Full Answer
What kind of transmission does a Nissan 240Z have?
The early 240Zs were known as the Series 1. The Series 1 had subtle differences from later cars such as badges in different locations. The 240Z came standard with a 2.4L inline six, with a four speed manual transmission. The 240Z also came standard with fully independent suspension front and rear.
Is the Datsun 240Z a good car?
The Datsun 240Z is one of the most iconic sports cars to ever come out of Japan. Apart from being such an iconic car, it also put Datsun, now Nissan, comfortably in a league of its own and established the brand as a force to be reckoned with.
How many 240Z have been sold in the US?
Datsun sold 148,115 240Zs in the United States, but they were “cheap” sports cars for a long time, and many fell into uncaring or incapable hands. So, finding a good Z can be a challenge.
Was the 240Z a success or failure?
The 240Z was an answer to Toyota’s 2000GT which ultimately failed. The 240Z was a massive success, and has created an entire Z family. If you’ve ever been into 240Zs or 280Zs, then you know that the debate between them is tense.
Are Datsun 240Z reliable?
The Nissan – okay, Datsun 240Z – probably isn't the first car that springs to mind when lusting after a 50-year old sporting GT. But it's time is ripe now, because it's a reliable, plentiful, and easy-to-drive classic.
What transmission is in the Datsun 240Z?
240ZDatsun 240ZEngine2.4 L L24 I6Transmission3-speed automatic (1971 on) 4-speed manual 5-speed manual (non US ver.)DimensionsWheelbase2,305 mm (90.7 in)12 more rows
Does 240Z handle well?
A 240Z doesn't necessarily excel at any one thing, dynamically, but it does everything well. It was and is a giant killer, the everyman's E-type. And, in its own right, one of the most entertaining sports cars of all time.
Are Datsuns reliable?
Datsun cars are also reliable, just not as much as Nissan vehicles. That it has never received a J.D. Power Award, while Nissan has done so a few times, goes to show that Nissan vehicles are more dependable. Also, reviews say because most Datsun cars are old, they often encounter electrical problems.
What is a CD009 transmission?
The CD009 transmission was the final revision to the VQ35DE RWD transmission, and was originally shipped in the 05-06 350Z, 05-06 G35 Sedan, and 05-07 G35 Coupe. This revision featured stronger synchros in addition to other small design tweaks and is generally considered the best version of this transmission.
How many Datsun 240Z were built?
Produced as something of a response to Toyota's 2000GT sports car, the Yamaha proposal for which was passed over by Nissan before it became a Toyota project, the 240Z would ultimately be far more successful, with more than 160,000 of the two-door, two-seat, rear-drive sports cars sold in just four years of production ...
How much is a 1970 240Z worth?
DetailingVehicle:1970 Datsun 240Z Series 1 coupeYears Produced:1970–73Number Produced:148,115Original List Price:$3,526SCM Valuation:$8,200–$14,0008 more rows•Feb 1, 2015
Why is the 240Z famous?
The Datsun 240Z is often described as one of the best Japanese sports cars ever made—high praise for something that has to compete with the arsenal of great cars that came out of the tuner capital of the world.
How much horsepower does a 1973 Datsun 240Z have?
Engine manufacturer:Nissan L24Horsepower net:Torque net:Horsepower gross:112.6 kW / 153 PS / 151 hp (SAE)/ 560025 more rows
When did they stop making Datsuns?
Datsun was a key part of the global car market until 1986, when Datsun's owner, Nissan Motor Company, controversially scrapped the brand name in favor of its own. But Datsun is now set to make a comeback.
Are Datsuns still being made?
Nissan phased out the Datsun brand in March 1986, but relaunched it in June 2013 as the brand for low-cost vehicles manufactured for emerging markets. Nissan considered phasing out the Datsun brand for a second time in 2019 and 2020, eventually discontinuing the struggling brand in April 2022.
Is Datsun 280Z rare?
With so many examples having been produced, the cars are far from rare, which has helped to keep prices reasonable. While a mint condition early 240Z will fetch $65K at auction, a driver 280Z can be had for less than $10,000, and you'll find an entire universe of options below the $20K mark.
How fast is a 240Z?
Gearing is intentionally tall, to give the 240Z good cruising performance and a high top speed (we got 122 mph at 5800 rpm), but means that there is a definite lack of snap when trying to accelerate from a low engine speed in fourth or even third.
What are the influences of the 240Z?
There are several obvious influences on the 240Z, among them the Jaguar E-type coupe, the Toyota 2000 GT, the Porsche 911 series, and even the Ferrari 275 GTB. . . . Inside the car, the driver and passenger are immediately impressed by a very modern layout, which would seem almost Corvette-like if it weren’t more tastefully done in black vinyl...
How much did the Datsun 260Z cost in 1974?
1974–1978 Datsun 260Z and 280Z ($5500–$18,000) Obvious, yes, but worth keeping in mind. Later Zs got bigger and heavier and lost some of the looks and performance. But they still have most of the attributes of the early cars, and they cost half as much, if that.
How much does a 1969 Datsun 240Z weigh?
But on October 22, 1969, Datsun unleashed the 240Z: a smooth straight-six with dual carbs and 150 hp, a four-speed manual, four-wheel independent suspension, a curb weight around 2350 pounds, and seductive styling that would have made it attractive at any price.
Is the 240Z a killer?
A 240Z doesn’t necessarily excel at any one thing, dynamically, but it does everything well. It was and is a giant killer, the everyman’s E-type.
Is the 2.4 liter engine a British car?
It’s like a British car, but with a much higher probability of everything working. The 2.4-liter engine is internal-combustion marriage material—torquey and wonderful-sounding, as you’d expect of six tiny cylinders in a row. It’s also indestructible. And for anybody accustomed to an old Moss gearbox in a British car, ...
Is Datsun a hard car?
The Datsun can really be driven hard; flung enthusiastically into corners, its near-neutral handling (helped by the near 50/50 weight distribution) makes it very stable, with just a hint of oversteer allowing the tail to hang out but not come around.
9 It Is The Original Z-Car
The Datsun 240Z was the origina l Z-Car, a very well-known model line that Nissan runs to this date. When it was first introduced in 1969, the 240Z was received very well by the press and the public and as a result, it sold very well, especially in the U.S., and single-handedly made Datsun.
8 L24 Engine Is Bulletproof
Nissan's L series of engines are known for their reliability, parts availability and longevity. These qualities are hard to come by for sports cars of today. But the 240Z possessed these qualities with its great engine, L24. It was a 2.4-liter inline-6 engine that produced 150 horsepower and 146 lb-ft of torque.
7 Inspired By The Jaguar E-Type
If you were to build a sports car/grand tourer in the late '60s, there were a lot worse options to be inspired from than that. Quite frankly, the Jaguar E-Type, is one of the best-looking sports cars of all time. It caught the world in a storm when it came out, and it continues to do so today, one auction block at the time.
6 A Better British Sports Car
Now that we established the Datsun 240Z was heavily inspired by British sports cars of the '60s, it will probably be fair to call this Japanese beauty a better British sports car than any of its British rivals at the time. The Z-car had all the good qualities of a lightweight British car, with almost none of the drawbacks.
5 An Everyday Classic
We don't throw the everyday sports car term around very often, but it is one of the best ways to describe what a Datsun 240Z is. It is agile, purposeful, and it sounds like a hairy-chested British sports car with that inline-6, but put it on the highway and the engine becomes quiet, and the ride will be comfortable.
4 A Joy To Drive
We mentioned the driving characteristics of the 240Z above, but it is worth mentioning in detail. It was a joy to drive, but it better be, because it was a brilliantly engineered piece of machinery. To start, it had a steel monocoque with an anti-roll bar at the front. All independent suspensions on four wheels.
3 The Racing Heritage
While not quite exciting as the Ford v. Ferrari, Carroll Shelby and Pete Brock were heroes of another racing story in America, but they were enemies this time.
What year was the Datsun 240Z?
The original Datsun 240Z that broke ground here in the United States for the 1970 model year was Japan's first credible volume sports car effort. (The Toyota 2000GT was beautiful but rare and expensive.)
Who drove the Z in the West Coast Sports Car Club of America?
Peter Brock's BRE team tore up the West Coast Sports Car Club of America events at the wheel of a Z, and one P.L. Newman, driving for Bob Sharp Racing in Connecticut, did the same on the right coast, as well. Sharp himself won two SCCA national titles aboard Zs.
What causes cracks in a Z engine?
Modified, overly stiff suspensions can cause cracks in the frame, especially near suspension mounting points. Z engines love frequent oil changes and a fresh 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water to make sure the iron block and alloy head don't develop corrosion in the cooling system.
Is the 1979 ZX a 280ZX?
Some of the performance losses were regained via the displacement bump and the addition of fuel injection (280Z only), but the 260s and 280s are heavier and don't feel as spirited and lithe as the first-generation Z. 1979 The original Z is redesigned and renamed the 280ZX.
Is the original Z still relevant?
The original Z still feels relevant and is fun to drive as a sports car. A good supply of OEM and aftermarket parts are available, and the cars are relatively straightforward to work on. There are several parts companies and shops that specialize in Zs.
What is the Z model used for?
This Z's high price comes courtesy of its rich history, having been used as a model for a Franklin Mint die-cast model car. It was also present at former Nissan Motor Corporation USA Yutaka Katayama's induction into the Automotive Hall of Fame. Katayama, also known as Mr. K, was the biggest advocate for Nissan to come to ...
Who is the father of the Z car?
Katayama , also known as Mr. K, was the biggest advocate for Nissan to come to the United States and is idolized as the father of the Z-Car by the Datsun community. A signed photo of him posing with this car as well as a signed Franklin Mint 240Z model was included with the purchase of the vehicle. Bring a Trailer.
What transmission does a 240Z have?
The 240Z came standard with a 2.4L inline six, with a four speed manual transmission . The 240Z also came standard with fully independent suspension front and rear. This was very different from the standard US sports car which was solid rear axle.
What year was the Nissan 240Z introduced?
In 1970 , the 240Z was introduced to the American market by the president of Nissan Motors USA Operations. The early 240Zs were known as the Series 1. The Series 1 had subtle differences from later cars such as badges in different locations. The 240Z came standard with a 2.4L inline six, with a four speed manual transmission. The 240Z also came standard with fully independent suspension front and rear. This was very different from the standard US sports car which was solid rear axle.
How much horsepower does a 1970 240Z have?
The 240Z made an impressive 150 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, and 148 lb-ft at 4,400 rpm. By todays standards those numbers are pathetic, but in 1970 these numbers were incredible. The 280Z makes 149 horsepower at 5,600 at 5,600 rpm, and 163 lb-ft at @4,400.
What is a Datsun 240Z?
When Nissan initially came to the US market, they operated under the name “Datsun”. This was done in case of failure, which would damage the Nissan name. Fast forwards to 1970 and Datsun is producing the 240Z. The 240Z was an answer to Toyota’s 2000GT which ultimately failed. The 240Z was a massive success, and has created an entire Z family. If you’ve ever been into 240Zs or 280Zs, then you know that the debate between them is tense. Which one of them is actually better? Let’s dive in and compare 240Z vs 280Z.
What does 280Z mean?
As you might have already figured, the numbers in Z car names have a meaning. “240” refers to the 2.4L engine that it came with from the factory, and “280” refers to the 2.8L engine. Like I mentioned before, the 280Z’s engine is a bored out version of the 240Z’s engine.
Is the 240Z carbureted?
The 240Z was carbureted, whilst the 280Z used a Bosch fuel injection system. This fuel injection system is said to be nearly maintenance free. Later 240Zs have carburetors with emissions restrictions, which many people complained about.
Is the 280Z a 2 seater?
Overseas the 280Z was available as a 2+2, which looks far different than it standard two-seater configuration. Overall both at 240Z and the 280Z are incredibly good looking vehicles.
The Experience
The One You Want
- The Datsun’s comparison to the Jaguar E-type also holds on the collector market. The most valuable E-types are the 1961–1967 Series 1 cars. Of these S1 Jaguars, the first few hundred cars are valued much higher, due to unique features like external bonnet latches and “flat” floors. So it goes with 240Zs: The first 500 or so cars are unique in many details, extremely difficult to restor…
So, What Are They Worth?
- A lot more than they used to be. About 10 years ago, I bought the finest original Series 1 car I had ever seen—low miles, flawless original paint, and an interior and chassis you could eat off. It wasn’t one of the first 500, but it was a very early production car. I paid $15,000, probably a record price at the time. I enjoyed the car for a few years and sold it for $25,000. That buyer later sold i…
What to Avoid, and What to Do
- Rust is the Achilles’ heel for these cars, but accident damage and negligent previous owners are also on that podium. Datsun sold 148,115 240Zs in the United States, but they were “cheap” sports cars for a long time, and many fell into uncaring or incapable hands. So, finding a good Z can be a challenge. But they are out there. The more correct the car, the better off you are. For th…
from The Road & Track Archives
- April 1970 | THE MOST EXCITING NEW GT CAR IN A DECADE There are several obvious influences on the 240Z, among them the Jaguar E-type coupe, the Toyota 2000 GT, the Porsche 911 series, and even the Ferrari 275 GTB. . . . Inside the car, the driver and passenger are immediately impressed by a very modern layout, which would seem almost Corvette-like if it wer…
Alternatives
- So, you missed out on the 240Z when the price of admission suited your sensibilities. Fear not. Here are my recommendations for other rising stars from the Land of the Rising Sun. 1974–1978 Datsun 260Z and 280Z ($5500–$18,000) Obvious, yes, but worth keeping in mind. Later Zs got bigger and heavier and lost some of the looks and performance. But they still have most of the a…