For Sale: 1974 Datsun 260Z in Ft Worth, Texas

Japanese cars are one of the fastest appreciating segments in the vintage car market right now, and arguably none are more interesting than the tale of this 1974 Datsun 260Z. And this highly-original, low-mileage coupe is offered for an exceptionally affordable price.

When we say "highly-original" it means that that only the wheels and tires are confirmed to have been replaced. Everything else is believe to be factory. The story we're told on this one is that it's a three-family car. The first owner had it for a short while before he passed. His widow let the car sit for nearly two decades in the carport. So it needed new wheels and tires by the time the second owner resurrected it. He was an executive at John Deere (maybe the factory Leaf Green color reminded him of something?) In 2001 it was purchased by the consignor, and it has remained in his family ever since. So that's already an impressive story before you're also reminded that the 260Z was only imported for one year. So you have rarity and history all in one vehicle. And this one wears its past with pride. It's in survivor condition where the paint isn't perfect, but it still gives a nice gloss. So people really respect the look when you tell them the full story. Complete trim, good body panels, and all the right details are all part of what makes the full presentation impressive.

Open the door, and there is more evidence of this car's cherished life. The high-back bucket seats, center console, taut door panels, and contoured dash are all part of well-done sports car look. You may find a blemish in the driver's seat or a little wear in the carpeting, but the total package is impressive considering the majority what was installed over 45 years ago. This came with impressive features for the time, including an electric rear defogger and air conditioning (will need servicing to blow cold again.) There are a few pieces still on display from the era of the second owner like the cassette player and cell phone. These are not too hard to replace/correct, but quite frankly, they also are nice to have to just as another excuse to tell the car's full story. But what you'll love the most is the feeling you get when you slip behind the wheel. The three-spoke sports steering wheel, large speedo and tach directly in front, and the auxiliary readouts prominently mounted high in the center all give these Z-cars a race-bread sensation.

What also really made these cars so great was under the hood. The 260Z had a newly enlarged 2.6-liter inline-six that could rev like a European, and it built a reputation for reliability never seen before. That's why it's no surprise this car still has its numbers-matching motor and three-speed automatic transmission. Recently, the fuel pump and carburetors were rebuilt and a new set of tires added, so it's ready to go. The result is a car that can live up to the kind of robustness not felt in many other 45+ year-old vintage coupes. Nimble steering, power brakes with front discs, and the fully independent suspension are all part of a great driving package that will have you adding miles to the low odometer.

The sale comes complete with comprehensive maintenance records dating back to 1992. Here's your chance to get an interesting survivor that's also a blast to drive. Call today!!!