My last year of high school, I was in the market for a car and was leaning towards a Toyota MR2, when I saw a cover article in Auto Restorer magazine (1991). On the cover was a blue 1971 240Z. It looked fantastic. Up until that point, I thought the Z line of cars began with the 280ZX. Once I read the article on the 240Z, I was hooked. I began looking for 240Zs in my weekly Auto Trader magazine.
About a month after I read the article in Auto Restorer magazine I found what I was looking for in the Auto Trader (article clipping is in my gallery). I called the owner, got his address and went to take a look. When my dad and I arrived a beautiful green, 1973 240Z was parked in the driveway. I looked it over, and it looked pretty good. The paint was a little tired, but there was no rust. I talked with the owner and found out that the car was originally from Texas (he had the original sales receipts and deposit slips) and had most recently resided in California. The car had 72,000 miles on the odometer and had never seen snow (I was living in southern Ontario at the time).
After a few minutes discussion, we got in the 240Z, started it up and took it for a test drive. WOW! The car was responsive (225 60R14 Yokohama Auto Cross Tires) and quick. A real sports car. I was really hooked. When we got back to the owner's house, we started talking price. He wanted $8,000 (Canadian$). Me, being of limited resources, offered him $4,500. I loved the car, but couldn't see parting with all of my cash. Anyway, I left my phone number with the owner, and told him to call me if he changed his mind.
One week later, I got a call back and the owner said that he was now open to negotiations. After some discussion, I eventually agreed to pay $6,500 for the car. I wrote him a cheque, and drove off in my new car. All that was necessary for the car to pass the Safety Inspection was to put a set of tires on.
Over the last thirteen years, I have continually upgraded the parts on my 240Z when something broke (see list of modifications below). I drive my car daily except in the winter when I do a lot of walking. I'll be moving to northern Florida in a month or two where I'll get to drive year round (woohooo!!!!).
Engine:
- Nissan Remanufactured 2.8L Long Block (F54 block with P79 head)
- Schneider Performance Camshaft (Stage 2)
- Nissan Electronic Ignition
- Motorsport 3-2-1 Headers (wrapped)
- 2 1/4" Exhaust
- Rebuilt 1972 Carburetors with SM Needles
- K&N Chrome Air Filters
- three-core high efficiency radiator
Driveline:
- 1983 280ZX 5-speed transmission
- 3.9 R200 Differential
Suspension:
- Front and Rear, Suspension Techniques Sports Springs and Anti-Sway Bars
- KYB struts
- urethane bushings all round
Wheels:
- 14x6, 280ZX OEM Wheels with Custom Paint
- BFG Comp T/As, 215 60R14
Body:
- Front urethane spoiler
- 280Z hood with louvers
- 1971 front bumper
- rear window louvers
- complete paint job in 1996 (original green with gold metallic)
Most recently I added a Motorsports Fuse Box (printed circuit board with square fuses) as my original fuse box had melted (guess which fuse!). I also have a complete weatherstripping kit I am in the process of installing.
Overall, $CAD 13,000 invested over 13 years (not including purchase price). I last had my 240Z appraised in 2000 at $CAD 14,500. The car now has 121,000 miles.
I love my 240Z. It was the first car I ever bought and I'll own it until I die!
PS: I just discovered this forum a couple of months ago and it is outstanding!!!! I've already solved a number of nagging problems I've been dealing with for years, just by reviewing old forum discussion links. You guys are awesome!!!
PSS: Sorry about being so long winded.