Used Car of the Day: 1971 Datsun 240Z Series I


Most days, we look for quirky used cars, or inexpensive ones, or project cars. Yes, we've tossed a few classics up there -- two or three '60s Ford T-Birds, for example, but it hasn't been the normal modus operandi.
Well, today, we're going full classic with a $50,000 Datsun Z from 1971.
Found on one of our forums via the well-known Bring a Trailer Web site, this Z has been owned by the seller since 1975 (meaning this person has owned this car for longer than I've been alive) and is yellow with a black interior. It's powered by the 2.4-liter inline-six, has a four-speed manual transmission, chrome bumpers, 14-inch wheels, a front spoiler, rear window louvers, a wood shift knob, a heater, and an AM radio.

Apparently, this car is an award winner, and it underwent a mechanical overhaul recently.

There are some cosmetic blemishes and rust bubbles, and the seller has repaired rust spots before.

UPDATE: Welp, this car apparently sold for $36,000 yesterday. Well, you can still gaze upon its glory.
[Images: The Seller]
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My dad had a (white) version of this car; sadly it was totaled before I had a chance to drive it. It was a more carefree era with respect to safety so I can admit I was transported in the cargo area on occasion which I found highly enjoyable. The car had a distinctive interior aroma I can still kind of remember 50 years later. I also remember the rust being a major issue unlike any other car of the era. Finally, the coolest color by far for a 240Z was lime green.
Maybe seller would have gotten a better price if he had removed the blue masking tape from the rockers or door bottoms...