Vehicle Description
1972 Datsun 240z - 2.4L Inline 6 Cylinder - Automatic Transmission
- 86k Miles Shown - Orange Over Black Interior Prior to 1969 the
general impression of Japanese cars paralleled that of most
products coming out of the Pacific Rim region, simply cheap throw
away products lacking any quality or longevity. However, in the
fall of 1969, with the introduction of the Datsun 240Z to the US
shores these opinions where quickly changed. The 1969 Datsun's 240Z
was built with the objective to compete with European sports cars
such as Jaguar, Porsche, Triumph, and Alfa Romeo yet at a price
point more in line with the less expensive MGB-GT. The perfect
storm was brewing in Europe and the US to facilitate the 240Z's
coming ashore in North America. Labor issues were developing in
European plants and engineers had left mechanicals virtually
unchanged on most of Europe's entry level sports cars all leading
to a drop in build quality. Meanwhile oppressive new safety and
emissions regulations in the US, that further challenged the
European manufacturers cars coming ashore, who choose to merely
band aid the challenge with power robbing emission controls and
heavier bumpers. However, at the same time the Japanese built
Datsun 240z was proving to be more reliable and better built for
the money. These Japanese cars were rockets on wheels with far
better performance than the competition. These cars were sleek and
attractive with a smooth 2.4 liter overhead-cam straight six and
independent rear suspension which gave the 240Z the go to accompany
the show! The sleek hood contributed to the 240Z's aerodynamic
design, which made it faster as well as more fuel economical.
Datsun reported a 0-60 time of 7.8 seconds and the 125-mph top
speed which outperformed the Porsche 911T and Jaguar E-Type for
half the money. Naturally, the highly capable 240Z likewise
outperformed similar priced models from Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Opel,
Triumph, and MG. Offered for sale here at Garage Kept Motors is a
1972 Datsun 240Z. With only 82,000 miles on the odometer this Z is
largely well preserved and has had some light restoration work
carried out on it, with an emphasis on preserving originality. It
has been repainted at some point and the paintwork is well
executed. Bumper chrome and related stainless trim is well
maintained and presents with a rich luster. Underneath this car is
clean and well detailed. The floorboards are painted body color and
there are no hints of any rust or accident repair. Brake and fuel
lines have all been replaced, and the brakes have been serviced
including new brake calipers. MacPherson struts, anti-roll bar,
coil springs, lower transverse, telescopic torsion bars connected
to the lower control arms smooth the bumps in the road up front,
with Chapman struts, and lower wishbones outfitted in the rear
suspension make this car suitable for highway or the road course.
Steel 14-inch wheels are wrapped by B.F. Goodrich radial T/A raised
white letter tires with factory sport wheel coverings complete the
suspension. Under the hood is clean and well preserved including
the often missing under hood light. This Datsun is powered by the
2.4-liter inline-6 motor equipped with twin carburetors, that is
factory rated at 151 horsepower at 5,600 RPM and 146-foot pounds of
torque at 4,400 RPM. Power is sent to the to the independent rear
differential through a 3-speed automatic transmission. Under hood
options include power steering and power brakes. Inside the cabin
is simple and to the point with few comfort options as one would
expect from a performance-built sports car. The interior is
surprisingly roomy due to the 90.7-inch wheelbase and will easily
fit taller drivers and passengers. The upholstery and interior
panels present as original with new carpeting. The cabin is clean
and well maintained showing only very light wear. The speedometer
and tachometer are framed by a race influenced wood rimmed sport
wheel. Center dash mounted gauges are acco
