new 240z

[nissan fairlady]

hi guys...maybe i can start my project!!... for now only the first question....i ask you cause in italy,for example, in 300zxclub we know all te z32 in country running good and running bad...i know that america is not italy but i try for now i'm winning a bid ,this http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Datsun-Z-Series-1973-Datsun-240Z-JTR-V8-5-speed-Manual-California-CAR-/190474745584?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item2c592df6f0

what think of it?? you know it? what i must ask to seller for a model of 1973 that i don't know so well?? thanks!!!

[SteveJ]

This car is currently in the northern part of the US. The seller did not post any pictures underneath the car. Is that because he didn't know to do it, or could it be that their is significant rust underneath? (Note: there is rust on the air cleaner, rear panel and rear bumper. The shiny metal plates on the bottom of the front fenders would make me worry about rust, too.)

The car in the auction has been subjected to a V-8 conversion. Maybe the person who did it knew what he was doing, and maybe he didn't. It's a greater risk than a stock 240Z. Also, the engine currently in the car is a 305. People who have done V-8 swaps will tell you to stay away from the 305. The seller offers to swap for a 350, but I'm sure that will be at additional cost. That's a red flag.

Also note that the front bumper appears to be misaligned. Was this car in an accident?

Finally, the seller has zero feedback as a seller. That will cause some people to be cautious.

You should probably give this one a pass.

[nissan fairlady]

oh stevej ...so many thanks for your notes... i dont'have "eye" for 240 so i didn't see the particular of rust you say...but you had noticed me the front bumper misaligned, i see it,you're right... but i saw feedback as seller and 305block,but don't know it was a red flag,anyway this is not so important for me,cause intend swap it..in effect 350block need arrive bid to 5000$. Underneath he says that has no rust. i'm waiting for a copy of title cause it would be the very problem to immatricolate in italy, due what is written in it and restrictive laws!

Damn...it has some pros ..such as it's in west coast,nearest to europe...and prices...with 7000$ i 'd have it in my home.... but same think we say in 300club at who want a 300... spend less at start means spend more more and more after!

maybe i'll pass this!

you know sites in which i can find 240 in europe,better lhd??

[SteveJ]

What is your end goal for a 240Z. Have you read up on them? I know there are plenty of books in English that cover the early Z cars, but I don't know if they were translated into Italian.

If you have an end goal and a budget, people might be able to help guide you in the right direction.

Frank280ZX, a member of the ZCar.com board, got to be friends with another member in the California who helped him with scouting and shipping. You could try to contact him and see what information he might be able to give you.

[nissan fairlady]

...so...at last he stopped the bid.... i'll search again

[cygnusx1]

Where in Italy are you? I know of a fine fellow Italian that has a beautiful Silver 240Z, and might be more than willing to advise you. I think Switzerland has had a pretty active Z car club also. Start here> http://www.zhome.com/IZCC/ClubMaster96.html

http://zhome.com/Dec99/Italy.htm

DO NOT BUY A CAR ON EBAY BECAUSE IT SAYS "NO RUST". You need an honest inspector.

Ciao.

Edited December 7, 2010 by cygnusx1