What’s It Worth? 1971 Datsun 240Z ..Redfining The Affordable Sports Car and Making The Brits Cry At The Same Time

Introduced in the USA on October 22nd 1969 as a 1970 model the Datsun 240Z would change everything we knew at the time about cars from Japan. Known as the Nissan S30 Fairlady in Japan the USA Datsun 240Z was a sales hit.

By 1971 over 45,000 Datsun 240z’s were sold in the USA. Its low slung looks were said to be inspired by the Jaguar E-types. Unlike Jaguar’s and other British sports cars of the day the Datsun 240Z didn’t suffer from horrible build quality and poor reliabilty. 

If you listen hard enough you can hear Ex-British Leyland Dealers still weeping till today from the Direct Hit from Datsun. This Kidney Punch from Datsun and the Brits refusing to deal with Quirky quality issues were perhaps the Demise of The British Sports Car Industry in America.

Soon after the "Z" made its debut in the USA storied makes such as Triumph and MG would slink back to England in shame never to be imported to the USA. A shame and a story for another time.  

Powered by a 151 horsepower inline overhead cam six cylinder engine the 240Z was quick and agile. Sharing parts with other Datsun products the 240Z had sports car performance at an almost economy car price. Many people credit the 240z with opening the doors for other performance cars from Japan. Other people also blame it for the demise of the British sports cars in the USA.

Our feature 1971 Datsun 240Z is rust free Texas car with a recent quality restoration. Mild upgrades include wheels, header and dual Weber 32/36 Carburetors. As with all cars from Japan of this era rust is an issue. Being a rust free car helps the value of this vehicle plus the quality of the restoration. Keep in mind also the these early 240Z’s are rising in value fast. Don't be shocked by the value. Once again the Big Question is...  WHAT'S IT WORTH??