The Japanese car industry developed faster than any other in the twenty-five years following World War II. Few people would have believed its faltering beginning would have led to the nation becoming a manufacturing powerhouse that set new standards in engineering and build quality. This 1971 240Z demonstrates Datsun’s evolution from a company producing staid and conservative transport to desirable and affordable sports cars. The seller purchased it as a project six years ago but feels it needs to head to a new home where it will be returned to its former glory. Helping the buyer’s cause is an enormous collection of parts that will set them on their restoration path. The 240Z is listed here on eBay in Douglas, Georgia. Bidding has passed the reserve to sit at $7,000.

Datsun’s early foray into car production effectively saw it building re-engineered versions of models originally produced by BMC. It began to emerge from under that umbrella during the 1960s, releasing models like the iconic 510 that enjoyed considerable success on the world rally stage. The company pushed the boundaries further by unveiling the 240Z domestically in 1969. The car became available in the North American market in 1970, remaining on sale until 1973. The seller purchased this 1971 model as a stalled project, but it hasn’t progressed during the six years under their care. We can barely glimpse its original Dark Green Metallic paint, but the car is complete and a prime restoration candidate. The seller doesn’t mention the presence of rust, although there appears to be the traditional issues around the rear hatch opening. The condition of the lower quarter panels and floors is unclear, but the stash of parts includes two sets of fiberglass quarters and a fiberglass hood. There are also numerous seals, rubbers, and other components that are either new or in good secondhand condition. The roof has damage where somebody stood on this classic, but the remaining panels only sport minor bumps and bruises.

The driver’s seat might be removed, but this 240Z’s interior is complete. The seats and diamond-pattern vinyl on the transmission tunnel should respond positively to a deep clean, but the warped door trims require replacement. The shopping list will also include a carpet set and a dashpad. This one has suffered the traditional cracks above the gauge pod, and the severity of the problem means a DIY approach with a product like Polyvance probably isn’t viable. A replacement will lighten the buyer’s wallet by at least $800, but it would be essential to bring the presentation to a high standard. A factory AM/FM radio is included, but its condition is unknown.

Datsun’s L-Series engine range has to be one of the most robust in automotive history. These OHC powerplants feature an alloy cylinder head, a dual-row timing chain, and double valve springs. They can cover extraordinary distances with no care or maintenance beyond regular servicing. Their only notable weaknesses are a tendency for valve stem seals to fail, and the cylinder heads on six-cylinder examples may occasionally warp, resulting in head gasket failure. This car’s 2,393cc six would have produced 151hp and 146 ft/lbs of torque in its prime, which fed to the road via a four-speed manual transmission. The figures don’t promise outstanding performance, but the four-wheel independent suspension provides an exceptional ride and tenacious grip when the roads become twisting. This Datsun features its numbers-matching drivetrain, and the seller was told the engine was rebuilt before purchase. They can’t confirm this, but a scope inspection should quickly reveal the truth. The most significant parts haul included in the sale comprises mechanical components. There is a spare cylinder head, a couple of rear ends, steering components, a set of adjustable competition coil springs, a Zoom clutch, a couple of sets of original carburetors, and a pair of Webers that would improve engine response when this classic returns to active service.

The recent slump in classic car values has not spared the 1971 Datsun 240Z, although good examples still command impressive prices. A high-end faithful restoration should yield a value above $30,000, but perfection could push that figure above $40,000. This car needs much work to achieve that goal, but the photos suggest it could be attainable. The parts haul is welcome and offers the possibility of selling surplus components to subsidize the restoration budget for this diamond in the rough. Would you be tempted to follow that path?