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This magnificent 1971 Datsun 240Z Series 1 “Survivor” has 21,743 original miles and is truly unbelievable. It was owned by a father and son until 2019. It’s loaded with original documentation including the import paper and window sticker. It retains the original VIN plate on dash, VIN plate on door jam, glove box number sticker, engine plate on inner fender, paint code sticker on radiator support and all other miscellaneous stickers. This is the best survivor we’ve ever seen!
As the original window sticker documents this 1971 Datsun 240Z serial #HLS30U04684 was imported to the US at the Port of Entry in Baltimore, MD. It was delivered to Munson Datsuns located in Marion, IN on trunk D-51A. The engine number is #L240007463 and the color is #907. The exterior color is Racing Green and the interior is Brown. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price was $3,526.00 which included the following as listed in order on the window sticker: 150HP, 6 cyl, overhead cam engine, 4-speed full-synchromesh transmission, front disc brakes with power assist, full independent front and rear suspension, windows-up fresh air system, approved exhaust emission system, unit body construction, windshield washers, 2-speed electric wipers, alternator, 45 amp 12 volt, carpets, adjustable bucket seats, deluxe vinyl upholstery, deluxe wheel covers, heater and defrosters, safety belts, foam cushion seats, dual horns, backup lights, outside mirror, all transistor signal seeking AM radio, electric antenna, tachometer, cigarette lighter, console, locking steering column, electric clock and trip meter. The vehicle had the following options with charges: anti-freeze $3.00, tinted glass $30.00 and defroster $40.00. The factory suggested dealer D&H was $75.00 and local freight $83.00. The total suggested retail price was $3,757.00.
As documented on the original window sticker this car was delivered to Munson Datsuns located in Marion, IN. From the information gathered this car is a rare color combination of Racing Green and brown. It was allocated to the dealership for achieving sales volume. The owner of the dealership James R. Munson decided to keep the car for his son Ronald J. Munson. He told Ronald he would give it to him as graduation gift. It was displayed in the showroom until he graduated. It was occasionally driven on a dealer plate to keep the parts moving. There are two dealer plate registrations from 1971 and 1972 that are included. James R. Munson registered the car personally on October 10th, 1974 which is documented on the personal registrations. The car really belonged to his son Ronald J. Munson but for insurance purposes it made sense to register it in the father’s name. There are seven Certificates of Registrations from 1974, 1975, 1976, 1978, 1981, 1982 and 1984 that are included. There are four Statement of Inspection receipts from 1975, 1976, 1977 and 1979 that are also included. These inspection receipts document his personal information, mileage on vehicle and the mechanic who performed the inspection. The mechanics name is Jim Mayo who worked at the dealership for 18 years. Ronald was very particular and brought the car to the dealership for service when know body was around so it wouldn’t get damaged when Jim was working on it. It was normally at night or on the weekends. After Jim left the dealership he still worked on the car at Ronald’s house. He’s the only mechanic who has worked on this car since it was new with the exception of one time and the recent work that was done in 2019. Jim Mayo is still alive today and confirms the story about the car and its history. Marc Schiliro the owner of MS CLASSIC CARS has spoken to Jim Mayo personally. Jim Mayo’s information will be passed on the new owner after the sale. Ronald J. Munson registered the car on September 14th, 1984 personally which is documented on the personal registrations. There are four registrations from 1985, 1986, 1988 and 1994 that are included. In the mid 1980’s Ronald decided to not use the car on a limited basis because he wanted to keep it well preserved. Ronald told everyone he thought this car would be highly collectable one day. He even left some of the original factory plastic on pieces of the interior. This car was stored at the same residence its entire life in the garage. It was never driven in rain or snow. Ronald was never married and had no children. His collection of cars, coins and comic books were treated like his family.
Ronald was born June 23, 1953 in Marion, Indiana the son of the late James and Mary Munsun. He earned his doctorate degree in dentistry at Indiana University. He then opened his own practice Ronald J. Munsun, DDS Family Dentistry in Marion.
Ronald Jay Munsun DDS, age 65 of Marion, passed away on Tuesday, May 28, 2019 in Marion, IN.
This 1971 Datsun 240Z Series 1 was part of Ronald’s estate. It was purchased on August 6th, 2019 by long term friend Roger Lee Murphy DDS. Ronald and Roger were friends and both Dentists. Roger also purchased Ronald’s Dentistry practice which is operating today. Once Roger took ownership of the car he had some service work completed and put it on wheel dollies in his garage. His original plan was to keep the car but after a few months he made the decision to sell it. MS CLASSIC CARS purchased it from Roger Lee Murphy on December 12th, 2019.
The exterior is in great original condition especially considering the car is almost 50 years old. It retains all the original sheet metal and paint. The original paint was tested and verified with an electric paint meter. The Racing Green color is very European and fits this car perfectly. The paint surprisingly only has a few minor chips which is hard to believe. The paint was detailed to a nice shine but was not compounded or color sanded to preserve it. The Racing Green paint is complemented with white 240Z rocker stripes which were a dealer added option. All of the glass is in excellent condition and each piece still has the original factory stamps. The front windshield has an original inspection sticker from 1980. All of the exterior trim, rubber seals, drivers mirror, door handles, headlights, front bumper, taillights, rear bumper and emblems are also in excellent original condition. This car looks better than most cars that have been restored!
The car sits on the original steel wheels which are in excellent condition. One wheel is dated 10-69 and the other three wheels are dated 04-70. This is correct as they were made prior to the build date of the car. From the information gathered Ronald had the back sides of the wheels were powder coated black to prevent deterioration. The wheels are wrapped with brand new Vredestein Sprint Classic 175 HR 14 tires that were ordered from Coker Tires by MS CLASSIC CARS. The hub caps are authentic but not original to the car. The hub caps are from a 1972-1973 240Z. It’s assumed Ronald didn’t care for the original hub caps and replaced them with these. A set of vintage Western Wheel Turbine 14” wheels with Dunlop Sport A2 195-70-14 tires are included. From the information gathered these were the wheels were ordered through the Munson Datsuns parts department by Jim Mayo’s brother Gary Mayo. It’s assumed the original spare wheel was changed to somewhat match the size of the Western Wheel Turgine wheels. The spare wheel has a Bridgestone Super Speed Radial 20 175 SR 14 tire on it. A rag was placed on the spare tire under the clamp and left in place...... read more on www.msclassiccars.com
