West Coast Classics are proud to present an exceptional find of an original two owner southern California owner's car since new; a 1970 Datsun 240Z with its original 'Blue & Gold' California license plates, original 4 speed manual transmission and in the highly desirable rare 2 seat coupe body-style with its virtually all original black interior with all original service history in a super thick file of service records showing comprehensive maintenance through the years.
Amazingly, the Datsun 240Z (built between 1969-73) was voted by 'Sports Car International' the number two car on the list of the 'Top Sports Cars of the 1970's'! One of the most appealing Japanese cars ever produced, unfortunately they have largely disappeared from the roads almost entirely due to insurmountable rust issues of all the Japanese cars of this era making this early original southern California 1970 model all the more rare and unusual in its completely rust free and virtually all original condition apart from one repaint!
The first Japanese cars with definite milestone status with looks that took its cues from the best of the sixties, some E-Type, some 911, some Aston Martin DBS yet still an original and now becoming as collectible as the extremely rare Toyota 2000GT. The hot selling Datsun Z-car commands a large and fanatical following. It was a sensation when it hit the market at the astoundingly low price of $3,526 base price with a combination of style, performance and equipment that sent auto buyers into gales of praise and buyers streaming into Datsun showrooms. Though the original body-shell would be continued through larger engine displacements, as the 260Z and 280Z, these first 2.4L models are the enthusiasts choice.
They are way more handsome with a monocoque design chassis/body, without the later years (1974 and above) clumsy and heavy bumpers which added extra weight particularly to the front end and although built with larger engines actually reduced speed, whilst the powerful free revving engine of the early models performed delightfully with a top speed of 125mph.
Also, when most cars of the era were still using leaf springs, the 240Z had struts all around, making it outstanding in corners. The straight six engine was exceptionally strong with plenty of power and torque whilst returning good economy and reliability that has seen many examples easily pass 150,000 miles, if properly serviced!
As for the figures they speak volumes with the 240Z outselling the Jaguar E-Type two to one and in less than half the time and to underline its sports car status the 240Z accumulated a creditable cabinet of trophies including a 1-2 in the rugged 1971 East African Safari Rally and a repeat win in 1973!
This is a very nice daily driver example, reportedly owned since new by only two southern California owners, with service records and original documentation. There is a super thick file of service records showing that at no time was any expense spared on this particular vehicles preventive maintenance. The car has obviously always been garaged with no signs of any accidents and no rust.
The car has a presentable older repaint and the floor boards and trunk area are all remarkably completely original, solid and rust free. The car has it's original factory black interior and front seats which is also in remarkably good and mostly all original condition throughout with its original uncracked dash. The engine is extremely strong and the transmission shifts smoothly through all the gears, a simply lovely car to drive.
This is a rare opportunity to own a very rare and internationally desirable 1970 legendary Datsun 240Z 2 seat coupe model - owned by obviously only very mature driver/owners since new with the highly desirable 4 speed manual transmission!
