ionman

Same story, I see mostly 280's. Most of these are adorned in some form of "primer" color or even multi-color "primer." I had wanted a 240 since I was about 15 and when I finally saw mine for sale on a used car lot I had to have it. I got my Z but it took about 15 years of waiting for the right car and the finances. I snatched my baby up for $2,400. I would kill to find some parts cars...

Carl, you're being a bit dramatic. As you can see from my avatar my car does have the original steel wheels and hubcaps. It also still has the 5 button AM/FM radio with the requisite single speaker. Paint is still original (not just color, but original factory paint) and I still have the original tire changing kit with tools and nifty orange wheel chocks. I even have removed the dealer installed A/C. Ok, ok, I did make one concession. I installed round top SU's instead of refurbishing my boat anchors. There is something to be said for correcting a factory mistake. Some upgrades that dramatically improve the functionality of the car (or components contained within it) without being a radical departure from original equipment definitely can be acceptable. Would I ever stuff a V8 in my '73? No. In my book Z's are meant to be straight 6's (including 350's). Would I consider putting a 5-spd in my '73? Sure, 5-spds are better than 4-spds for the kind of highway driving I do. I guess it all depends on where we individually draw "the line" when it comes to how much modification is too much. Functionality is the one reason why I would ever consider some sort of air dam for my car. Shaved door handles aren't a functional "improvement" that fits with the overall history and legend of a Z. Wire wheels? Nope. Not functional. We all have to determine where that line lies and try not to cross it. Understand this, I would never slam anyone for modifying their Z as they saw fit. To each his own. I only know what is acceptable for me and my Z.

<i>My car is a "REAL" Fairlady 240ZG ( built by the Factory )</I> - Alan Your car is beautiful. But it isn't simply a "Z" As you point out it is a factory car with an entirely different designation from the regular old "Z" I guess my point is this: Would it make sense for you to take the things that make your car a 240ZG off in order to make it more like my U.S. 240Z? I think not. You prefer your 240ZG to have those characteristics that make it different from the normal Z. Why then should a regular Z be converted to look more like a race car/foreign market Z (aside from the handling advantages at high speed)? In my book 1973 240Z's were not originally equipped with airdams, whale tales, rear louvers, or fender flares. Therefore they don't belong on my '73 Z. BTW, I would classify your 240ZG as what it is, a classic, original 240ZG. It definitely isn't some sort of Frankensteinmobile.

I fully understand the idea of airdams or spoilers on race prepped vehicles. I don't understand the need for them on street machines. The 240Z is a classic as is, no mods necessary. Some spoilers I have seen are decent enough but just unnecessary. Gnose's are :sick: IMHO They make it look like a Ferrari Kit car. Be proud to own a Z, don't try and make it look like anything else. My $.02

Yeesh. Must be a European/Aussie thing. That car is pretty bufugly in my humble opinion. Looks like a old Barracuda and a Mercury Cougar mated in some sort of unholy alliance. Maybe I'm not one to talk, my first car was a 1976 B-210 hatchback with that lovely turqouise green paint. Loved the little A-14 motor with a 4spd tranny. Can you say giddy-up and go! As an American there are sometimes I see cars that were available elsewhere on the planet and I get jealous (Skylines, 4 door pickups, etc.). This is not one of those times. On the other side of the coin I bet there isn't much demand for 1976 Ford Mustang II's in Europe or Australia. We can't give the damn things away. To each his own I guess.

Not just astronauts love Z's. My cousins husband is retired Navy Commander / Intruder Pilot. Career Navy, Naval Academy, the whole nine yards. He's had one of those orange 280's since it was new. Now he flies for Southwest and is based out of Oakland but lives in Montana. Keeps the Z somewhere in Oakland to drive when he is in town. The funny thing is that he bought an orange one because it's his favorite color. Just about everything he owns is bright orange. Yuck. To each his own. At least it's a Z!

I'd be happy to help. I have a B.S. in Administrative Management. I have owned several businesses and currently work as a commissioned salesman. I also have been authoring weekly columns on wine for my local paper for two years and am working on a book (I know, wine has nothing to do with Z's). Lemme know. marty

Speaking of the 350, I actually took some photos of the prototype/concept car that was at the Chicago Auto Show in February of 2001. I don't have a scanner and am working on having someone upload them for me. It would be interesting to put it side by side with a photo of the current incarnation and note the differences. If anyone is really interested in seeing these pic's let me know. I also took a pic of 240 that was on the display right next to the 350. It is a silver w/black interior. I think it was one of the "remanufactured" program cars from a few years ago. I can post this as well once I get them scanned.

My $.02 worth, I think it also boils down to the fact that Ford used the same powerplant for so many years that we have all gotten used to that sound. Heck, the original 289 is only 13cu inches smaller than the 5.0. I don't recall what year they started using the 5.0 ('85 or so?) but it lasted for a good 13-14 years. Also listen to some F-150's out there. I had a '92 with the 5.0 and it sounded just like a Mustang (albeit the exhaust system was slightly longer on the truck). FWIW, 351 Clevelands or Windsors sound nothing like 5.0's. Nor do the anemic 4 cylinders from the late '70s and early '80s. Anyway, Z's rule!!!!!!!!!!!!

I definitely feel that one of the most important aspects of a Z is the long hood in relation to the rest of the body. Z's need to have aggressive noses and short rear hatches with a sharp dropoff at the tail. Kinda like a 240! The other thing that I really like about my 240 is that I fit in it without any problem. I am 6' 1" and have plenty of headroom and legroom in my Z. I haven't sat in a new one yet but I would be highly disappointed if it was cramped.

Yeah, yeah. This is the Z website, I know. I am wondering if anyone here has a 1500, 1600, or 2000 Roadster as well as a Z. I have always wanted to build a stable of old Datsun's and I have the opportunity to pick up a solid '69 1600 for $900. It needs a ton of work but seems to be pretty much rust free and original equipment. Anyone have a Roadster and if so how would you compare working on it to your Z? I am guessing that parts are going to be much more expensive and harder to find for the 1600. Anyone!?

Zed says, "I think that the 260Z is the most collectable Z simply because of it's rarity. Well, all I have to say is that Ford Pinto's are becoming rare these days, doesn't exactly make them collectable. Seriously, only one year of U.S. distribution makes for a serious lack of devotion from consumers. Here today gone tomorrow. True collectability only comes from the desire of those willing to part with the cash for the item not solely from the limited nature of the item. my $.02 but enjoy your 260 to the max!