• Seller: Jeremy G oodwin
• Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico
• Mileage: 28,000 Shown
• Chassis #: RLS30-000096
• Title Status: Clean
• Engine: 2.6-Liter Inline 6-Cylinder
• Transmission: 4-Speed Manual

Over the past decade, interest in early Datsun Z-cars has increased considerably. They were well-liked when new, as they offered great performance and looks for a reasonable price. Unfortunately, many have suffered rough lives and were recycled long ago. The example offered here as a Barn Finds Auction was ordered new by the previous owner and is the 96th car to roll off the assembly line. The seller purchased it from the original owner and has decided to move it along to someone who can restore it properly.

The 260Z was a mild refresh of the original Z, the 240. The most significant change was the enlargement of the inline-six engine to 2.6 liters. The exterior received minor changes, the interior improved, and the chassis was reinforced. As great as the 240Z is, the 260 offers a better overall driving experience.

The interior of the 260Z received a few improvements. The climate control system was fully redesigned, with better controls, especially for A/C-equipped cars. The dash and center console were reworked for the new climate control. It also received a new seat trim design and updated door panels. This example’s interior is going to need a full restoration, but it looks to be complete. As these cars have gained interest with collectors, parts supply has improved significantly, but some components still aren’t being reproduced. Thankfully, many used parts are available, so with a little hunting, you should be able to find all the needed parts to make it perfect inside.

Datsun’s L-series inline-six engine significantly influenced the Z-car’s success. Its smooth-running engine has proven durable and offers a healthy amount of power for its size. Datsun rated the engine at 162 horsepower with 157 ft-lbs of torque. It might not sound all that impressive, but considering Datsun priced these cars only slightly higher than an MGB, it was a lot of car for the money. The seller states the engine turns over and will run using starter fluid. A compression test showed even numbers around 110 psi with the engine cold, so a rebuild might be required to get performance back to original. Before pulling the engine out, we would adjust the valves, perform a full service, and then retest with the engine warmed up to see if those numbers go up closer to 150 psi.

These cars are prone to rusting, and the seller admits this one has rust, but having spent its life in New Mexico, they feel it may have been spared from severe structural issues. It’s currently rolling on new tires, so it is easy to load onto a trailer, and it comes with the original hubcaps, dealer-installed A/C system, and the original exhaust system (the previous owner had the dealer install an upgraded exhaust). The seller has the original paperwork for the car, including the window sticker, the order sheet, the maintenance records, a dealer brochure, and a service manual. While it will need a complete restoration, these cars have become sought after, especially ones built in early ’74 with the small bumpers. This one has a great history, so it’s worth rescuing! If you have any questions for the seller, please leave them in the comments below.

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