Before you all go crazy with comments, I do know that this 240Z is equipped with a less desirable automatic transmission. For you purists, that is an immediate reason to look past this listing and instead look for a car equipped with a manual gearbox. Keep in mind that the price difference for a 240Z with a manual versus an automatic is about 25%. Considering that you can convert a 240Z to a 5-speed gearbox from a 280Z for about $6,000 makes this an attractive proposition.
With all this in mind we have featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, this 1972 Datsun 240Z. It is being offered by a dealer in Gladstone, Oregon , and the auction will end Tuesday January 21 at 11:30 a.m. (MST)
The seller describes this 240Z as a California car that is powered by a numbers-matching L24 2.4L inline-six mated to a three-speed X0700 automatic transmission. The car is painted in my favorite 240Z color of code 918 Orange over the original black vinyl interior and is now offered by the selling dealer with a clear title.
Based on the photos in the listing, the exterior of this 240Z looks in excellent condition. When it was repainted, the shop did not reinstall the Datsun script on the rear hatch, but that is something that is easily corrected. The things I like are the door gaps, the overall high quality look of the paint, the condition of the chrome and other brightwork, and the fact that some knucklehead never cut the roof to install a pop-out sunroof, something that was a common aftermarket dealer offering to the original owners of these cars when they were new. There is a special place in hell for those dealers that profited from the conversion.
The interior of this 240Z looks to be in excellent condition. The seats are correct with the correct 240Z vents and the quilted parts in the rear over the shock towers. The only flaw i could see was a slight tear of the headliner. I particularly love that the car still has its stock radio and terrific wood steering wheel, which I have always thought adds a lot to the way these cars look from behind the wheel.
Under the hood is this 240Zs original 2.4 liter L24 engine with its original carbs and air cleaner. It all looks nice and presentable, and the only change I notice is that someone painted the aluminum cam cover in black.
If I were looking for a nice 240Z bargain as a result of it being equipped with an automatic transmission, I would bid on this one as it is one I would happily add to my garage.
The auction for this 1972 Datsun 240Z will end Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. (MST)
Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery
