Zed, Your scenarios make perfect sense. How can I make such a statement? First hand, Datsun dealer, experiences not unlike the possibilities you laid-out.

1 hour ago, zspert said:

Zed, Your scenarios make perfect sense.

Was it that much of a mess back then? Really?

On 1/11/2026 at 12:09 PM, Zed Head said:

Thanks, I do put some effort in to finding the civil middle ground. I know that you see these cars through a different lens than many.

There's a new one on BaT. Might have more potential. Too bad it's not the original white though.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1973-datsun-240z-300/

This one got withdrawn by BaT due to some undisclosed issues. A bent frame component.

Hello Fellas, noob here. I’ve been looking around for a thread like this. My wife and I are shopping for a classic car to enjoy together and a 240Z is at the top of our list of desirable cars. This is mostly because she’s Japanese and we both like classic Japanese cars. Last year we were visiting family in Tokyo and spent a day in Ginza. While there we visited the Nissan Crossing and bought a few Datsun tshirt. We were joking around that we no HAVE to buy a 240Z and now we’re actually shopping for one.

But I digress. I’ve been keeping an eye on various sites like BAT and Cars and Bids. This one crossed my path and now I’m seriously looking at it. If some of you experts don’t mind, what are your thoughts on this car? I think it’s a pretty well thought out restoration. My biggest concern is that the bidding is going to go fairly high. Thanks for any input. I’ll be hanging around as we keep shopping for a Z.

https://carsandbids.com/auctions/9WbjzWXQ/1972-datsun-240z

It's not actually yours and you're advertsing? I wasn't aware of Cars&Bids, looks like an interesting competitor to BaT.

It wouldn't be considered a restoration. More like a "resto-mod". It's been modified.

Hard to make a recommendation without knowing what you're expecting or plan to do with it. The comments suggest that it rides a little rough because it's lowered and has a few problems that you'll need to fix or have fixed. The engine could be worn, somebody has already been inside to install the camshaft. Hope for the best, plan for the worst. Good luck.

First and foremost, WELCOME TO THE GROUP!!! Stick around long enough and you will find us a positive and supportive bunch, probably the best on the web.

If your heart is set on a 240Z, expect to pay a premium price for a solid and well-sorted car. The one in your link seems to be very well done. Any 240Z under $15k is likely to be a project car to some degree and may require a serious commitment to complete it. If you are open to other model S30's, look into the more available 280Z's.

5 hours ago, Zed Head said:

It's not actually yours and you're advertsing? I wasn't aware of Cars&Bids, looks like an interesting competitor to BaT.

It wouldn't be considered a restoration. More like a "resto-mod". It's been modified.

Hard to make a recommendation without knowing what you're expecting or plan to do with it. The comments suggest that it rides a little rough because it's lowered and has a few problems that you'll need to fix or have fixed. The engine could be worn, somebody has already been inside to install the camshaft. Hope for the best, plan for the worst. Good luck.

The fact that it’s been lowered comes down to what shocks and springs that were installed . BC Racing coilovers with Swift springs from Japan are an amazingly soft ride. I’ve installed them and recommend them. Experience Not a paid advertisement.

I said rough but should have said "stiffer". Like the seller did.

". No rattles or squeaks in the chassis, suspension is stiffer than factory but not overly,"

But, the seller has apparently not gone the urethane bushing route, so that will keep a soft ride. Looks like a nice car.

"All rubber bushings, tie-rods, ball joints, transmission and differential mounts,"

I guess one question would be what is your budget??

Hard to find a ready to go car for 20k

40k gets you lots of choices!!!

15k could get you a nice foundation that needs finishing.

240z will bring the most money but a later car could be updated. The later cars also tend to be slightly safer. More metal, betrer horn pad, seatbelts, crash bars in the doors. My least favorite part of the 280, the front valance can be reworked to mimic the 240z

The 10,000 mile 1972 240Z auction is ending today. The comments are full of people gushing over how fantastic it is. Seems odd. It's modified in various small ways, has some minor paintwork and maybe some bodywork, the headlight surrounds have been blended in to the fenders with body filler (probably crack at the seam after a few hot-cold cycles and driving distortions), and has the weaker R160 differential with the wrong propeller shaft. It's neato but doesn't seem to be "all that". It sat in storage for decades, a guy picked it up (probably cheaply from an estate sale or something), he cleaned it up and is going to make some money. Interesting from an investment perspective, but as far as the buyer goes - what do they do with it? It's not a restoration. It's just somebody's old low mile Z that got stuck in storage for many many years. Restore it or drive it or just take it to the shows?

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1972-datsun-240z-382/#comments

Edited January 18Jan 18 by Zed Head

Very weird end. Some guy bumped the bid by $21,000 to $75,000 this morning. Another guy came in at the end with a $1,000 raise. Bidding over, he got it for $76,000. Latest commenter says the "low" price has ruined the Z market. Looks like it will be a traveling show car. And, the seller did buy it as an investment. He did good.

Some of the last comments. Somebody thinks it was worth over $154,000.

Edited January 18Jan 18 by Zed Head

From the Archives

Glad to see Paul Taylor's name mentioned. After all, It was his car.

About a month ago a customer wanted me to give Paul's 240 a look @ the Carolina shop that was trying to sell it for , as I remember, $110000.00ish. In the end the parties decided that it wasn't the right car for my customer.

Thanks, Zed