simple_old
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You are right on the size variation. The size on the side of the tire is a nominal number much like a "2X4". The actual heigth can vary up to an inch (more commen in truck sizes) and depends on the manufacturer and even varies between styles of the same manufacturer. The old metric sizes without an aspect ratio (i.e. 175R14) were usually 82 series. 80 series tires didn't appear until US manufacturers brought out the P-metric sizes and were only in the 13 inch sizes (i.e. P165/80R13).
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IMHO the correct tire size for the 240 and 260 was a 175R14 on a 4.5 or 5 inch wheel. The 280Z used a 195/70R14 on a 5 or 5.5 inch steel wheel or a 6 inch alloy. Both these tires are approximately 25 inches tall. The 215/60R14 that you are talking about is about an inch shorter. The 235/60R14 is much closer to the stock height but like you I think much too wide.