Vehicle Description
1972 Datsun 240Z ?The first of the Z-cars as Datsun?s ?halo? car
?Finished in New Sight Orange exterior (code 918) and black vinyl
interior ?Numbers matching L24 2.4L OHC inline six-cylinder engine
with twin SU carburetors ?Upgraded Mishimoto radiator and Mallory
ignition system ?Five-speed manual transmission ?Rack-and-pinion
steering, front disc and rear drum brakes and fully independent
suspension ?Optional rear defroster ?Original OEM Datsun D wheel
covers included ?Documentation includes original owner?s manual
Seeking to broaden its lineup and expand its sales, Datsun
introduced the 240Z coupe as its halo car in October 1969. Its
mission was to draw customers into showrooms, even if they left
instead with the company?s most entry level vehicle. This 1972 240Z
is a Series II model and is finished in one of the most sought
after colors in a Datsun 240Z, New Sight Orange! What could a
Japanese automaker possibly know about building a proper GT car? It
was a fair question in the 1960s, when the British, Germans, and
Italians controlled the sports-car market, and the Japanese, with a
few notable exceptions, built economy compacts. But on October 22,
1969, Datsun unleashed the 240Z: a smooth straight-six with dual
carbs and 150 hp, a four-speed manual, four-wheel independent
suspension, a curb weight around 2350 pounds, and seductive styling
that would have made it attractive at any price. Made in Hiratsuka,
Kanagawa, Japan in December 1971, this Z-car is finished in New
Sight Orange (code 918). Its paint and trim are in overall very
good order. The body is straight and the battery appears clean, the
engine bay is tidy, the cargo area is clean and looks good. This
Z-car rolls on a set of radials and all are size 195/70R14. Each
radial is mounted on an Nissan JDM alloy wheel. The original and
hard to find D wheel covers and assorted other parts are included.
The tires are in very good order but the wheels on the car are in
good, original order. There is an independent front suspension with
MacPherson struts, lower transverse and drag links, coil springs,
telescopic dampers and anti-roll bar while out back are Chapman
struts, lower wishbones, coil springs and telescopic dampers.
Beneath its front-hinged hood is the numbers matching 2.4L OHC
straight six-cylinder engine with twin SU carburetors, a upgraded
Mishimoto radiator and a Mallory ignition system. As its dance
partner is a five-speed manual transmission from a later Datsun
280Z. Driver convenience features include a rack-and-pinion
steering, front disc and rear drum brakes plus a rear defroster.
Inside, the black vinyl interior contrasts nicely with the exterior
hue. The bucket seats are in great shape while the matching carpet
and headliner are in good, original order. The three-spoke steering
wheel imitates those from Europe well. The inner door liners and
instrument panel are in good, original shape. The shifter is in
excellent order and a retro Pioneer AM/FM stereo resides within the
dashboard. The 1970 240Z was introduced to the American market by
Yutaka Katayama, president of Nissan Motors USA operations, widely
known as ?Mister K.? The early cars from 1969 to mid-1971 had some
subtle differences compared to late-71 to 1973 cars. The most
visible difference is the early cars had a chrome 240Z badge on the
sail pillar and two horizontal vents in the rear hatch below the
glass molding providing flow through ventilation. In mid-1971,
there were production changes, including exterior and interior
colors, was restyling of the sail pillar emblems were with just the
letter Z placed in a circular vented emblem and the vents were
eliminated from the hatch panel of the car, due to complains of
exhaust being circulated into the car. Design changes for the US
model 240Z occurred throughout production but were not reflected in
the JDM Fairlady, including interior modifications for the 1972
model year and a change in the location of the bumper over-riders,
as well as the addition of some emission control devices and the
adoption of a new style of emissions reducing carburetors for the
1973 model year. Seeking to compete head-to-head with established
European sports cars, Datsun priced the new 240Z within $200 of the
British MGB-GT in the United States, a five-year-old design that
showed its age. The 240Z?s sleek styling, modern engineering,
relatively low price and impressive performance struck a major
chord with the public. Positive response from both buyers and the
motoring press was immediate and dealers soon had long waiting
lists for the ?Z.? As a ?halo? car, the 240Z broadened the
acceptance of Japanese carmakers beyond their econobox image.
Datsun's growing dealer network compared to limited production
imported sports cars manufactured by Jaguar, BMW, Porsche, Alfa
Romeo and Fiat ensured both easy purchase and ready maintenance.
Documentation includes original owner?s manual. Competition to this
Datsun in 1972 included Chevrolet?s Corvette, MG?s MGB-GT, Opel?s
GT and Porsche?s 914/6. If you ever wanted one of the original Z
cars, or if you hanker after another one like the one you had in
college or as your first new car, stop by MotoeXotica Classic Cars
today to check out this New Sight ?72 Z machine. VIN: HLS30-59090
EIN: L24-075218? This car is currently located at our facility in
St. Louis, Missouri. Current mileage on the odometer shows 72,442
miles. It is sold as is, where is, on a clean and clear, mileage
exempt Missouri title. GET OUT AND DRIVE!!!? Note: Please see full
terms and conditions listed below that pertain to the purchase of
any said vehicle, thank you.
