One-Family-Owned 1970 Datsun 240Z Series I

Description

The 1970 Datsun 240Z marked a turning point in sports car history, introducing Japanese engineering to a market dominated by European and American brands. Developed by Nissan and sold under the Datsun name in the U.S., the 240Z was designed to offer performance, style, and reliability at an affordable price. It featured a sleek, aerodynamic body inspired by European grand tourers, with long hood lines and a fastback rear. 

Under the hood, the 240Z housed a 2.4-liter inline-six engine producing 151 horsepower, paired with a four-speed manual transmission. Independent suspension, front disc brakes, and rack-and-pinion steering gave it agile handling and a smooth ride. The car’s performance rivaled that of more expensive competitors like the Jaguar E-Type and Porsche 911, but at a fraction of the cost. 

The 240Z was an immediate success in the U.S., thanks in part to its strong dealer support and reliability. It helped establish Nissan as a serious player in the global automotive market and laid the foundation for the Z-car legacy. 

This 1970 Datsun 240Z was restored in 2003 using mostly NOS parts. It was awarded First in Class at the 2009, 2010, and 2018 Huntington Beach Concours d’Elegance, First in Class at the 2006 and 2012 Muckenthaler Motor Car Festival, and Best Foreign at the 2014 San Clemente Car Show. 

Highlights 

• 1970 Datsun 240Z has had two owners within the same family since new 

• Full restoration, completed in 2003, included: 

  • Repainted in period-correct Monte Carlo Red (was originally British Racing Green) 

  • Overhauled the transmission and clutch 

  • Pistons were bored 20 thousandths 

  • Overhauled overhead cam 

  • Rebuilt radiator 

  • Rebuilt original carburetor 

  • Rebuilt front and rear brakes, including master cylinder and vacuum 

• Powered by a 2.4-liter inline-six engine rated at 151 hp 

• Twin Hitachi SU-style side-drafts 

• Four-speed manual transmission 

• Black vinyl interior 

Features 

• Bucket seats 

• Wood-rimmed steering wheel 

• 160 mph speedometer and 8,000 rpm tachometer  

• Optional Hitachi AM radio 

• Clock 

• Hatchback access to rear storage area 

• Cooper Lifeliner Touring SLE 190/70R14 tires 

• Independent front and rear suspension (MacPherson strut front, Chapman strut rear) 

• Front disc, rear drum brakes 

Known Imperfections 

• Paint imperfections near driver’s door lock and on passenger side rocker panel 

• Paint bubble on hood near emblem 

• Cosmetic paint crack on body between hatch and side window 

• Radio, clock, and rear window defroster are not operational 

Included 

• Spare tire 

• Jack and lug wrench 

• Keys 

• Owner’s manual, warranty and service manual, Hitachi radio manual 

• Original sales receipt from Foothill Datsun 

• ZCar Magazine 

• Restoration records 

• Numerous spare parts 

Ownership History 

The California seller of this 1970 Datsun 240Z has owned it for 23 years, but it has been in the same family since new. The seller says, “I purchased this car from my sister-in-law in 2002. She was the original owner and purchased it from Foothill Datsun of California on August 21, 1970. After driving the vehicle for 15 years and putting 116,000 miles on it, she stored it in an interior garage space for the next 17 years. The original color was British Racing Green, and it was changed to period-correct Monte Carlo Red during a unibody restoration that was completed in 2003. The car has been driven only 5,000 miles since the restoration and has been stored indoors and covered when not in use or being admired. The car runs and drives just as it did when it was driven off the showroom floor (you can speak to the original owner to verify that). We have the original bill of sale, all the original brochures, service manuals, etc. Other than the color change, the car is all original. The paint has some blemishes, but there is absolutely zero rust, bondo, or weldings on the body.”

This 240Z is offered with a clean California title in the name of the seller's name.