New FR-S Stable Mate - 1971 Datsun 240z

[Hardway]

My 2013 FR-S has a new stable mate, a 1971 Datsun 240z Series-1. For those that are not familiar with classic Z’s the Series-1 cars were the first 10K to come in to the US, mine is #8011. They have a fair number of small details that make them unique. The biggest difference between them and later Z’s are the fact they are around 300 pounds lighter, have quicker steering, and have non-vented B-pillars but rather a vented hatch system. I have owned several classic Z’s before and they were part of the reason I got my FR-S. Plus it seemed like when the FR-S came out everyone compared them to the 240z’s and rightfully so. I found the car in Dallas and drove up Friday evening to get it. I paid what most would consider a lot of money for a 240z but based on the fact it is 98% rust free, has had a ton of work already done to it, is the color combo I really wanted, and is ready to enjoy from day 1 made me pull the trigger. The fact that it is a Series-1 was a big bonus. Anyway, here it is, let me know what you think.

[WhiteFRS69]

my father used to own one, he talks about it all the time, countless stories he had in it

ive been trying to talk him into buying another one, he has no interest which is sad, his eye light up every time he talks about it!

he always jokes around because he had to sell it when my mother told him she was pregnant with me. i know its not my fault but i would love to see him get into one one day. for fathers day one year, i met a guy at a local cruise night who had one, told him my story and he let me borrow it for a night so my father can reconnect with his memories... ive never seen my father so happy in his life!

beautiful car you have!

[derekk]

Looks awesome!! Great condition to for how old she is.

[soon...]

Beautiful, congrats! Looks like it's in perfect condition.

[ripper]

awesome grab !!!! love the 240z, enjoy the classic that paved the road for japanese usdm sports cars.

[Nevermore]

I'm jealous. This is the stable pair I really want.

[AC13_JohnG]

Nice aquisition, looks like a clean car.

[roddy]

Nice. A 1st/2nd year 240Z is very high on my "some day" list, and the spirit of those cars is why I bought an FR-S. A really nice early Z will cost pretty much the same as an FR-S anyway, so whatever you paid, it was probably worth it. A clean 510 would be sweet as well.

[Jonsey]

Really beautiful car and it looks very clean and well kept.

[Tromatic]

So jealous. A clean, well-cared for not-riced FR-S will be as desirable as that Z one day.

[FRSpappa]

Nice car, looks like it's sitting a little high though. Love tho old Datsun's, here's a pic of one of my old Datsun 1200's I use to AutoX back in the day. Drove a friends 240z on a fun run after an event and with both of us on board beat both of our TTOD! Great handling cars and very close to a FRS/BRZ...


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[Lavalover]

That Z is a real beauty! I'd like to hear more about your impressions of the Z relative to the FR-S. Is it the proverbial case of being "more fun to drive a slow car fast"? I had a 240Z next door to me in 1973, but didn't find out too much about it at the time.


Is your new Z mostly stock or has it been modified?

[FlamingRectumSyndrome]

My next door neighbour had a 240Z, he bought it around 1973. I remember it being set up with VERY lean carburetion, so that when he started it in the morning he had to let it idle at about 3000 rpm for five minutes or more. Otherwise it would run REALLY badly.

One day someone tried to steal it. He found it abandoned about two blocks away. It ran so badly the thief gave up and decided that walking was a better option.

Don't get me wrong, they're gorgeous cars, and I'd be happy to own one. But I guess some of them had their quirks.

[DarkSunrise]

Congrats on the new (old) car! That engine bay looks really clean.