Of all the classic Japanese cars out there the one that I honestly feel is the single most important that kicked off Japanese sports cars in the U.S., the Datsun 240Z. I have owned one myself and it truly delivered on what a classic sports car is while being reliable and, dare I say, practical. In addition, the 240Z has a great racing history and pretty much dominated SCCA racing in its class with teams like BRE showing the Europeans that they might need to go back to the drawing board.
When I bought my last 240Z, it only cost me $8,500 but in the past five years or so, the prices for good examples have been moving upwards. That being said, there are few classic sports cars from the 1970s that offer the value for dollar combined with an ease of use that allow them to even be used as daily driver, which is how I used mine.
Featured on AutoHunter is this 1971 Datsun 240Z.
The seller describes this 240Z as a car that was owned by a single family up until 2024. It has its original numbers-matching 2.4L inline-six, and still wearing its Monte Carlo Red original paint.
Looking at the car, the original paint looks worn but still in excellent condition. The Monte Carlo Red color is in my opinion one of the three best paint colors that the 240Z was delivered with. I saw no signs of any rust issues in any of the photos and overall the car looks like a solid survivor. Most of these cars have been repainted or completely restored, so it is nice and unusual to find a 240Z that still has original paint, especially one with a manual transmission.
The interior looks good as well, though the seats have been redone in black vinyl with incorrect velour center inserts. If this bugs you, they are easy enough to replace. Happily, all the quilted vinyl in the rear of the car is correct and looks to be in great shape. The dash also looks to be in nice shape, something that makes a big difference in how it feels to drive these cars.
Under the hood the original to this car 2.4 liter SOHC inline 6 L24 engine looks to be in completely stock form, with the only exception being the lettering on the cam cover having been painted. The seller states that it has been converted to an electronic ignition and that the valves have been lapped, the head gasket, timing chain, tensioner guides, and sprocket have been replaced, the brake system has been completely rebuilt, a Motorsport Auto single-exit exhaust system has been installed, and that the car has received a new clutch.
If you are looking for what is a truly iconic and important classic sports car, one that people were on waiting lists to buy when new, and that includes great completion history, then you might want to consider placing a bid or three on this very original 240Z.
The auction for this 1971 Datsun 240Z ends Friday, February 28, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. (MST)
Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery
