1972 Datsun 240Z – Today’s Japanese Tempter

By: James Robinson, Unique Cars magazine

Date: 17.01.2018

These just get better with age

The Datsun 240Z is a two-door sportscar that was built Nissan in Japan between 1970 and 1973.

Designed by Yoshihiko Matsuo, the 240Z was the first generation in a very long line of the two-seater Z cars built by Nissan.

Power came from the stonking L24 2.4lt inline six-cylinder motor which came complete with twin Hitachi SU-type carburettors.

The gutsy, rev-happy inline six produced a healthy 113kW (151hp) and 198Nm and, combined with the 240Z’s low kerb weight of 1044kg, the 24-ounce car was no slouch, with the 0-100km/h taking just 8.0 seconds.

The L24 six-pot sent its oomph to the 240Z’s rear wheels via either a four or five-speed manual or a three-speed automatic transmission.

Braking was taken care of by a set of 270mm discs at the front and 230mm drums at the rear, and, combined with the Datsun’s sophisticated independent suspension at all four corners, the 240Z was quite the little handler around the bends.

This particular Datsun 240Z is a ’72 model and, judging from the pictures and the fact that it’s left-hand drive, the vehicle was originally sold in America.

According to the seller, this four-speed manual example is in totally original condition and is even sporting its original coat of paint.

The American 240Z is listed as POA and anyone interested in this classic ‘70s sportscar can view the full listing here. 

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