Datsun 240Z review - the best Japanese classic sports car
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- Опубліковано 22 сер 2024
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Datsun 240Z
This is a really important car when we look at Japanese auto, because previously where American and European and British buyers had looked at the Brit and Euro market to give them the sports cars they desired, now had a Japanese contender in the mix.
The Datsun 240Z wasn’t just sold as any old car, it was billed as a personal GT not a sports car, yet the American adverts of the era show rally drivers lauding the credentials that make it a road and race car: the 2.4 litre overhead cam engine, the handling with fully independent rear suspension and disc brakes to front.
Datsun: from Nissan with pride and the pride the brand took in the car is evident. They created a car which was well built, took the styling credentials of other cars in its market and refined them all and combined it with brilliant power.
Motorsport magazine felt it was destined for big things and said it was ideal for the MGB GT owner looking to spend more to enhance performance and prestige.
As we’ve come to expect from Japanese auto, the car was reliable and didn’t throw up all the silly errors and easily avoided mishaps BL seemed to be putting out. The car was front-engined unitary chassis with all independent suspension with McPherson struts to front and rear. The 2.4 straight six engine was paired with a four forward speed box and weighed in at a ton, unladen.
In the late 60s, Datsun, as Nissan were known in the UK and America at the time, had been a brand, sure, but hadn’t been a big contender like they are today. In fact, they only came to Britain in 1968 I believe!
By the 70s, that was changing with cars like the 240Z making people sit up and take notice of the brand as manufacturer.
By 1971, the year this car came to market, Datsun were 5th place in the world for car manufacture and nearly 200 dealerships were in place across the UK. Very fast progress indeed.
Now something I will say, if you read US tests on these it’ll refer to the 4 speed box and if you read the UK tests on these, it refers to the 5 speed box. A small takeaway after driving is that the 5 speed box would definitely be preferable, it does hum a bit in top gear! This being a US import on manual or stick as they refer to it over there, is a 4 forward geared car.
The top speed was quoted as 125mph but in the 5 speed manual loaned by Datsun to MotorSport in 1971, it struggled to top 115 and was vibrating badly; so perhaps whilst it’s a top speed it’s not a speed you’ll be wanting to try and reach!
The 240Z whilst it changed hearts and minds on Japanese cars, was not around all that long in this guise. I believe it came to market in 1969 and was replaced by the 260Z in 1973.
It’s still remembered fondly and despite only doing just over 20 miles per gallon, it’s a sports car I’d drive over many others of the sports cars I’ve tested! With this being a car borrowed from Bidding Classics, we won’t be doing an owners interview today and we’re skipping straight to interior walkthrough.
lets take a minute to appreciate how good steph looks next to the 240Z
Ahh Paul thank you!!!
Seconded - everyone needs to love and respect themselves and their bodies at least as much as they love cars.
My father bought one of these brand new in the fall of 1972. I didn’t get to drive it until five or six years later. I got my first speeding ticket in it, going downhill, a very good slope. I was probably doing 115 or 120 mph. The ticket was written up at 100 mph. At that speed, I could feel the vibration and felt that it was a little bit nerve-racking. I was going into work and it was 8 AM on a Sunday morning. I came very close to completely getting away from the officer, I didn’t even know he was behind me, ha ha!
I noticed that on the handles on the doors of your vehicle, the end pieces covering the screws are missing. Otherwise, everything looks pretty much original. My dad‘s car was navy blue and had a white racing stripes along the bottom of the sides with 240Z cut out. It was a sweet looking automobile
In my opinion the s30 chassis is and always will be like the top ten best Japanese sports cars ever made. I used to own a 72 wish I never sold it. Really cool car.
Back in the early 1970,s I was a mechanic in a Datsun garage in Bloxwich in the West Midlands, I had previously worked on all British made cars, but was amazed when I saw the quality of these cars, the only drawback I think was the thinness of the steel in the body, the engine on this particular Datsun the 240 Z was excellent, it had plenty of power, and handled well, what we could not understand was how Datsun could sell these for such a low price, as they had to be transported by ship from Japan to Britain, they really made a dent in the British sports car market, particularly versus the MGB!
Bloxwich is my town of birth :-)
More particularly the Austin Healey 3000 and TR6.
Hi Mark,yes the Datsun garage was called Oak Garage,on the cross roads of Wolverhampton road and the road over the railway,I worked there for2 years,is it still a garage ?
@@davidmichaels8934 Hi David. I have no idea as I haven't lived in the area for 20 years. Google Maps didn't show anything. I occasionally watched the trains at the level crossing in Bloxwich!
MGC GT and Triumph GT-6 were more direct competitors for the 240Z, since both were 6 cylinder closed cars, but all are incredibly rare now
I loved my 280ZX. That Nissan 5-speed was one of the nicest manual transmissions I’ve ever driven.
The American MG B desperately needed a 5-speed.
I couldn't look at the car at first, Steph, you are looking amazing, your decision to do that for yourself is really paying off, so happy for you. Now to the car, I've driven plenty of MGB's in my time but never a Z and I now wish I had, the sound of the straight 6 is lovely and that interior is gorgeous. Had I not been in nappies back then and out looking I think I would have chosen this over an MGB or GT6.
Awww thanks Graeme!!!!
What a beautiful interior in that very rare blue! To me that is the most desirable interior colour out of the 6 choices! The interior is near perfect - apart from 1 crack in the dash, the chrome clips are missing from the r/hand grab handle, & the black inserts are missing from both door handles.
$3,600 U.S. in 1971 would be $26,382.93 today (£22,717.47)...an outstanding value for what would become a modern classic.
In the mid-80s I had a friend with one who had gotten rid of the 4-speed (US specs) and replaced it with a 5-speed. Which was the right way to go! I was absolutely mad for it. Loved any excuse to drive it. Never owned one but it's always been a bucket list car for me. Great video as always. Cheers from the US!
You’ve transformed yourself as has this channel which didn’t need transforming anyway absolutely amazing!
Beautiful and the Datsun is not bad either!!
A excellent Review Steph, very informative and you even managed to match the colour of the Datsun, you look as if you enjoyed driving this.
I had one as my first car! Taught myself to weld on the badly rusted body, then did a really poor paint job but had one of the cooler cars in high school here in the states. Sadly, it was totalled/written off about a year after all that when a Honda turned in front of me. That lap belt saved me from going into the windshield. I turned around and bought a 280z next!
That’s both a brilliant and horrible story. Well done for having the talent to do that.
Very similar to the Toyota Celica liftback from the seventies and both were beautifully designed coupes. Very enjoyable and comprehensive review there.
You're perfecty correct to comparing this to the MGB. They were in direct competion at the time. The 240 felt like a world apart from the MG (wich i am a great admirer of, by the way). I'm pretty sure the interior on UK spec cars were just about all black and the five speed box was way better geared than the four speed. The 240 and it's successors were literally game changers. Excellent video Steph. Thanks
Hi from Sydney, Australia, these were great cars and by shock force massively changed people's viewpoint of how far the Japanese car industry had come, value for money, equipment and on point style. A big wake up call. Re the rear end wiggle Stef points out the rear independent suspension as in a tired Triumph TR6 loses grip when it squats deflects and bounces back, if it were looked at in slow motion there is at times little grip hence that wiggle it is a weird floating sensation though amusing on a dry road becomes treacherous in the wet. In 1975 as a 19year old I bought a left-hand drive 4.2 litre Jaguar mk10 compared to my mates near new 240Z the Jag's IRS was superior as the rear wheels stay flat on the road surface at all times, the big jags rear end & suspension grips at all times like a leech does in flesh. On a wet night the loss of traction on my mates 240Z saw it written off & him lucky to walk away with minor cuts etc. He replaced it with a new 2 door Datsun 240K Skyline he owned that for mere 2 years, it met an identical fate as the rear suspension loses traction and the back just swings out when the Datsuns rear suspension squats down. All these years later I'm still driving that big high output Bronze head 4.2 litre Jag mk10. When Datsun made the later, longer 260Z 2+2 they addressed the rear suspension issue by fitting way stiffer rear coil springs and way superior Koni gas shock absorbers, or at least they did in the Australian delivered cars, the end result though was a way firmer ride. Due to accidents and complaints re this exact suspension issue on the Datsun sedans 1600's, 180B's & early 200B's, here in Australia only the first few months' production of 200B sedans had IRS Datsun then fitted the station wagons live rear axle and leaf springs, the Police Accident Investigation team found serious issues with this flawed design.
My brother had a 1972 240 Z like this. Same color only it had white interior and was an automatic transmission. He loved it and it was pretty fast for an automatic. AND you look AMAZING :)
I’m 6’2” and when I owned my 260z I was about 21 stone. There was tons of room in the car for me in the Z. However, I couldn’t really fit in an MGB. It was a real squash.
My Grandma had one of those when we were kids. That color blue too. Black interior. Our Grandma would lay rubber with it in the drive way. Always loved taking turns with my brother riding in the back getting thrown about as Grandma hit the turns in our roads : ) Very nice review.
Long time Z owner here. You did a great job on this presentation. I'm subscribed! My understanding is that blue on blue is the rarest of all color combinations. For such an old car, S30 Z's really do handle well. Twisty mountain roads are a blast.
My schoolmate's older brother had one of these in orange. Was always good to see it out and about.
One of my dream cars, great to see one!
Japan's answer to the e type jag and a beautifully executed effort. Both have stood the test of time and still look good today. Great review, thanks.
I'd have one of these over an E Type, gorgeous cars.
A beautiful example and that blue interior is a time warp to another era. Love your channel Steph.
Thanks so much x
I had both a '71 MGB and a '70 240Z and I loved them both for different reasons. You look fantastic, Steph! Hello from California.
Being someone who works a lot on British motorcycles I can see the parallel in car terms with the comparison between British and Japanese cars and bikes of the time.
As an aside, I have to say you're looking fabulous yourself. A great review as well. Being another girl involved in what is largely a man's world of classic cars and bikes I've been inspired by yourself, Rainman Ray, Eric O and Ian at Hubnut to look into starting my own channel.
Immaculate with a lovely exhaust note 🤩🤩🤩🤩
Thank you!
When I was 16, as a third passenger in one of these, I hopped into the boot/parcel-shelf under the glass!
A memorable experience.
It had a very early two-way mobile phone in the centre console, which I used.
My uncle had a L reg one of these from new. I loved it. Very comfortable and stylish. It was a five speed gearbox and that was rare back then. This is a very beautiful and stylish example. Looking very stylish yourself here Steph. I love how so often, you coordinate your outfit to compliment and match the colour scheme of the car featured. As usual, extremely well researched and presented. I hope you have had a good weekend. Love the wide variety of content on your channel. Never know what’s coming next. Take care and have a great week
I'm a new sub and enjoying a good binge through your excellent channel. I'm old enough to have owned an MGB, TR4, TR6, 914, 911, and other old classics like various Lancia models back when well-maintained, low-mileage, older cars were still inexpensive. I'd say my 1975 Datsun 280Z was the easiest classic to drive for an everyday sports car. I did swap out the 4-speed transmission for a 5-speed. Massive improvement.
What an absolutely great vid. I wonder why no 5 speed in the USA 🤔
Always wanted one of these! Beautiful.
I was in love with the TR6, but this one certainly caught my attention at the time
I would pick this over a TR6 and I love a Triumph
Unusual car. The best Japanese car was of course the 2000GT. Love your new look, good luck with everything. Great review 👍
This is arguable of course. I’d like to see a side by side review. Is the Toyota ‘of course’ the greatest due to rarity? The Z cars put Japan on the automotive map. Excellent product to price ratio and are one of the longest running line of cars still in production. Where’s the 2000gt?
Lovely drive through the Autumn colours. I like the style of the car and such a great colour. Anyone buying that has a gem.
Datsun vehicles of the 1970s had good build quality, exceptional reliability and great value. Although the newer Z cars have superior performance the early Z cars have the looks.
I currently own 2 of these magnificent machines. Spot on review. Thank you!
Your looking very glamorous Steph, another great video 😊👍
Another insightful and thorough review 😊 thanks as always for all your hard work and dedication 🙏
I'm glad you addressed yourself in the later half of the review! I admit I haven't watched many of your reviews recently, but my first thought was "wow! she looks great!". I wasn't sure if maybe I had just forgotten or not lol. Great review on the 240Z as well =)
Awesome looking car. Although I was way too young to drive at the time the car was on the market, I remember these cars. My brother had one. My parents had a Datsun 280Z. 🙂
It's a lovely classic from Japan.
Hi Steph. Great video as always. The little light at the front is actually the map light and not a courtesy light. My 280 Fairlady has the map light above so it illuminates better. The straight six Datsun engine is extremely similar to the BMC "C" Healey engine and the sound on your video sounds like a big Healey. Great vid.. thanks Steph..
Thanks for this delightful road test of a car I seriously coveted from age 15 (ca. 1973), and yes, my favorite color was that blue of your example! Always imagined having one of these to drive up to the ski resorts in Washington State... "Back in the day", I'd read a comparison test of five roadsters from 1969, and the Datsun 2000 (also a Fairlady) was put head-to-head w/ the MGB, MGC, TR-6 (then-new), and the Fiat 124 Spyder; the Datsun was the quickest of the lot, but the reviewers preferred the Fiat, owing to having radial ply tires (only bias-ply on the Datsun), and the ease of operation of the convertible top...
Not sure why the U.S. didn't get the 5-speed; 1970 was still well-before the 55 MPH national speed limit; we didn't get the 5-speed option until the 1975 280-Z. The 260-Z was offered only in 1974, as a sort of "stop-gap", probably due to our emissions regulations (when I lived in Australia, one could still get a 260-Z--w/ 5-speed, in 1976); the 280s had Bosch-Nippondenso "L-Jetronic" injection. Horsepower figures likely differed from market-to-market; I think the 240 was around 150BHP U.S. trim, but the 260 had dropped to 139, while the fuel-injected 280 was at 145...Also, back in the day (again) when I'd read Road & Track magazine religiously, their Japanese correspondent said that the Japanese ratings would appear overstated, compared w/ "SAE Net" ratings (they used the "Japanese Industrial Standard", which was said to be about 15 % over SAE Net) (Also probably why our 96 BHP Datsun 510 didn't feel like 96 BHP!)
Thanks for the memories; used to see these all over Seattle; that blue and a later Chartreuse seemed the most popular colors!
Back in 1976 I was 11 years old. I got a motorized remote control 240z car for Christmas. I would go out to the closest parking lot and race it around. As a matter of fact I think it is still in my closet of my old room at my parents house. Probably should dig it out and sell it on E-bay for a pretty penny.
Loved the car review and your matching wardrobe , Steph.
Steph a great video many thanks for this one. As a school boy in the 70s this was a car I used to love to see on the roads as it was so stylish compared to my mum and dad's HB and HC Vivas. Having said that I quite like those now. Back to the Z it had so much more in terms of extras and quality than British cars. It will no doubt be sold very quickly after your great road test has shown how it still drives so well.
Ref your own goals well done to you for those .
Keep the videos coming they are great.
Quite a surpise choice, but much appreciated as always! Its strange as I wasn't enthusiastic about these when I was a kid....seemed like a California surfer dude car, but forgeting all the preconceptions from then, this seems more upscale an MGB. Its interesting how the Japanese got a late start into being a country with the major players in the International motor industry, but it allowed them to start without preconceived ideas about auto manufacturing and design, and allowed them to take a "best practices" approach to building cars when they were ready for the big leagues at the beginning of the 1970s. Interesting.
I love your videos Steph always interesting and informative and I love your style thank you for brightening up Sunday 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹
Thank you!
Brilliant run through of one of my favourite cars, although I owned the 260z 2+2 1978
S reg which I absolutely loved, only wish I still had it as it was in very good condition and I still believe it is still out there!
Excellent channel. Thank you.
You should track it down & reacquire it! I inherited my mother’s 260Z when she died, & am looking forward to the day when it’s road-worthy again.
@@jayrogers8255
Never say never! Maybe I’ll come across it on my travels one day although it’ll probably be outside of what I could afford. It would be great just to see it again!!
@@Blueboy9055 absolutely!!! I hope you do see it again & it is in your price range!!!
@@jayrogers8255
Thank you 👍👍
I was in college when these came out and I really wanted one, but could not justify the nearly $ 100 per month payment. Instead I bought a new Datsun 1200 and paid $ 47.32 per month. Those were the days. it now costs me more to fill my tank than the monthly payment. Thanks for another interesting video, Steph. Both you and the car are looking great. Color matched and all.
Had one when I lived in Saudi Arabia in the 1980s. Great car.
I have this exact car. Blue with blue interior. Mine is an early 1971 model year, with the "Series one" attributes. Thanks for posting your great review.
This example is a beaut, and it's in my favorite colour. Love it.
I had a mint 260 the exact same color. One thing I did with mine is install an air dam in the front because once you hit 50+ mph the front end starts to get a little light where the air dam seals the front end to the ground.
125mph , game changer . They stuck big bumpers on the 260z , never the same .
Great video Steph! I don't know much about these Datsun's, though this was very informative. Have never heard them compared to an MGB before but come to think of it I suppose they kinda occupy a mid point between and MGB and an E-Type. Fascinating car. 👍
had a '78 280z, that L28 on a manual is a monster. Couldn't afford insurance on the darn thing lol.
Great video. Very noticeabley wiggly even on camera with a lap belt! Love the content.
In the 70s, I went to Friarswood Junior School in Newcastle-under-Lyme, and Peter Shilton lived opposite the school. He drove one of these. Imagine that, England and Stoke player driving something equivalent to a Nissan 350Z now.
This and the Skyline R32 were perhaps the most important Japanese sports cars. The new 400Z looks like a modern day 240z and I am sure that you will love it too.
@@doommonger7784 personally i liked the first and second gen MR2. The current supra is awfully styled in my opinion.
I remember riding in the back of one of these with my brother..:)
Great article Steph, I'm the chairman of The Classic Z Register, thank you for mentioning us, if you'd like to try a RHD version, just let me know. Maybe see you at the NEC
That's the Z for sale on Harmire estate, Barnard Castle. Although I don't live there. Recognized the area. Surprised such a nice car is outside. Nice review Steph.
just found your channel Steph and although you might not be a classic, you are definitely class.
Any hope of a Bristol review and test drive in the future?🔮
Enjoyed all of your car reviews and vintage outfits. Keep up the great work!
A good video now on a interesting vehicle 👍👍
Luv ur channel......watch it every other day...x TY for this one too! U know so much!!
Great review - love the beret really works for you.
Interesting review, while I realise getting hold of one maybe hard, it would have been interesting for you to drive a RHD car with the 5 speed box, and also, I believe the suspension was set up slightly differently for the UK. It is a shame this American model does not have the A/C option, as it would have been interesting to see how this works compared to a modern car. Road and Track did a group test-Triumph GT6 V MGB GT V Fiat 124 V Datsun 240Z. The Datsun Tranced the lot. I did drive one in 1980 and do not recall the rear end misbehaving. Thanks for the review, an interesting watch....Thanks.
I clearly remember when the 240 Zee came out. It was probably the most eventful release of the decade. An amazing car it was. However, a case could be made that for pure fun and as a direst competitor for the Triumphs the previous roadster was more like it.
And in usa the introduction of the z32 300zx in 1989 had a similar effect. It was a real beauty in its day, though Europe sneered at it.
In the late 70s I was at a camp - well, it was actually a works project - we were stationed on an army base, cutting down brush, turning felled trees into benches, grounds maintenance, etc. In any event, one of the female administrators had a 240Z. She seemed terribly .. sophisticated, and as a 15 year old, I was trying hopelessly to impress. Must have orked at some level because I would sometimes get her to drive me around in the Z, much to the chagrin of the older boys. who were probably a little too obvious in their intent. What a cool car, and though I could never convince her to let me drive (I'd been 'borrowing' family cars since I was 14, lol) it was nevertheless the height of cool to have her zipping around with me in the low slung passenger seat watching her snick through the gears- remember, most US cars were auto by then, and women didn't often drive stick - as I held her can of adult beverage from which I could sometimes share sips. Oh, bad influence :) These were truly revolutionary cars, and pretty much singlehandely killed the trad Brit roadster here in the US, good or ill. [Could have sworn they all had an AM/FM, but maybe I only saw them that way]
For the longest time we had a blue Lindberg Line model of the 240Z. Wish we still had it...
These cars were a true game-changer.
No you need the 5 speed box so much better than the overdrive, great video though Steph.
Great video. Hopefully you can review the 2000 GT. That’s a stunner.
Btw, you’re looking great. ❤
Most of them rusted away unfortunately. Great engine
Sadly rustproofing was a problem for a lot of older cars
I had a 260z. I wish I still did. Sold it for £600 in about 1984.
Love the colour. I had and replaced a Majorette model of this car in a very similar colour
In Australia is was the Datsun 24 Ounce, loved them
Looking good Steph! The car looks nice too.
Looking great...the car looks nice too.
Cracking car steph..it sounds class..hard te beat the sounds of a v8 or straight6👍👍👍
I love that Blue colour.
Great review Steph (as always) Take care
Great video steph
Nice the original Toyata Celica was also nice...
I need to get a few Toyotas on
Good Video Steph Nice Dress Great Car My Cousin Had One Years Ago Fast Car
Thanks for watching John x
@@idriveaclassic I Love Your Channel Steph See What You Are Driving Or A Car Show You Are At Hello From Windsor Connecticut USA
“That sounds utterly delicious.” Best part of the video.
The Bluebird/Fair Lady, copies of English sports cars, were learning steps and the Z was Nissan's "how it should be done" sports car.
Datsun Is the king🙂
I’d love to see ALL of the Z generations driven in future videos! Or at least thru the Z32 series.
Honda made some amazing sports cars which never caught on.
Fabulous Steph
Looking good Steph... so does the car. 😊
3.0 litre capri was out then I’m sure. Far more comparable to it than an MGB I’d have thought despite being a 2+2
Lovely car,lovely reviewer,all matching outfits
I'm amazed there was still an ammeter this late. The MGBs didn't have one.
This car took the world by storm it was in such demand that datsun had to open up another production line just to cater for the American Market alone.
I bought a six month old 240z….mine was not great and other owners I spoke to said the same
The original wheel trims squeaked round towns….the carpets were very thin…the chrome bumpers were not chrome…throttle linkage was not smooth(designed for LHD)..and mine kept loosing its coolant, traced to head gasket.. not uncommon…I sold mine after a year…All the problems sorted on this car, and a good review