1971 Datsun 240Z

OK, so it's nothing like 1934. But that year, Nissan Motors was formed from the merger of two Japanese car companies: DAT Automobile Co. and Jitsuyo Automobile Co. But instead of using the new, Nissan name plate for the front of their cars, they chose to brand them Datsun - the moniker DAT Automobile Co had been using since the previous year - which was a variant of Datson, the name used since the company's first car the year before that, changed because it sounded too much like a Japanese phrase that means “to lose money”. Come 1984, and with the Datsun brand firmly established across the world, Nissan decided it was about time it marketed its cars under the parent brand's name plate. Datsun was dropped. But it was a pricey decision. Changing signs at the 1,100 Datsun dealerships cost $30 million. Changing the marketing epithet from “Datsun, We Are Driven!” to “The Name is Nissan” cost $200 million. Then there was another $50 million spent on approved but redundant Datsun adverts. All in, it was a $500m exercise…

Let's get into the way back machine Peabody, and head to 1971 when Nissan was Datsun, and the company was killing it with their 240Z, which happens to be the car up for consignment. Some rust areas, a few interior faults, but drivability is there, all wrapped up in the first generation 240Z.

Exterior
With gaps that remain consistent, we note several rust areas of concern throughout the exterior. Though small and contained, they are present, and starting to make some noise! Badging is original and has some peeling of the finish going on. Its 1971 and all the crash bumpers, and emissions have yet to hit the car market hard, so this car benefits from that to have nice chrome simple bumpers, and a great body line. 14” Mag style wheels are on all 4 corners, and the car remains mostly original to boot.

Interior
Again, the word original crops up with cloth insets and vinyl bolsters all in black and bucket forms. Some stitching has come loose on the driver's seat, as well as the passenger has started to split on the back insert. Dash is original as is steering wheel, inset gauges are in the center, and an aftermarket AM/FM/Cassette player replaces the original. Rear cargo area is covered in nice black carpet, headliner is tight, and door panels are good.

Drivetrain
An original unrestored 2.4 Liter Inline 6-cylinder graces the engine bay. On the side are dual Hitachi HJG 46 W 44mm SU type carburetors, and out back is a 4-speed manual transmission attached. A 3.36 posi rear sums up the drivetrain.

Undercarriage
Surface rust abounds although is not seen as invasive. Some oil blowback is seen on the transmission and rear gear housing areas on the undercarriage. A few bushings are dry rotted, as is weatherstripping on the topside in some areas.

A bit of TLC will be needed on this car, but it is a mechanically sound runner, and an early example of the beginnings of the so called “Japanese Invasion”. We give you the Datsun 240Z. Zat's all folks!

VIN Decode
HLS3008421
H-L24 240Z
L-Left Hand Drive
S30-Chassis Model
08421-Sequential Unit Number

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This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.