West Coast Classics are proud to present an absolutely exceptional barn-fresh (garage really!) and stunning example of a beautifully restored only as required (paint & some mechanical parts) but otherwise all stock and original matching #'s 1972 Datsun 240Z with its original 'Avacado Green' (color code 113) factory color paint with side moldings and a reportedly and believed to be original (but please note undocumented) 19K miles, with the 4 speed manual transmission and in the highly desirable rare 2 seat coupe body-style!
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 model all the more rare and unusual in its completely rust free and original condition!
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; with over 150HP in a very light and compact 2,400 lbs car! 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 beautiful stock example, purchased in 2018 from it's long time (reportedly over 36 years) previous southern California owner and now recently acquired from the last owner by us. The car has a razor straight body with a beautiful repaint in it's original 'Green' color paint and there are no signs of any accidents or bondo. The floor boards and trunk area are all remarkably completely original, solid and rust free and the car has it's original factory specs interior and front seats which are also in remarkably virtually flawless and completely original condition throughout along with it's original jack, top and tool still unused in it's storage compartment. The engine is extremely strong and the transmission shifts smoothly through all the gears, a simply lovely car to drive.
The previous California owner spent the last three years refurbishing anything whatsoever that the car needed after having purchased it in a virtual time capsule and virtually still as new, though obviously unrestored and now needing paint, from the home garage of it's previous almost four decades long previous California owner, and without any regard to expense, had the car professionally repainted in it's original factory color and completed the following mechanical work which included a complete new clutch disc kit, new master & slave cylinder; it's original cluster radio and instruments were overhauled and are all working; all new carpets and insulation; all new weatherstrips on doors, hood & tailgate seals; all new upgraded wiring, ignition & spark plugs; new rear shocks & boots; new Gold Cadmium & Zinc plated fasteners & both the dual SU carburetors were refurbished & the polished valve covers.
This is a very rare opportunity to own a very an internationally desirable and simply stunning 1972 legendary Datsun 240Z 2 seat coupe model - owned by obviously only very mature driver's/owner's since new with it's original matching #'s 2393cc/150HP 6 cylinder engine with absolutely no history of any rust or accidents and with believed to be only 19K original miles & with the highly desirable 4 speed manual transmission!
