Early 240z

[Arne]

Series 1 cars in the USA (built through 12/70 or so) had speedos that started at 20. Later '71s had speedos that started at 0. (I have one of those.) By '73 they started at 10. I can't remember when the change from 0 to 10 was.

[Arne]

The series 1 cars are currently more collectable. Keep in mind that the later series cars did include some improvements over the earlier models. For example the mounting point for the differential was relocated and the speedomoter was changed to start at "0" instead of 20mph. With that said... a 72 Z might be the most "refined" of the 240z cars.

Actually, for a street car, I think the '73s (once you swap to roundtop carbs) are by far the best. All sorts of desirable improvements. Like intermittent wipers and retractable seatbelts, for example.

[Mike B]

Actually, for a street car, I think the '73s (once you swap to roundtop carbs) are by far the best. All sorts of desirable improvements. Like intermittent wipers and retractable seatbelts, for example.

1972 model year cars built after 1/72 also have retractable seatbelts. My 5/72 has them.

-Mike

[geezer]

Actually, for a street car, I think the '73s (once you swap to roundtop carbs) are by far the best. All sorts of desirable improvements. Like intermittent wipers and retractable seatbelts, for example.

I agree with this statement. An accumulation of 4 years of improved product design and advanced manufacturing methods did increase the level of creature comfort and at the same time, kept pace with mandated safety and emission standards. But for me, the shear bare bones simplicity of the earlier cars hold a certain facination. Not to say I don't love them all. Just differently. To each their own, they are what they are or what you make of them.

[Arne]

Well, note that while I'll pitch the '73s as best for a driver, I have a '71. Sure, I would have enjoyed all the improvements a '73 has to offer. But when you find one that's rust-free you buy it, no matter what year or color it is.

[=Enigma=]

Actually, for a street car, I think the '73s (once you swap to roundtop carbs) are by far the best. All sorts of desirable improvements. Like intermittent wipers and retractable seatbelts, for example.

I agree with this statement. An accumulation of 4 years of improved product design and advanced manufacturing methods did increase the level of creature comfort and at the same time, kept pace with mandated safety and emission standards.

Well, note that while I'll pitch the '73s as best for a driver, I have a '71. Sure, I would have enjoyed all the improvements a '73 has to offer. But when you find one that's rust-free you buy it, no matter what year or color it is.

These reasons along with my desire to do some mods and leave the early cars for true to factory restos was the reason I targeted the 73' when looking for a car. That being said, had I found an earlier car as clean as the 73 I bought for a similar price, I would have scooped it up in a heartbeat.