in it would only destroy it over time. I told her that the most I could give was $1500 and she talked with her husband and he said he'd let it go for $1800 to me. A tempting offer but staring at the list of repairs totaling over $1400 in parts alone I just couldn't do it (only a few of the repairs are needed immediately). I stood firm on my offer.

Over the next week we went back and forth over the price and I finally agreed to buy it for $1800 ONLY if they got it inspected and it passed. They agreed.

Today I got the results...it failed! Reasons were due to the license plate light not working, the hi/low beam indicator not working, and the cat converter missing. Armed with this I renegotiated the price to $1500 expecting to have to do some exhaust work and took the car home.

After sever replies to my post I now have found out that this car is not supposed to have a cat converter so all I have to do is fix the lights and take proof of the car not needing a cat converter back to the inspection place. :classic:

[jeffhop]

Thats great news! Hopefully I will be in that same position in 6 or so months!

[ZmeFly]

where in the hell are the pics man pics damnit pics!!!!!

[Alex 240Z]

I truly admire your patients and your willingness to set a price and stick to it !!! When I got the Z fever I could not leave until I gave the guy the deposit and did not get him down a cent!!! But I do love my Z !!!! Looking foward to seeing pictures and Best of Luck with your Z !!!!

[thefastestz]

Great Find!!! An early 71 is the Z i feel is the ideal Z IMO(well the 240z i will be hunting out when time comes).

How much does the I.D plate say it wieghs?I've always wanted to see one. Good luck with it.

Your experience is proof that patience and persistance pay off.

Early 71.......$1500....CONGRADULATIONS!!!!

[jpac]

great job oh holding firm with the price. We defintely need to see those pics.

Congradulations!!!!!

[texasz]

PIX NOW AVAILABLE IN MY GALLERY!!

[texasz]

Car Plans:

Refresh her, not restore and make her "my Z". Since a few mods have already been made and the manufacturer ID plate is missing from under the hood I'm not so concerned with doing a full on restore, I never was nor could I afford it. Plans include trying to find a R180 3.9 from a Datsun 720 4x4 to put in, keeping a 5-speed, putting in an F54 block with a P90 head. Repainting her and cleaning up and replacing any necessary interior parts (carpet, recover seats, replace dash, etc). As far as use goes, I will drive her on nice sunny days (but not hot ones!) and autox her with Texas Spokes Sports Car Club (I used to be a member years ago when I raced my Accord, took 3rd place back in '92).

Please feel free to comment on my plans but rude remarks are un-necessary. Have no fear! I'm not going to ruin the way it looks with some of the horrid conversions that are out there! I love the body just the way it is (minus the rust and add a new coat of paint).