By the late 1960s, Japanese cars began to appear in American towns. Most were small, fuel-efficient compacts, a sharp contrast to the tail-finned Detroit V-8s popular at the time. In pre-oil-crisis America, they were dismissed as oddities and not serious challengers to the automotive establishment. The 1971 Datsun 240Z, like the one recently for sale on eBay in San Jose, Calif., changed all that.
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Game Changer
Introduced in late 1969 as a 1970 model, the Datsun 240Z rocked the sports car world. If you were shopping for a sports car at the time, your choices were limited. Jaguars - opens in new window or tab. and Ferraris - opens in new window or tab. typically had 250 horsepower or more but were expensive, starting at $5,000 (approximately $45,000 in today’s dollars).
If that was too pricey, the other options were small, temperamental British or Italian roadsters, which typically had about 100 horsepower, if that, and cost around $2,500.
The Datsun 240Z, which cost $3,500, cut right into the middle of the range. It produced 150 horsepower from its inline-six.
The 240Z’s sleek design with distinctive “sugar scoop” headlights and sloping roofline offered high-end style at a bargain price. What’s more, its rear-wheel-drive chassis and four-wheel independent suspension meant it could take a curvy road with the best of the era. As a bonus, the Datsun boasted Japanese build quality, which meant fewer repairs than its European counterparts.
Market Shift - Then and Now
Z fever struck the US, and dealers had months-long waiting lists. Parent company Nissan recruited the 240Z to represent the brand in road racing. It proved very successful, winning two consecutive SCCA - opens in new window or tab. championships in 1970 and 1971, which only fueled demand.
Just before the pandemic, the Datsun 240Z market took off again. Pristine examples, especially for 1970 to 1972 models, were selling for six figures. The market has cooled a bit since the initial frenzy, but these early examples, preferred by collectors for their slim bumpers - opens in new window or tab. unblemished by 1973 federal safety standards, still command a premium.
The car for sale is a 1971 240Z and is said to have its original paint, which is always preferable to a respray. It’s a beautiful period-correct orange, a popular choice for 240Zs when new.
From Survivor to Showpiece
If you desire a museum-worthy 1971 Datsun 240Z, you’ll have to repair a few spots. The cowl and the floor pan show spots of rust. Thankfully, any competent classic car shop can fix this without ruining the originality of the paintwork. Mechanical components in the engine bay could use a restoration, but it’s complete and simple compared to modern cars.
Interior surfaces show more wear, with ripped upholstery, dashboard cracks, and carpet discoloration. These parts aren’t really repairable by the average shade tree mechanic. Thanks to the 240Z’s high collectibility, such items are easy to find, although they may come with a price. Nevertheless, it’s restorable, which is more than can be said for many cars from the same era.
The $23,500 asking price reflects the work that needs to be done, but it won’t take much to get the car to a presentable state. The underhood and interior parts can be restored slowly. In the meantime, you’ll have a fun-to-drive, enviable classic to take to your local cars and coffee event. This 1971 Datsun 240Z's price may not ascend to the level enjoyed by the most original Zs. But so much of the body and paint is intact. This car has the potential to be a highly desirable example.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.