Datsun 240z - Meeting the Legend - Everyday Driver Review

The guys have driven many Z cars, but never an original 240z. Long-time viewer James offered up his in-progress 1973, and the guys drove it hard down a favorite LA backroad. Meeting heroes can be precarious, but this was worth it.
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[@formulafunction9488]

This is James, the owner of the car. I just wanted to add some clarification with my ownership so far. Starting with all the small issues that happened with simply getting the car there. The reason the front lip is misaligned is because I actually hit something on the way to the video location, and had to fix it on the spot. The squeaking is from the window glass mech (not fixed yet). The clunking/crashing sound is from the springs binding (common tokico issue), it has been replaced. And one last thing, this car has RUST. I had to cut out many sections and weld on new metal in places like the frame rails, and rockers.

[@kenc3815]

James, Great car. I a have a 74.5 and love it. I am interested in what shocks/struts/Springs you are using today. I would like to lower mine an inch or two but am not looking for full coilovers. Also, what is the mirror you have over the stock mirror? Thanks - Ken

[@Kreisy1510]

Are those tires really 225s?

[@maxtaylor7533]

@@Kreisy1510 Likely 225/50/16 like my '77, unless he's got 15 inch wheels. I remember My dad had a '76 2+2. Haha.. I bought my '77 5 speed. Mine was broken down once. I borrowed his to drive to work. Higher in the back, 13 inches longer, heavier, and a 3 spd automatic! Totally different car than mine. But I ended up getting into a fender bender and bought it off of him. Swapped his aluminum 14 in. wider wheels vs my 14 in. stock steel wheels. Put on some 225/60/14s! Sears Road Handlers! Lol. Which turned out to be rebadged Pirrelli's!

[@kite6676]

she is gorgeous!!

[@jasonhawrelluk181]

What exhaust/ muffler are you running? sounds magnificent!

[@AdamLeask]

There's nothing quite like driving an older carburetted car with no power steering and no driver assists. It's noisy, fume-y, exciting and yet so rewarding when you get it right. Great review & great choice in car, James!

[@phattyhales]

I agree. That's how I feel about my Mustang. The only power is has is under the hood. However, I recently swapped the motor to fuel injection...

[@hmackprotection1]

Adam Leask 👍

[@MrDatsun]

Just as long as you don't die at the wheel from carbon monoxide poisoning!

[@danbee8707]

I wanted one of these 25yrs ago. 1k higher than other comparable options, including the 260z. Who would want a 260z when you could get one of these?

[@bye92]

well said. and when you get it wrong it hurts haha

[@MerkinMuffly]

The first sports car that could last a long, long, long time.

[@hubertkam7647]

the volvo p1800 and the toyota gt2000 are also very reliable

[@GearsandGasoline]

Everything sounds so raw, really great video guys! I think you perfectly captured the essence of that car! amazing!

[@sparky6086]

My brother had a 280zx turbo. I think, that it was a 1982 model. That thing would go! Handled well too. My cousin had a 1972 240z. He was a generation older, and I'd always admired his Z car, so, 20 years later, when he's retiring in the mountains, he offered it to me in 1992 for $1500. It was well cared for and had always been garaged. It was just like out of the showroom, but I was busy at the time, had a company car, and no place to put the 240z, so I turned it down, since I was going through a period of practicality, rather than impulsivity!. If I had it to do over, I'd have bought it and rented a place to keep it. I missed out on a mint 1970 white Lincoln Mark III with only 33,000 miles for the same amount ($1500), for the same reason (the 1970 Mark III was actually hand built)! ...Damn! Why did I have to be so responsible in my youth!!! ...Oh well. Woulda, coulda, shoulda!

[@trefod]

Probably one of the most well balanced designs in automotive history.

[@predaR6]

And best looking

[@flipnotrab]

It was. I could pass a car and glance at the small side windows and know I was clear to move over. I did put WAY better shocks on it to eliminate the roll.

[@DrLoverLover]

Hahahahahhaa

[@DrLoverLover]

You need to try out more cars

[@TearingRaven]

Nothing will ever out do the sound of an L Series engine for me.

[@ticki23]

Well for me its the 4A-GE BUT!! i think we can agree that old engine just simply sound better.

[@jrhaggerty20]

Well written, explains my love for them so much.

[@ArtVandelayOfficial]

S20 sounds better

[@MrGoogelaar]

An L engine at full song sends shivers down your spine...

[@IsadoreWoW]

admittedly, I have to make a few concessions, I have an s30 z so have to appreciate what I have, the s20 undoubtedly sounds better buuuuut I also like the L series with the OS giken head.

[@maxtaylor7533]

Really Beautiful Z James! '77 owner here. Thanks for not cutting into the fenders!!

[@Jzhu666]

4 year update since filming. The L24 used during filming was retired, pending a special rebuild. In goes an L30 race motor I spent a summer building in my last year in college. I found more parts of the frame that needed fixing so the frame has been repaired better. A new suspension setup has been put in. Overall it is still driving on the road today. Thank you everyday driver for the opportunity. To those who are asking what exhaust set up: thrush muffler 2.5 inch mated to a 3-2 header. Tire Setup 225/50r15 going to be a R888 slick set up soon. Springs in that filming are the Tokico Lowering springs but I has a set of custom springs in now.

[@dev9mm]

The road footage in full 1080 Hi-Def is so gorgeous, would you consider releasing an alternate, expanded version of this video, with only the exterior road footage, please? No music, just the engine sounds. Love it. Thanks guys.

[@mdcohen]

They often do "sights and sounds" videos after reviews. I hope we get one for this.

[@mykobe981]

my first car.. '73 240z. 34yrs later and it's still the best car i ever owned. true

[@alienpoker]

+1 I had the same car, but it was my 2nd car. I traded in a Chevy Vega (POS) my dad gave me when I graduated HS in ‘75 to get one used. Never looked back. So sad, I sold it for $3,000 in 1980 when I got married.

[@DustyMacsGarage]

Beautiful cars! The one Im building for my wife on my channel, we bought it for $300

[@murraypollard]

While in university; I sold my 1974 Vega in 1976 and bought a 1972 240Z. I still regret selling that car. Various sports cars I've bought since including a new 2002 Acura RSX and a 2016 Porsche 911 have only tried to unsucessfully emulate the driving experience and fun quotient of that car. None have reached that level. Yes they rust, yes they have various issues with balancing the SU carbs, but overall, repairs where something you could do (for the most part) and it was fun to work on. It was a simple car, without the computers taking over so many aspects of car ownership now. Not much DIY I can do easily on modern sports cars. Thanks for posting this video!

[@ronmoblo1446]

all observations in this video are exactly as I have experienced. An incredible joy to slam this car hard into a corner and have it hold the curve way beyond common sense g forces. I am an original owner of 1970 green 240 z ( owned car for 48 years now). Put 225/50r15 Bridgestone potenza re71 tires to support the 300+ hp of the 280ZX turbo engine I swapped out ( 5 speed T5 tranny and 2+2 rear differential). A fabulous traction tire for wet or dry roads. Unfortunately Bridgestone does not make that tire any more. Nearly 200,000 miles of pure driving joy and it still has the original dashboard, door panels, and seat cover backs (some rust around rocker panels and wheel wells). The car costs very little to maintain over the years.

[@canyoneagle]

Thanks for another excellent video. This was a nice nostalgic ride for me. I drove a 1972 240z while in College (in the 80's), and to this day I regret selling it. Hard to find one under $10k any more.

[@paulcorona642]

canyoneagle No its not, I found 7 for 4k lol

[@paulcorona642]

canyoneagle No its not, I found 7 for 4k lol

[@canyoneagle]

Hmmmm...... driveable '70 to '73 240 for $4k...... I call BS. Either that or you have stumbled on some unicorns. Buy 'em.

[@clehman6440]

No 240z that isn't a parts car will be 4K anymore, and certainly not seven of them.

[@Spoilsofwar08]

canyoneagle i bought my '72 completely stock/rust free 240z for $6k. The only thing i had to do to get it running was clean the leads in the distributor and it started right up.

[@RyFo116]

WHY DON'T YOU GUYS HAVE MORE SUBSCRIBERS?! Been a fan for years and you both deserve at least 700k+++

[@jimharrison5511]

I went with the '73 Porsche 914, 2.0L back then. Both were great cars. I'm driving a '14 Subaru BRZ now. I guess my tastes haven't changed a whole lot.

[@pickadilli]

The last 20 seconds or so with the car gurgling is so great, nice work guys. Good luck on Velocity too!

[@Schaneification]

i drove a new one lol and Drove the hell out of it as a young man ! Sold it for a TR8 bad mistake :=)

[@cesargabriel8765]

Came here because of Gears and Gasoline, and the first video I see is an classic Nissan 😍 instant subscribers, love the cinematic seen combined with the great informative parts in between, love it

[@DustyMacsGarage]

I agree!!!!

[@ChoPi-Eww]

Interesting change of pace, usually you guys don't review older cars. Pretty cool to be able to appreciate them alongside modem ones, such as the Cayman.

[@r2jbros510]

Great review and the car looks and sounds absolutely amazing! 240Z has been one of my dream cars since I was a teenager. It is such a elegantly designed car, and a true legend.

[@codylarson6842]

this video has aged so well nice work guys

[@SuperStevekk]

Great presentation! As an owner of a '73 240z I fully agree on the "fun factor" these cars provide - they do however demand your full attention when driven aggressively. Once you upgrade the brakes, control arms, add coil-overs and LSD these cars can keep up with most modern cars in the canyons. A true Driver's car.

[@FlowStateNewOrleans]

In April of 1987 my best friend bought a 240Z. We had both just turned 15. For the next 4 years, he always had 2-3 240 & 260Zs at his house. He'd buy and sell them. In retrospect, his mother was even cooler than I thought she was at the time to let him do that. One of those Zs always ran. Sometimes two of them did. Whatever wasn't running was being used as a parts car. These were the cars that I learned to do everything in. First manual I drove. First brakes I changed. It's a shame they cost so much now. Probably also a shame that Casey didn't take all the ones he had and put them in a garage somewhere. :) Great video!

[@JPandCompany]

That's such a beautiful shape. I'd love to add an older Z to the garage one day. Awesome video and filming/editing, btw!

[@brokenacoustic]

Started drooling over this car when I was 7 years old...30 years later, still drooling. It'll be in my garage one day too.

[@MrDatsun]

@JP & Co. you can find one here: facebook.com/groups/DCTFS/

[@idekbruh5302]

no ur not im 15 and u doing that is is limiting my chances by 5% i want one of these

[@tlevans62]

I had a 1973 240Z with a 4 speed. It was a blast to drive. I bought it from a friend who had used it for hill climb racing. I added a new dash that I ordered from Japan, and took it pretty much back to stock, except the engine had triple Webbers and was bored, ported and polished, and had mags with larger tires and a front air dam. It really screamed, rattled and smelled of gas etc, but I didn't care. It always put a smile on my face.

[@alaskafender]

This is on my short list of project cars. I've loved them since I was a kid, and hearing that throaty engine and listening to you guys wax poetic about it...gotta have one.

[@DustyMacsGarage]

Great Video..If you like seeing a 240z build, Im building my wife a 240z we bought for $300 on my channel!

[@genaugmen4505]

My first car. It was pretty dogged out and rough looking as hell, but it was still a fun car. I had a couple others (260Z and 280Z) and a 280ZX. I was never a fan of the 300ZX. They looked like they were taking a shit when you gave them some gas, with all of that rear end squat, and making them all comfy and whatnot. The original Z's weren't built for a comfortable ride, they were built to be fun to drive. 120MPH on I95 in a 260Z 4 speed felt like 65MPH. And you got a good upper body workout when parallel parking.

[@tuffguy007]

As a young man in the 80's I was fortunate to own and drive a 1973 240Z in orange. I left it a little beat up on the outside (to better deter thieves in Los Angeles), but under the hood I installed triple weber side-draft carbs, racing headers, a 5-speed sourced from a later 280Z, shortened steering knuckles, etc. Tried to emulate the 1973 Datsun racing team cars. She was a blast to drive fast, but I had to watch out on wet roads! Very light tail so I would add weight in the back. I would love to own one even now.

[@DennisNTammy]

I had a 280ZX in my Army days in 84 to 88, Man, I miss that car! So much fun.

[@MusashiGSN]

Wonderful review. Truly expresses and describes the exact same love and passion I feel about my 240Z.

[@ShakingTwoTrees2012]

Admired these cars back in the day as well. That's part of why I bought a 2016 Mazda MX-5...similar power and weight, but with modern day handling and braking. Similar driving pleasure, just a few decades apart!

[@mkitbde]

This is still my favorite 240Z video

[@mericavids]

I miss my '73. When I owned it I installed new struts, electric fuel pump and headers. I then paid to have dual exhaust with an H pipe and glass packs that pointed upwards under the bumper installed. That car sounded great and could run 125. In the end the encroaching rust in the floor boards/rails made me part ways. What a fun, little car that gets a lot of attention

[@meganspecv]

"college kid" "6 thousand dollar project car" "also owns a fully track prepped 370Z".........wat

[@judgedread-q4t]

I bet the 'kid' is late 20's, has spent a decade making some money.

[@midnighteightsix6919]

Trust fund baby

[@the-expertstreetb-racer5832]

meganspecv Bro... commitment do things. I am a college kid and planning big. I already halfway to my dream. Easy.

[@joseaguirre9389]

@@the-expertstreetb-racer5832 yeah i too have a 240, im 20 years old but my 240z doesnt look as nice as his but its much better than the rust buckets ive seen. Its not easy, at least not for me i already have my dream car but I need to make it mine now. It takes a lot of money and working basic jobs isnt going to get there so for now I just put in parts little by little until i have my nursing career.

[@Nick_Langridge]

I've got a 370z but I have to say that I want a 240z as well after watching this! Great video guys, i've been a fan for years!

[@DustyMacsGarage]

240z are beautiful and sound awesome!! The one Im building for my wife has a long way to go!

[@rwest5386]

It sounds just like my old 71 and 73's did and I love it! But to correct you on tire size, the original tire width was 175mm. I had upgraded mine to a 195/70 on a 7.5" wheel and it made a huge difference.

[@gnrtradepro]

I had 2 of these, if you crack one window the low pressure air outside will draw exhaust fumes from the back of the car towards that window. Either leave both 1/4 down or more, or leave them up and use the fan .

[@tmh44]

May have missed the boat on some of the rising values--nice ones are now easily in the $30-40K range, with decent driver's in the $15-20K range or so. Will likely continue to go up as they certainly aren't making 240Zs anymore ;) great video!

[@415s30]

I got my orange 71' a few years ago, rebuilt everything, original engine had 80k or so. I know I have spent $20k on it, got it it for $5k from an old guy in Santa Cruz, it was in a shed at least. Just painting it now, we needed to fix the dog legs (beware people, Z dog legs rust from the inside and they may look fine, probably aren't) and so we have to repaint. But yeah people offer me $20k all the time. Anyone have questions about these cars, I know them inside and out, really! They are a simple car like a Mustang, so fun to learn things on if you want, they were designed in the 60's, came out in 69' actually, 70 mainly for the USA although supposedly 16 cars or something are 69s here.

[@paulcorona642]

tmh44 Where are you getting those numbers? I just saw listings for about 7 of em all at 4k to 7k....in the market for one ... so yeah your way off.

[@billjoejimbobtanner6638]

Paul, until you poke one with a stick and make sure it is steel and not rust, you have no idea what you are getting. Restored units would be in the above price range. Un restored, complete with rust can be had for the 4 to 7 K.

[@tmh44]

You're likely looking at lower-end cars. As I said, the truly nice, original ones are far, far higher, whereas you can find decent drivers for less. Some examples: NICE cars: www.hemmings.com/classifieds/dealer/datsun/240z/1891829.html www.hemmings.com/classifieds/dealer/datsun/240z/1891546.html www.hemmings.com/classifieds/dealer/datsun/240z/1534203.html DRIVERS: www.hemmings.com/classifieds/cars-for-sale/datsun/240z/1832412.html www.hemmings.com/classifieds/dealer/datsun/240z/1829311.html www.hemmings.com/classifieds/dealer/datsun/240z/1859012.html Of course asking price and selling price can be different, but good cars aren't $4-7k, and if you actually find one, BUY IT! :)

[@415s30]

Yeah like they say, if the dog legs are rusted or the rear hatch tailgate, under the battery etc... you have some welding to do and you will be up into that money soon enough after paint etc...

[@shabba7]

James, it was great to meet you today at the import auto show at UCI. Very nice car! I was the guy with the white 240 w/ black stripes. No fender flares needed to make your car look awesome. Keep up the good work!

[@BensCoffeeRants]

I drove a stock, classic Datsun (Nissan?) 240z, I loved it. For a really old car it does drive really well. Really raw!.

[@scottferguson1932]

I listen to the Everyday Driver podcast and I know you advocate variety in ownership experiences, but I'm on my fifth early Z-car and I just can't give them up. I've tried, but no other car resonates with me like an S-30 chassis Z-car. I've bought and sold other cars without shedding a tear over any of them, but each and every time I sell a Z and think I'm done with them, I feel true regret. No other car in my experience has the blend of sporty handling, friendly ergonomics, cheap mechanical maintenance costs and dead-nuts reliability of a purely mechanical 240-Z. All that, and they're beautiful to look at, too? Come on, how could a gearhead possibly resist! Thank you both so much for making this video, so that thousands of other car nuts can experience what it's like to drive one of these lovely cars. Although come to think of it, I probably shouldn't thank you - you've probably ginned up enough interest in these little beauties that their market value will skyrocket!

[@ppha7665]

The Datsun Z's are beautiful!

[@jayrogers8255]

P Pha ♥️ that comment! I have a 260 undergoing restoration & love the looks of it!

[@hothatchpa]

Here because the 2023 Nissan Z sent me down the classic Z cars rabbit hole. I always enjoy these guys and this was no exception. If this was my car I would be in relentless search for those interior chirps and squeaks with screwdrivers and lithium grease. So fantastic that its not slammed but just has more rubber.

[@candlestyx8517]

I just love the elegant body style of the 240z. The raw sound of the engine. The way it takes corners and curves so smoothly. When I took a ride in my friends several years ago I just knew I had to have one.

[@flipnotrab]

I had a 1972. It was perfect with ZERO rust and turned heads everywhere I went. Best comment I ever overheard was a man talking to his little son. He said “That’s the car daddy always wanted..”

[@mikechavez109]

My good friend had a new 73 and we did so many Road Trips, the River, Vegas, San Jose Mile, there were a Dream to drive New, I had a 510 at the time witch was a hoot to drive with my Goodyear tires, and I still love driving to this day, you guys are one of the reasons I bought my 2014 Fiesta ST, it has 47,000 Miles on it and I’m on my 3 rd set of tires, what a blast to drive, I’m 69 and still love hauling Ass, love the Videos, keep up the good work. The Fiesta Flash

[@danielj1063]

I owned a 240Z, 4 gear - lived in Carmel Valley during mid to late 80's. The Z-car was always great running "over the hump" from Boronda Rd up to "The City" or south Big Sur to L.A. - winding her out along Pacific Hwy. A couple trips Hwy 99 to Canada, never a handling issue. Drove it from 20 through 50 odometer miles , written off when girlfriend was T - boned on passenger side, not hurt much. Gradual loss of genuine road feel cars and myself fading away into digital control land 😂 Have fun, be safe everyone edit: no gas smell then

[@ironmaxima3672]

I loved my 1972 240Z so much, and when I went to a 1982 280ZX I noticed that the soul was still there but just a little diminished. Sometimes you do have to go back to move forward, sorry Matthew Mcconaughey, I had to steal your line. Someone before me had rattle can painted the car, which didn't look bad except they took off driving before the paint had cured on the hood and it turned kind of matte finished(now looking back it might be in style today). First time I had a date in this car, so the memories came right back watching this 240Z in action, even sounded like mine. Brilliant car!

[@smfernando]

My favorite reviewers! Bought my 2015 z28 because of your review. Love this review of my fav classic dream car

[@fastdude2002]

I had a 1973 240z when I was 18 back in 1985. I had a lot of fun with that car. Wish I still had it. I remember the dual carbs were a pain to tune.

[@markurbancowboy]

I use to own a 260Z, 4 speed manual back in the day and man did I love the rawness of the car compared to cars of today. I swear that little car would get up and go! It felt like it had much more than 150 plus hp. I had to fix rust issues on the car though, the metal they used back then was so thin it rusted out easily.

[@corey2599]

Nice review, I actually had a 1970 240Z when I was in college. Mine was also red, great fun to drive. Unfortunately the wiring harness shorted under the dash and melted most of the harness into a charred mess and that was the end of it. Still one of my favorite cars I ever owned.

[@fabulousoffroaddesigns5080]

I had three but my favorite was a '76 280Z that was the same color with matching red turbine wheels. I had a Big valve 240 head that was ported and polished with triple carbs and headers with dual 3" exhaust and a 5 speed out of a 280ZX with a shortened shifter. Inside I had matching red leather Dino steering wheel and shift knob. I even hand covered the door panels in red leather. It is still my dream car.

[@281cobra]

Had a 74 Datsun 260Z back in the late 70's, early 80's when I was stationed out in northern California . I really miss that car. I always said it was the right car, at the right time, in the right place. Koni shocks, Mullholland springs, FR 60/14 BF Goodrich tires on US slotted mags and a Pacesetter exhaust system. I used to get up early on Sunday mornings just so I could take that car up around Lake Barryessa so I could catch as little traffic as possible. My first four wheel drift was in that car. :)

[@415s30]

I have a 71 240z, I always think they copied the GTOs shape not so much the E Type. It's best to get a rear disk conversion, safer. I got a kit that uses Maxima rotors and it is a lot better, doesn't hurt the car, mounts right up, no shame in better brakes! I may go for some huge Wilwood's up front to increase that safety and performance in the mountains. It's a very physical car to drive, I have triple Webers and a 5 speed swapped in, poly bushings, Eibach lowering springs, Tokico shocks, strut braces all make a world of difference without hurting the car. Nice video, the interest in my car has sure gone up in the last few years, more notes left on my windshield. He says smell, do you smell gas? Most of these Zs have a crack somewhere in the fuel filler system, lots of old plastic in there, I replaced everything, my wife was not happy with the gas smell. I found mine in a shed in Santa Cruz years ago. Shouldn't be a surprise they beat Porsche in the early 70's, rallys etc.

[@josech]

So beautiful. Modern cars have changed so much, fortunately motorcycles have changed with technology but you still need to do work every single twist, change gears, listen to the engine, use your strength, feel the road.

[@tscooter22]

In the early-to-mid 80s I had one of these when I was in college. Great engine! The '73 Hitachi carbs were a pain in the ass so I swapped them for SUs. The radiator was too small for the car and highway at speed it got up to 250F in the summer. It never overheated, but scared the crap out of me until a Datsun specialist told me it needed a 3 row radiator. My best friend and I drove it from St. Louis to Dallas non-stop for the '84 Formula 1 Grand Prix. It was so damn hot the weekend they almost cancelled the race. It was even hotter in my Z because I had to run the heater to keep it from overheating. It was so hot inside the car that after qualifying that beer bottles blew up like hand grenades when I pushed the rear hatch button. Once I got that all ironed out it was good, but it was a rocky, yet still very fun start. I'd do it all over again if I could. What a great car!

[@XBullitt16X]

Even today the car's styling, is very modern and sleek looking, it's a beautiful car for sure.

[@chriswalton720]

Minor correction: the 240Z came with 175R14 tires, not 185s. They were mounted on 4.5"(!) steel wheels. However, many original Z-car buyers never saw the original wheels, because many dealers threw them away and replaced them with aftermarket wheels wearing larger tires. The car was offered with very few factory options, so dealers added all sorts of stuff to increase profits.

[@BrianHardoin]

Well, if you wanna be picky, I'm pretty sure they were 14-J size. That isn't necessarily a straight-across size conversion.

[@milano61]

+ Chris Walton Yeah, my '73 Z got the door stopper side molding that the dealers were pushing. Drilled holes and aluminum rivets. Hate them.

[@sorrowfulsinner6655]

What’s the difference with the 240zx

[@rmatamorz]

I've seen this like 10 times... love the sound and how original and loved that Z looks... can't wait to start working on my 240Z

[@Jrob992]

You guys are the ones that made me ultimately buy a BRZ and now I’m gonna buy one of these within a couple months. Love your guys input and reviews

[@JaysinStatic13813]

I'm new to Z world I bought a 77 280z the more and more I drive it, the more and more I fall in love with it.

[@jlmknight]

such a timeless design

[@07Strike]

I love these cars. I currently own a 76 and a 78. Both 280z's But, still an S30. These things are amazing.

[@cunawarit]

240Z is one of my all time fave. I've just cone back from driving my old Camaro and this video is perfect viewing material after that :)

[@hectorsoy]

240z's rock! One of my dream cars in high school along with the BMW 2002, I was fortunate enough to have a 72 2002 in high school. 240z was that other great car of the era!!! Love it!

[@a.i.privilege1233]

I had a Datsun 280z car back in the day. Loved it.

[@thevacuumtubejunky9774]

Those old "Z's" are all bottom end torque machines, the straight 6 fed with 6 Mikuni carbs sang down the hwy when you've reached its sweet spot, imagine a small turbo, something that will add 5 to 7 lbs of boost and watch out!!!!. I havnt seen one on the street in quite sometime. Definitely a keeper.

[@aunderiskerensky2304]

drove a 1979 280zx for six years, im itching to build another soooo bad. favorite car ever.

[@revoredline]

Just bought one in February. Love It!

[@242HP]

Don't know what kind of exhaust system James chose to put on his car, but I love the way it sounds. Great choice!

[@Cypress_green]

What a nice channel, I was just browsing through videos on you tube and i saw a nice thumbnail...Little did I know what a great hidden gem I've discovered!

[@insomniafun8751]

This takes me back to my '83 ZX. Not quite as light (2600 lbs), a bit bigger (actually, quite a bit bigger when you see them side by side IRL), and with another gear in the trans. Identical wheels to the ones in this video, even down to the color (yay zero offset!), although I had 215s where this had 225s. Handled like it was absolutely bolted to the road. Same noise when you caned it, too.

[@passengerswelcome1847]

This video helped me with my decision to purchase a 280z and start a build series. Beautiful z

[@atascatorDAOC]

Amazing video guys! Loved it, what an awesome car :)

[@INTHEWILDERNESS-00]

I bought my 73 z a year ago for $1800.00. I have put close to 4 grand into it and still have a ways to go to get it the way I want. I am going with a mix of modern components with luxury detail. I have a touchscreen radio installed too with some 15x8 rims. I am working on upgrading front brakes to four piston calipers. I am looking forward to installing an 280zx turbo motor in the future with a blow through carb with a t3/4 turbo.

[@ivansdaddy]

This car, along with the old Ferrari's, is why I fell in love with the Mazda MX5 RF in red. It's the long nose, cute butt, sassy attitude...

[@jimmorrison2927]

These are the car videos that I come here for!

[@justdrive7317]

And what a looker!! Beautiful!! Nissan's designers of today should be ashamed.

[@415s30]

Well they have to meet modern regulations. The 370 isn't a bad modern Z, I have a 71 and it's the best modern take on the original so far. I hate the 350.

[@justdrive7317]

Of course, valid point. They just lack that indefinable grace and 'sleekness' to them that the originals had. Maybe it's just me, but i feel the BRZ/FRS captures the essence of the original 'Z' better. I was also speaking about the rest of their line-up, which lately, I find pretty difficult to look at.

[@MiguelGarcia-vj7oo]

415 s30 fanboy excuse.........please explain the current miata RF?? That car is the spritual successor of the 240z in terms of design.....Not the 370.......

[@enemyofmyenemy6713]

My Dad bought the same car in 1985 less than 50k miles for 1,800$$ i loved that car it's what i learned to drive in then upgraded to 1969 Ford Torino GT 428 Mean Machine

[@BigHeadClan]

Ugh this really makes me excited for the next Z car, should see it sometime this year and I can't wait. Hopefully they manage to pull some weight out of it as well.

[@bladeleo71]

Are you satisfied with the new z?

[@BigHeadClan]

@@bladeleo71 Well its not out yet but from what Nissan showed off yeah its entirely what I expected (which is a good thing), I do hope they fix up that front bumper however.

[@phloppyphish4352]

I've always told my friends that one day, I will get a cheap 240z, and I will make it just how I like it. This video perfectly represents what I want to do.

[@Timpala44]

My first car was a 1974 Datsun 260z. I actually looked into buying a Scion FRS/Toyota GT86 as kind of a modern version of the car. If you look a side profiles of each car, the FRS/GT 86 look like they took design cues from the old Datsun z cars. The horsepower and 0-60 times are similar too. The cars are more similar than you might think.

[@jackallen6261]

I had (past tense) a 1974 Datsun 260 Z for a couple of years. I have owned over a hundred cars in my life some were just buy cheap sell high daily drivers and some were really cool cars. The 260 was only one of about 6 that I actually regret selling. Keep in mind I have had a 67 Camaro SS 396 a 69 Firebird, a 924 Porsche the list goes on. Saying this was a keeper I let get away means something, lol. I also regret selling a 74 Saab Sonnet 3 I had once upon a time, really just for the weird factor though. The 260 was an amazing car!! Great review!!

[@clairebannister4749]

I had a 260Z 5 speed 1974, with the later 2.8 but still on the 240 Hitachi carbs... 180bhp and Janspeed exhaust.. sounded fab and revved to 7000.. and pulled an indicated 130 on an emergency run to the vets on the highway one day - the wipers ended up pushed half way up the screen... and it did not rattle at all. Sounds like he has some work to do on that one.

[@Santerianumero1]

As a former MK II owner @58 seconds, I approve. Proud owner of a MK III.

[@Aidan.Thongdy]

I have a Datsun 240Z all stock and I’m only 13 and this makes me really wanna restore that 240Z.

[@sink61]

And you were correct these have shot up in value in the last two years(now late 2020).

[@mtktm]

Advice for the owner. The first gen Z cars (when tinkered with) had an issue of front end lift at speed. The issue is most people took off the skid plate/belly pan under the engine bay, from the car. Try to find one. I had a 280z and I believe the plate was made of aluminum (I don't recall there being rust on the pan). So just look around for rusted out Z cars to find one.

[@maxtaylor7533]

I have a '77 280Z. I don't remember a pan underneath. That is interesting. Thanks.

[@gerrylynch3991]

I have a 260Z that has nowhere near that amount of squeaks and rattles! I think the rear hatch seal may have been shot and in need of replacement which would account for the exhaust/gas smell in the cabin as well. Beautiful car and great review!

[@samsonian]

Yeah I love the lines of the car, always have until the 280's started to get a little chunky later on. The only thing it's missing (for me, mind you) is a Jaguar mill, some steering assistance and powered uprated brakes.

[@Lavaman3682]

REALLY enjoy you work, guys. THANK YOU and keep up the GREAT work. “…..but the Z? “Z” sounded like the sound water made splashing through the spokes of our bikes. “Z” sounded like reckless, like attitude, like a password uttered under a treehouse on a moonlight night. “Z” sounded like you were getting away with something. 37 years later, it still does. -The Parror

[@phigonggoi]

To this day my friends from high school and college years remembering me as the one who drove 280Z . I remember a guy who drove a Prelude. Funny what we remembering each other by.

[@subnegro9173]

I think the closest modern car to this is my 86/FRS. Low power and low weight + RWD with more feel than most heavy albatross coupes out there.

[@dev9mm]

I agree. Your 86 is the closest thing to day to what the 240Z was back then. Forget the 370Z.

[@alexmoore5970]

Put a catback on the car and I swear it feels like its twice as fast! (I know the catback didn't add power, but the sounds make it feel faster) I just put on Comp RS MXP catback and dude its loud! And it has been raining lately, so anything above 3k rpm and you will lose traction, such a pleasure to drive.

[@OuijTube]

Sub Negro I have been saying this for a while now. The 86 is a "drive-alike" clone of these early Fairlady Zs. Similar weight, similar power, similar balance, similar dimensions. In fact, with some judicious mods (unequal-length header and ECU tune), you start to approach the same sort of torque curve as the old 240's straight six. People want the 86 to be a Supra. It isn't. It's really a classic car clone-all the feel of an old car, but with modern reliability and safety.

[@OuijTube]

alex moore just wait till you put a header on.

[@alexmoore5970]

Going to add an AVO stage one turbo kit in October.

[@mosesknows2062]

Awesome car... I had a 76' 280, simply loved it... Wish I still had it...

[@Ragna___]

the sound of old engines, the time when you remove your foot from the gas pedal and when you step on it ❤️

[@seanquinn3316]

Did you guys change something about your shooting? The video quality of your pieces is always great, but this one is a step ahead! Well done.

[@AntonyThorburn]

loved them for over 50 years. never drove one.

[@alastairwatson3201]

Great video, blokes! I also enjoyed your 356 / Daytona video. A great setting, too; reminds me of Tasmania, Australia, with its Targa roads.

[@daliwoods2138]

Love the Z car I had the 72-79.82 now have the 78