1971 Datsun 240Z for sale

[jernut]

I am selling my Z. I have been bitten by the motorcycle bug and cannot keep the Z along with a bike. Here is a link to the ebay listing. If you have any question just let me know.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cars-Trucks___1971-Datsun-240Z_W0QQitemZ290240410876QQddnZCarsQ20Q26Q20Truck sQQddiZ2282QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item290240410876&

[Rockr69]

Have you seen a doctor? Cuz you must be sick in your head! That is one gorgeuos Z. You don't own a Z. You care for it and nurture it along for the next gen, not sell it for a bike ;)

I'm just messin with ya. To each their own I say. Seriously though very nice Z. Wish I could buy it. Good Luck!

[MEZZZ]

I agree with you Dan, that is a nicely modified Z he has. I did the opposite, had a Harley and sold it to get a Z. Actually, I sold the Harley under the guise of getting our 5 yr old the 60 inch Hi-Def Sony he wanted, Mom was all for that since it was for him :) Then she complained I had promised to get her a Jacuzzi, so I did and then FINALLY I had guilted her into the okay for me to get a Z. The long way to ownership, I would have rather kept my bike and got one :)

[76Datsun280z]

Real nice looking car! What kind of bike are you getting?

[rdefabri]

II did the opposite, had a Harley and sold it to get a Z.

Hehe - I did the same...in fact, I sold all my Harleys to buy something else (house, car, you name it).

But, if I didn't have young children, I'd go with the Hog - there aren't too many things more fun and exciting than cruising on a cycle.


Good luck with whatever you choose!

[jernut]

Real nice looking car! What kind of bike are you getting?

I am not sure yet but I am thinking of buying a Triumph Street Triple 600.

[jernut]

Thanks for all the complements. If you keep this up I might not want to sell. If any one has more questions, don't hesitate to ask.

[MEZZZ]

Hehe - I did the same...in fact, I sold all my Harleys to buy something else (house, car, you name it).

But, if I didn't have young children, I'd go with the Hog - there aren't too many things more fun and exciting than cruising on a cycle.


Good luck with whatever you choose!

Sure there is, thats how I got young children :)

Seriosly, I only miss my bike on the first few nice spring days when I hear that familiar rumble. My wife was never a fan so I thought she might actually like the Z a bit better, I was wrong :)

[DougN]

Not to pry, but personally, I would try to keep the Z and get the bike as well :classic: After all that work, it would be a shame to give up your Z! Shouldn't be a storage problem, as I am sure you can fit both in one side of the garage!

[Mike]

Keep the Z. I say this because I was bit by the motorcycle bug a long time ago. I went out and bought a Suzuki Hayabusa, then a Harley... After your first (or second) "close call" you'll realize that driving a car is much easier on the body. You'll either realize this as you're flying through the air, or swerving your bike around another dumb woman in her mini-van. I hope it's the latter or neither. :)

Bikes are fun, I'd love to race on the track. But, riding on the street CAN be bad for your health. Always assume cars/minivans/trucks/SUV's don't see you... and you should be good.

m

Edit: Maybe as cars get smaller (due to the gas prices) riding a bike will become safer because people can actually see you? Hmmm

[zbane]

Or you could split the difference, in a manner of speaking...
I saw this today at my local grocery store. Plates are from Florida, so this thing was either towed behind an RV (not uncommon around here) or driven.
Looks mighty cool, in my opinion of course, and should have the stability of a car, but the fun of a bike...
http://spyder.brp.com/en-US/NeedToKnow/

[jernut]

It seems as everyone says don't get a bike. I am not totally set yet on getting a bike. I might just use the money to pay off my TSX that cost me $439 a month on my wife's Accord that cost $280 a month.

[jernut]

Not to pry, but personally, I would try to keep the Z and get the bike as well :classic: After all that work, it would be a shame to give up your Z! Shouldn't be a storage problem, as I am sure you can fit both in one side of the garage!

Storage is not a problem at all. I just cannot afford both. I have a 7 month old and another one or two in the near future.

[geezer]

Storage is not a problem at all. I just cannot afford both. I have a 7 month old and another one or two in the near future.

Yep, your gonna need a minivan for the whole crew and the motorcycle for quick escapes!LOL Just ribbin ya, sorry you have to let her go, but at least someone will get a great Z and you can always get another in the future when the kids are grown.

[240znz]

This what my Mrs. said to me when I said that I'm getting a Ducati 916. "OK, just quadruple your life insurance".....so I got a zed instead. I grew up on bikes and know I can't trust myself or the idiot car drivers. Performance bikes are just that, they really don't like to go slow and face it, you will want to.

The way I see it is this. Bikes are for one. Handling drops considerably two up. Zeds don't change all that much unless you have a whale beside you.

The best thing about the zed is that you can enter it on club days at your local track and take your kids for a blat. Can't on a bike. My kids can't wait....nor can I.

[MikeZcar]

If you did not start riding when you were 13 or 14 on a dirt bike and make all the wrong choices back then, along with the spills that go with them, just keep the car. Most bad mistakes are made by inexperienced riders. I'm 52 and have been riding for 35 plus years and always will hopefully, but I always remember there's a boatload of people who can look right at you then pull out/change lanes etc right on top of you.

I've ridden a few of the 10 second 1/4 mile street bikes, way too fast and it's hard not to ride them that way.

[jernut]

If you did not start riding when you were 13 or 14 on a dirt bike and make all the wrong choices back then, along with the spills that go with them, just keep the car. Most bad mistakes are made by inexperienced riders. I'm 52 and have been riding for 35 plus years and always will hopefully, but I always remember there's a boatload of people who can look right at you then pull out/change lanes etc right on top of you.

I've ridden a few of the 10 second 1/4 mile street bikes, way too fast and it's hard not to ride them that way.

You make me think I will dump the bike right away. I am inexperienced, but I am also a fairly defensive driver. I hope that will help me ride safe.

Whatever I decide to do I thank you all. My wife would love to have you all keep pushing me to keep the car.

[rdefabri]

I echo some of the sentiments here. I am a LIFE long biker - even nearly killed myself 2 weeks prior to my marriage (seriously), and still continued to ride.

However, it matters not how safe YOU are - I feel most bikers understand the rules of the road better than anyone. It's those in cars that you have to be worried about. Just when you think you've seen it all, you'll see something that amazes you. I have been (intentionally) driven off the road, had people laugh at me when they nearly rear-ended me, and practically no one help me when I've crashed.

Since you are an East Coaster like me, it's not a place designed for bikers. It's too congested and people are nuts, that's putting it mildly. I have had a few friends, sadly, either killed or maimed for life.

You mentioned a 7-month old - my epiphany occurred not soon after the birth of my 2nd child. I was riding on a very rural road, just thinking - what would I do if a deer ran out in front of me at this very moment? I immediately felt selfish and afraid that I wouldn't be there for my babies.

The minute you feel scared on a bike is the minute you hang up the keys. I sold the bikes (kept one antique I don't ride) and got me the 240Z...never looked back.

Your choice, and whatever choice you make is the right one. I still love bikes and will support them, but for me, the right choice was to get out of the game.

[CoastGuardZ]

Well, I agree with the ex-riders here...

I too had a bike, a '97 Ninja 600 - and what a blast it was! I was going to pick up a Triumph myself but I was going to get a Sprint. I thought I wanted the RS but upgraded myself to the ST after test riding both (This was back in '02 when the RS was still around). But I finally found the Z I had been searching for. I'm glad I sold the bike. No matter how good of a rider you are people don't see you or don't care. I keep telling myself when the Z is finished I'm going to do a '68 Triumph Bonneville, but honestly I don't see myself riding again... too much to leave behind now that I have my son.

The Z is beautiful. I'd keep it or use the $$ to kill a car payment. Best of luck with whatever path you choose!

[Thecabtsmith]

Well I feel I need to pipe in here as well. I have ridden bikes for years. I quit riding on the streets because people do not see bikes on the road. Its hard enough not to get in accidents with cell phone usage on the rise, and I drive a Chevy Tahoe daily. I would think I am pretty easy to see.

I also owned a 71 z for 12 years. it took a long time to get it where I wanted it. I wound up selling her because I had small children. I also quit smoking shortly afterward.

5 years later all I really miss is my Z. Just bought another one 2 weeks ago. There goes the savings balance and the kids college fund.

Trust me..keep the Z. Save some money. Send the kids to college. Watch motorcycle racing on tv.

Good looking car...If you really sell it take lots of photos...you will want them later.

[cunniwj]

I agree with all the former bikers. I was one to but when I had kids sold it.If you decide to go the bike way make sure you have adequate life insurance (no joke) A good friend of mine ( an excellent rider) was killed in Daytona a few years ago at bike week. No insurance and his family is still suffering from a money point of view.

[Weasel73240Z]

Another ex-biker here who's glad he switched to the Z.

My heart attack moment came years ago, riding too fast (i was a lot younger and dumber then) on Rt. 24 in MA. I missed a boulder sized rock by about 3" at about 90 mph. It was dark, and I just barely saw it. If I hit it, I'm sure I wouldn't be here to write this. Swerved at the last second, got home, parked the bike, and never rode again on the streets. I've been riding my whole life, and consider myself a very safe rider (less the antics of my previous story - I was 22 yrs. old and dumb when that happened). But it is definitely the cars around you that cause most bike wrecks, and I just don't feel safe riding on the street anymore. Probably doesn't help living in MA where we seem to lead the nation in traffic, road rage and areshole drivers!

Last year when I was finishing the addition on my house, my present to myself was gonna be a new Harley. About 2 weeks before I was planning to buy the bike, one of my buddies uncle on his Harley got killed on Cape Cod. A minivan (surprise) pulled right in front of him coming out of a gas station, he died instantly.

The wife got scared when he died, and I changed my mine about the bike, mostly for her. But every time I start my Z, I'm glad I did.

[jernut]

I am starting to think that a bike is not the best bet. I will be looking for another project car if I don't buy a bike. Some of my thoughts are a 90's Saab 900 turbo, 1980's mazda rx-7, 300zx z31, S30, sentra se-r. Any thoughts on what might be a good car to play with.

[rdefabri]

Depends on what you're looking for and the price. I personally think your Z is the "play"car, but FWIW - I've been looking at an 1991 - 1995 MR2 (SW20). Cheap, mid-engined, and RARE. Seems that you (like me) enjoy mid-80s/90s Japanese sports cars, that's a find.

I also like the last gen RX7 and 300ZX, but they are still pricier than I'd like them to be to get a clean example.

[barby27]

Never was really into motorcycles but always liked bikes.

So I think you should go and get a nice Klein or Specialized bike because.
1. You do not need to spend a lot of money to get something nice
2. Doesn't cost any insurance to own a bike - more money for the Z.
3. Doesn't require any gas - more gas money for the Z.
4. Does not take up large amounts of space in comparison to a motorcycle in your garage
4. Better for ya in terms of health. And great for your mind since will be able to keep the Z and know that it is not in the hands of some non caring person who may trash it.

77 280Z
http://s38.photobucket.com/albums/e106/babry27/77%20Datsun%20Restoration/?start=all

[jernut]

Never was really into motorcycles but always liked bikes.

So I think you should go and get a nice Klein or Specialized bike because.
1. You do not need to spend a lot of money to get something nice
2. Doesn't cost any insurance to own a bike - more money for the Z.
3. Doesn't require any gas - more gas money for the Z.
4. Does not take up large amounts of space in comparison to a motorcycle in your garage
4. Better for ya in terms of health. And great for your mind since will be able to keep the Z and know that it is not in the hands of some non caring person who may trash it.

77 280Z
http://s38.photobucket.com/albums/e106/babry27/77%20Datsun%20Restoration/?start=all

At 6 foot 230lbs I am not the best build for a bike.

[barby27]

I am 6 foot 1 and I will not say the weight (the reason why I need to ride more) but I ride my bike with no complications coming from my build or bulge.

77 280Z
http://s38.photobucket.com/albums/e106/babry27/77%20Datsun%20Restoration/?start=all

[jernut]

bid is at $6,600

[Mike B]

I am starting to think that a bike is not the best bet. I will be looking for another project car if I don't buy a bike. Some of my thoughts are a 90's Saab 900 turbo, 1980's mazda rx-7, 300zx z31, S30, sentra se-r. Any thoughts on what might be a good car to play with.

So if you are considering getting a project car instead of the bike why not just keep the Z you already have?

-Mike

[ajmcforester]

I had a 1991 MR2 it is like a small Ferrarie, they are cheep to get and that 2L motor can be brought upto 400+ HP. What will get you is the maintenance cost is like a Ferrarie. By the way only get the twin turbo versions otherwise you might be disapointed. If it has 120,000 eather get ready to rebuild the motor and turbos or get one that has.

[jernut]

I am 6 foot 1 and I will not say the weight (the reason why I need to ride more) but I ride my bike with no complications coming from my build or bulge.

77 280Z
http://s38.photobucket.com/albums/e106/babry27/77%20Datsun%20Restoration/?start=all

I work right down the road so that might not be a bad idea, but I need something with a motor to really make me happy.

So if you are considering getting a project car instead of the bike why not just keep the Z you already have?

-Mike

I do not have the money to do anything else the Z. If I get another project car I will leave some money set aside to play with.

I had a 1991 MR2 it is like a small Ferrarie, they are cheep to get and that 2L motor can be brought upto 400+ HP. What will get you is the maintenance cost is like a Ferrarie. By the way only get the twin turbo versions otherwise you might be disapointed. If it has 120,000 eather get ready to rebuild the motor and turbos or get one that has.

I have thought about the MR2. It is definatly a possibility. The twin turbo 300zx is way to expensive. The Z31 is cheaper and I really like the look of the body.

[jernut]

Asdfg

[Rockr69]

Man, do what you want. Don't let all of us sway you one way or the other. The only other thing I can say is, I thought I was going to have to sell my Z (no way near the pristine example that yours is) to make rent due to lengthy lay-off. I thought I was going to die every day she was for sale. Luckily I found work in time to keep her. YEAH-BABY!

You have a gorgeous Z which they don't make anymore and as all us that follow this sick obsession can attest, gets more and more expensive every year to get to where you already are. Whereas bikes are relatively cheap and plentiful and will be for years to come.

If your thinking that you can't afford both now you'll never be able to replace what you already have especially with your family growing.

I say pay off your rides. Then you'll have the money for a bike payment and money left over to ride the bike and drive the Z. WIN-WIN. Nothing better than that. I've had bikes in the past and wish I could get another, but my Z is forever. Man I love that car.

[jernut]

Sold to Norway.

[Oiluj]

Lot of the same story here... After I got married and moved to a more urban area with more cars, I had several VERY close calls. It's usually not the bike riders, it the oblivious drivers.

That's when I decided to hang up my bike keys..

[Sailor Bob]

Gotto say I think you are mostly on the right track - a car is so much safer than a bike. I sold my first Z when I was about 21 - I still regret it now (at 50) even though I have had several nice cars over the years. If you are on the fence - it will be a mistake to sell that beauty.

[Carl Beck]

Sold to Norway.

Did someone there meet your reserve? Did they see it on E-Bay to begin with or did you have ad.'s elsewhere?

Just wondering...
Carl B.

[Sailor Bob]

Missed that one.

[jernut]

The guy in Norway saw it on youtube and hybridz.org. He gave me what I was looking for.

Did someone there meet your reserve? Did they see it on E-Bay to begin with or did you have ad.'s elsewhere?

Just wondering...
Carl B.

[Carl Beck]

thanks - YOUTUBE ???

Carl B.

[bigoak]

Voila...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3SC9XfRWaVE

Clearly a new way to sell a car.

[Oiluj]

I looked at Youtube vids of my Z before flying out to Arizona for final inspection prior to purchase.

It really was nice to have an extra bit information other than just pictures...

[Poindexter]

What a great idea to use youboob to sell cars. I might even use it to help sell parts too. A different marketing angle.

[Carl Beck]

Thanks Bigoak
That was a very well done sales video - and a great way to "sell" a car. No doubt that will be quickly incorporated into E-Bay Ad's - and should become the standard here as well.

Someone might even start a part-time business doing the short video's for sellers... check out your local Classic Car Auto Trader, call the owners of higher priced/better cars and sell the service..

FWIW,
Carl B.