With Factory Air Conditioning:

The Datsun 240Z has taken the place the early Porsche 911 held, twenty years ago. Today, it's very high on the list of desirable collector cars that can be enjoyed on a daily basis, if so desired.

We've purchased this Z from its long-time owner in San Luis Obispo, California, where it had lived for the past 12 years.

VIN *HLS30-64648* was manufactured in January of 1972, more than 52 years ago.

To this day, it's a 100% numbers matching car.

Current odometer reading is 43,926.

Let's now inspect this attractive 240Z in detail, shall we?

Motorvation comes from the original L24 inline-6, engine number *L24-079969* fed through twin SU carburetors, and mated to the stock 4-speed manual transmission.

The engine compartment looks bone stock, with the exception of an aluminum radiator, replacing the original steel one.

The engine starts on the button and runs exceptionally well, with no fluid leaks of any kind or other issues to report.

240Z's body is straight as an arrow, with no signs of previous accident or rust issues.
The older dual stage repaint in the original "Monte Carlo Silver Metallic" color, code *#901* looks great, with no dings, dents or scratches to report.

All of the weatherstripping is new, some of the emblems are new, and the rear bumper has been re-chromed at Stockton Plating in Calif. at some point.

The red stripes were a popular add-on back in the day, and the same applies to the chromed Cragar spoke wheels.

The wheels are in beautifully preserved condition and carry new Hankook radials in the size 205/70-14 on all corners.

Let's move on to the interior now, starting with the doors.

Original door panels are beautifully preserved, with just one rip on the lower right corner of the passenger panel.

Door bottoms prove how absolutely rust free this car is.

All new weatherstripping.

The original red interior is in very nice condition.

Original headliner and both sunvisors are in great condition as well.

The original dash is crack free. That's not a dash cap, but the original dashboard.

All of the gauges work, with the exception of the clock, which only shows the correct time twice a day.

Choke and choke control like work as well; only non-original item here is the more modern radio.

Original seats are free of rips and tears.

Original seat belts as well!

Rear window louvers, another period accessory, are easily removable.
Window weatherstripping is new.

Let's move on to the back of the car.

Back hatch is perfectly rust free and clean as a whistle.

Everything you see here is original to the car: diamond-printed vinyl covering, carpeting . . .

. . . as well as the two belts to secure luggage.

Rust free trunk floor, original spare wheel cover.

Perfect original spare with ER 78-14 tire, perfect spare wheel housing.

Undercarriage is stunning, without a sigh of rust or accident damage. These are all original panels, with no welding done at any time, guaranteed!

Above photos showing the undercarriage in more detail.

So we've established that this 240Z is healthy and looks great, but how does it drive?

Pull the choke lever back, turn the key, and the engine starts immediately. Allow the motor for a few seconds to get into a rhytm, then pull the lever back until you have the idle speed of your liking. Put the shifter in first and off you go . . .

Shifting is smooth, steering is precise. The car tracks like it's on rails and brakes anchor it with authority.

In fact, this now 52 year-old Z runs and drives so well, that it, like a contemporary Porsche 911 or Mercedes-Benz, can serve as a daily driver, if so desired. It's not a fragile flower that you are afraid to break, but a solid-as-a-rock driver that is nice enough to win a local show on the weekend.

Opportunity calls, are you ready to answer?

Here's an 8:49 video of the car in action. Enjoy!