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.
A little bit of rust isn’t a big deal, but if entire body panels look like my dining room table after the kids get done pouring cinnamon toast crunch everywhere…well…it’d better be cheap. Like $2500 for an original 240Z…yeah, that’ll get my attention.
The engine bay is probably one of the better preserved parts of the car, because leaky oil does a great job of protecting metal from rusting. The original L24 inline-6 was good for 150 horsepower if my memory still works.
Unfortunately this Z came from the factory equipped with an automatic gearbox (a travesty!!), but if you are going to go through the trouble of restoring this old beast, you might as well swap in a proper transmission.
See another car that needs some TLC? tips@dailyturismo.com
It doesn't look that rusty. Would be good to pair this with a rusted out east coast car with all the trim.
It's got to be a flood car.
Jacque Cousteau's last Datsun 240z. Finally recovered from its native habitat
" … Car will need work … " is an understatement. I wonder if he has the carbs and airbox. I agree with SoCalDave, I'll bet those seats will squish and squirt water if you sit in them.