*Seller Asking:
$34,900
- The 240Z produced respectable performance numbers for a $3500 sports car. For example, it made more horsepower than the same year Porsche 911 (which cost substantially more). Car and driver recorded a 16.1 second 1/4 mile at 86.5 mph back in 1970. This was a full second faster (and 9mph quicker) than the Triumph TR6 (a market competitor to the Z)
- The story between Datsun and Nissan can get a bit lengthy, but to keep it short – they were the same company since the 1930’s. “Nissan” was the name of the company, and “Datsun” was the name of the car. While Datsun was known for producing economy cars in America in the 50’s, Nissan wanted to create a new image in the U.S market by selling sports cars under the new name “Nissan”. However, they weren’t sure if Americans wanted a Japanese sports car right after WWII, so rather than risk tarnishing the name “Nissan”, they stuck with Datsun for the time being
- Nissan/Datsun’s sports car line was named “Fair Lady” by Nissan President Kawamata after he attended the Broadway Musical “My Fair Lady” in the U.S.
- Kawamata thought the connection would “promote an image of beauty for the car” (this is common practice within Japanese culture when choosing automotive names). This is why the Z is referred to as the “Fairlady” in Japan
- However, this naming practice isn’t popular in American culture, so Nissan did what most other foreign carmakers were doing in the U.S market – use engine displacement as the model name. (such as 240Z = 2.40 liter engine)
- First year of the Series II (Series 1 was 1970)
- 1971 saw the rear air vent outlets switch from the decklid to the quarter panels (due to exhaust smell complaints)
- Other minor misc. changes include redesigned seat belts and steering wheel
- The following year (1972) saw quite a few changes. The big ones include the switch to the new “B” type 4spd, which saw the shifter move 2 inches forward toward the front of the car. This required a redesigned trans tunnel and center console
- The wheelbase was lengthened by moving the differential back about 1.5″ toward the rear. This made the car slightly less twitchy in the corners
- 1972 also saw flip forward seats, new hub caps, fuel filler latch eliminated, automatic seat belt retractors, seat belt warning buzzer & light
Seller Notes:
- Numbers matching Series II, rust free southwest car
- Received one respray in its lifetime
- Original untouched interior with crack-free dash
- Original Datsun warranty and service booklet last filled at 51k miles
- Original window sticker, jack and tool kit included
- Location: Santa Ana, California – (more photos below)
- UPDATE: ad is no longer available (sold or expired)
UPDATE: ad is no longer available (sold or expired)
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*SAE rated from factory. May not reflect current output
*Performance numbers pulled from either the factory brochure or reputable automotive road tests
*Base price when new does not reflect original MSRP of this particular car, nor does it reflect what the original owner paid for it
*Advertised price at time of posting. Sellers can raise or lower prices on their original ad at any time. Click on the original ad to view current price/availability
Mileage Disclaimer: NOC has not confirmed if the mileage stated by the seller is true and accurate. It is up to the buyer to verify these claims. Vehicle history reports, service records stating mileage, and even inspections of odometer tampering are recommended.
