Vehicle Description
We often get asked for advice on the best starter collectables;
that is, cars that can be purchased for not a lot of money and
enjoyed with a minimum of fussing. This 1974 Datsun 260Z certainly
qualifies. With a smooth-running inline-six and a cosmetic
freshening, it's a handsome car that delivers a vintage driving
experience that's easy to use in today's traffic. If you're looking
for a fun, sporty, unusual driver that will always get people
talking, it's hard to do better than this.
The paint was refinished years ago in bright blue, which isn't the
original color but compared to all the silver and black Z cars you
see out there, it's a great combination that looks remarkably good
on the curvaceous sheetmetal. While there are signs of age, it
makes this the ideal car for a first-time buyer who isn't looking
for a project. The purity of the original Z-car's shape is
undeniably attractive, and with the front and rear bumpers removed,
the classic long nose profile is more Jaguar E-Type than Datsun
functional. Fit and finish are decent and the reputation that
Japanese cars earned was based largely on cars like this that were
worlds better than their domestic competition and it's noticeable
today.
The black vinyl interior has been freshened and remains in decent
condition with plenty of life left in it. The seats show only
moderate wear, with custom embroidery on the headrests and the foam
underneath remains firm and comfortable. The dash pad is excellent
and the carpets have been protected by heavy-duty rubber mats, so
they're tidy, too. All the gauges are fully functional, including
the auxiliary gauges on the top center of the dash, which are a
styling cue that still in use on Z-cars today. A 4-speed manual
transmission, along with the larger engine with more torque and
softer suspension, were concessions to American tastes, but it also
makes the car comfortable and a first-class long-distance cruiser.
For the most part, this car doesn't deviate much from the original
spec although it does have a newer AM/FM/CD stereo head unit in the
center of the dash. Under the hatch, you get a good-sized trunk
with nice carpets that haven't been backed by the sun, as well as a
giant subwoofer.
Datsun knew that the 260Z needed to be competitive, so the 2.6
liter inline-six is a gutsy powerplant that revs smoothly and
delivers impressive torque. It starts and idles beautifully, and
pulls through the gears with a musical tenor that you'll enjoy
every time you fire it up. The engine bay is tidy and clean,
showing signs of conscientious maintenance throughout its life and
that awesome red valve cover to really make it spot. The racy air
cleaner gives it a purposeful look and there aren't many
aftermarket upgrades, suggesting that this car has always led an
easy life. The 4-speed manual transmission slips through the gears
almost telepathically, and suspension is supple yet athletic,
showcasing the car's grand touring mission. It rolls on a set of
aftermarket alloys wearing 205/70/14 blackwall radials that fill
the fenders just right.
The same things that made the original Z-car popular when it was
new makes it a fabulous collector piece today: great performance,
fun handling, and reliable mechanicals. Introduce yourself to the
purity of driving that comes from a well-balanced chassis and an
engine that can make the most of it. Call today!
