LT1 V8 + 6Spd: 1973 Nissan 240Z

Nissan's athletic 240Z was sold in the USA with a Datsun badge and a silky smooth inline-6 to go with its ninja-like reflexes.  For years, folks joked that Japanese cars would never be collectable, and 240Z prices hovered above scrap value, so many were (for better or worse) turned into hot rods. Today we've got one of those hot rods and it looks like it could use some freshening...but could be fun when done. Find this 1973 Nissan 240Z offered for $6500 in Phoenix, AZ via craigslist. Tip from FuelTruck.

Rusty Z Car: 1978 Datsun 280Z

The Datsun 280Z was the successor to the seminal 240Z car and lives in a middle ground of 260Z/280ZX before the revival Z performance with the 300ZX.  As such, the 280Z tends to be treated as somewhat of a middle child - it doesn't get the praise and admiration of its eldest successful sibling (240Z) or the pampering of the baby (300ZX).  Logically the 280Z is therefore a big disgruntled, often unloved, wears funky shoes and is rarely found in good shape...and this one is a good example of a cheap/used/abused version. Find this 1978 Datsun 280Z here on eBay offered for $2,895 in Lucerne Valley, CA.

Pick Your Poison: '72, '73, '74 Datsun Z Turbo Swaps

How do you like your eggs?  Fried, scrambled or poached?  That is an easy question, but I think a much harder one is how do you like your vintage turbo swapped Datsun Z cars-- with a Toyota 2JZ, Nissan RB20DET, or L28ET?  Because you can't have them all...you could, but I think it would be like eating 24 eggs for breakfast.  Which would you drive?

Ford V8 Powered: 1970 Datsun 240Z

The original Datsun 240Z was a nicely styled 2-seater from the land of the rising sun.  It combined the basic sportiness of a unibody chassis with MacPherson struts up front and an independent coil spring (upper Chapman struts, lower wishbones) rear with a 2.4 liter inline-6 that split the difference between 4-cylinder zippiness and V8 grumbliness.  However...there are times when you might want that V8 torque and this next example has been transformed into a real pony car.  Find this 1970 Datsun 240Z offered for $11995 in Bellevue, WA via craigslist. Tip from JB1025.

Kurashikkukā: 1973 Datsun 240Z

The Datsun 240Z ushered in the era of the Japanese sports car -- it wasn't as maniac as the later Skylines, Evolutions, 300Zs, Supras, and such that made headlines for Japanese performance, it was the first mass market car from the Land of the Rising Sun to get everything right.  Its combination of nimble chassis, communicative steering, ass-on-the-ground seating, and cool styling makes it the classic of choice for budget car enthusiasts.  Find this 1973 Datsun 240Z offered for $9500 in the SF Bay Area via craigslist. Tip from FuelTruck.

Garage Find: 1971 Nissan 240Z

Nissan's fabulous 240Z was sold in the US of A with a Datsun badge, but it offered ninja-like reflexes and a silky smooth inline-6. The Z hasn't gone through recent massive price inflation like certain German cars (i.e Porsche 911, E30 M3..etc), so if you are going to get one...do it before the boom. Find this 1971 Nissan 240Z here on eBay bidding for $10,733 with 3 days to go, located in Spring Hill, KS.

V8 Monster: 1973 Datsun 240Z

Production for the S30 generation Datsun 240Z started way back in 1969 -- back when the idea of a Japanese sports car was very far fetched.  But by the time production ended in 1978, the era of American & European sports car dominance was starting to sound fetchy.  Yes.  That is a word.  Find this 1973 Datsun 240Z offered for $6,000 in San Jose, CA via craigslist.

Needs Rhinoplasty: 1970 Datsun 240Z

The Datsun 240Z was the first mass market sports car from a Japanese auto maker to sell an any decent quantity in North America.  It was certainly a sales success when new and has become a sought after classic today...but there was a period of time when people with mullets, flannels, & blue-ribbon-beer could get them for almost free and shove all manner of V8 under the hood.  The result isn't pretty...but it is fast.  Find this 1970 Datsun 240Z with a HUGE V8 offered for $11,900 in Fountain Valley, CA via craigslist. Tip from Rock On!

Axis Built: 1971 Datsun 240Z with BMW M3 Power

I love finding weird stuff on the internet...wait...that doesn't look good now that I've written it down on a piece of paper the screen. I think what I mean to say, is...I like weird cars for sale on the internet.  Yeah....much better.  Weird can span the gamut between a jet powered Fiat to a BMW art car that is completely wrapped in Leslie Nielsen's old underwear...but I try to find something in the middle.  Like this 1971 Datsun 240Z with BMW M3 Power offered for $7000 in Newnan, GA via craigslist.  Tip from Rock On!

McSushi Buffet: 1974 Datsun 240Z V8

Nissan's fabulous 240Z was sold in the US of A with a Datsun badge, but it offered ninja-like reflexes and a silky smooth inline-6.  For years folks joked that Japanese cars would never be collectable, and 240Z prices hovered above scrap value, so many were (for better or worse) turned into hot rods. Find this 1974 Datsun 240Z V8 offered for $8,500 in Van Nuys, CA via craigslist. Tip from Rock On!

私の声を聞く: 1973 Datsun 240Z

It is hard to imagine today, but when the Datsun 240Z was released in 1970, it was arguably the best mass produced car to come from the island of the rising sun as of its release.  Faster, better, and uglier (hello Nissan??) cars have certainly be produced, but if you want the original car that stood up and shouted to the world "私の声を聞く" this is it.  Find this 1973 Datsun 240Z offered for $8,500 in Rocklin, CA via craigslist.

One Foot In The Crusher: 1972 Datsun 240Z

The advertisement starts out in the right direction --  6cyl, 4speed stick, -- but things only turn south as the listing continues -- needs to be towed, runs and drives good but carbs need adjusted,rebuilt or replaced runs great then runs rich. At least the body doesn't look to be a total nightmare...but it is hard to tell with rattle can black paint job.  Find this 1972 Datsun 240Z offered for $2,900 in Graham, WA via craigslist.  Tip from FuelTruck.

Rust In Pieces: 1973 Datsun 240Z

As a typical spoiled California used car shopper, I abhor rust.  The slightest hint of oxidized metal will send me running for a mojito and my surfboard. But the reality of life is that we still get some rust around here in these parts, particularly if you just let paint flake off the drive around in a car with bare exposed metal.  Like this 1973 Datsun 240Z offered for $2,500 in Merced, CA via craigslist.  Tip from FuelTruck.

Your Fairlady? 1970 Datsun 240Z

By Adam -- Setting the goal of "Improving our cars efficiency gradually and creeping up slowly before others notice" Yutaka Katayama also known as Mr. "K" not only wanted to introduce efficiency, but also style into Datsun's cars. o, the president of Nissan USA, Mr. "K" introduced the (designed by Yoshihiko Matsu) 240Z, also known as the Nissan Fairlady Z to the States in 1970. Thus began the story of what is arguably one of the best looking Japanese imports available. Here is your chance to grab one of the originals and to creep up slowly on others, but you will be noticed. This 1970 Datsun 240Z  is for sale in Tuscon, AZ for $15,000 via craigslist.

Auction Watch: 1970 Datsun 240Z

Find this 1970 Datsun 240Z here on eBay bidding for $11,800 reserve-not-met with auction ending Sunday at 6:33PM Pacific.

Customized: 1972 Datsun 240Z Roadster

More often than not, when you find an inexpensive classic with the keywords "custom" in the description, the resulting object looks like Amber Heard's face after the reviews of Mortdecai hit news stands.  This next "custom," however, bucks those trends and looks surprisingly together for a...well...Frankenstein.  Find this 1972 Datsun 240Z Roadster offered for $12,000 in San Diego, CA.  Tip from Rob.

Auction Watch: 1971 Datsun 240Z

Find this 1971 Datsun 240Z here on eBay bidding on eBay for $6,107 with auction ending Saturday at 6:15PM Pacific.

Auction Watch: 1972 Datsun 240Z Parts

Find this 1972 Datsun 240Z V8 swap project here on eBay bidding for $1,350 on eBay with auction ending today (Wednesday) at 8:04PM PST.