All original '74 to '79 Datsun 260Z 2+2 Manual with factory Air Conditioning

[260Z-2+2-5sp-Air]

Hiya Z enthusiasts,

I'm wondering if I could pick your collective brains.

I'm presently searching to buy an all original '74 to '79 Datsun 260Z 2+2 5sp with factory Air Conditioning.
I have no real preference for exterior colour just not the brown interior, but then beggars can't be choosers.
I say this because I've been looking for this specification Z for over a year now and all to no avail (found plenty that match bar for being auto's)

I presently own a hand full of classic early 70's Mazda Rotary's and a '68 Ford Mustang GT 4sp all of which are all original. (I mention this purely to indicate that I'm a serious classic car collector.)

I have always loved the Z shape and so I'm acting on making this dream come true, but the problem is I'm a fussy buyer, but luckily a patient one.
Due to having a family I've only considered the 260Z 2+2 model and am not interested in owning an auto Z car.

If I succeed in buying this 260Z 2+2 5sp Air Con car, it will be my first venture in to Datsun ownership though my father bought new a green 79 5sp Skyline with my mum driving a Datsun / Nissan Prairie.

My question is do you think I've got my head in the clouds in trying to find a 260Z 2+2 5sp Air Con car ?
I'm prepared to be patient and happy to wait for the right car.

Ideally I'm wanting to find a one owner 260Z 2+2 5sp Air Con car or something in the same all original condition as the mustard coloured 240Z on http://australianmusclecarsales.com.au/muscle/133680-datsun-240z?query=240z
I love original unrestored cars particularly.

My 260Z 2+2 wish list would be:
- highly desirable - original factory applied paint (OK if had a few minor touch ups but vast majority is still original paint and OK to have very minor surface rust);
- mandatory - no accident history (OK to have shopping trolley dings);
- mandatory - original factory installed engine (including intake and exhaust system) (OK if tired);
- mandatory - original factory installed 5sp (OK if tired);
- mandatory - original factory installed diff (OK if tired);
- mandatory - original factory installed interior (OK to have cracked dash and a few minor splits/tears in the drivers seat);
- mandatory - original factory installed Air Con (OK if not working but must be complete in the car);
- mandatory - proven ownership history with accurate odometer KLM reading;
- highly desirable - original sale documents/manuals etc;
- highly desirable - original factory installed wheels (OK if they've swapped out the original wheels)

Again do you think my above 260Z 2+2 wish list is practical and realistic ?

I look forward to your replies and in anticipation thank you for giving me your time to reply.

PS if you know of a car that fits my wish list please contact me or private message me.

PPS From my 260Z research I've noticed a few things and I wondered if those Z connoisseurs could answer a few query's of mine regarding:
- the variety of interior colour schemes offered back in the day ? (did some exterior colours match interior colours - like with Mazda's - or could any exterior colour match with any interior colour - like with Ford.)
- was the centre console armrest (coinbox) an option, as some I've seen are fitted with it and some not ?
- why do some 260Z's have the bonnet vents and some don't ?
- bonnet vents - why is only the left vent covered from the underside stopping water reaching the engine bay ? (ie. right vent allows water straight through the vent unlike the left vent due to the cover fitted from the underside).
- what were the factory options and what were the dealer fitted options ?

[Zedman240]

Welcome to the forums...
Your wish list seems realistic to me. You haven't mentioned anything about rust though; But I assume some rust is ok as lons as its not terminal. Zeds like this do appear but it all depends on your budget. If you have around $9-12k, that should find you a nice example.
With the vents, they should be on both sides if it hasn't been tampered with. I know because I have covers for both sides.
Anyways, good luck for the search and as you said, you have patience which you will need..

[Cdr Zero]

Nothing wrong with a brown interior

Hides the rust 

[.]

I think it is a good target. I would not rule out autos that don't have air. Both of these can be changed quite easily if you find a decent car worth the investment.

In other words if you find an auto without air for $2000 under your limit and the rest of the car is solid then it is worth buying the car and converting it.

Good luck with it.

[Thomo260]

Does this mean that an original, matching numbers 260Z 2+2 5 speed with factory air is rare and hard to find? Or is it that all the ones you have found don't meet your peferences?

Simon.

[gav240z]

I've see a few cars match this criteria over the years. In fact a nice blue 2+2 such as this was for sale a couple of years ago. It was going cheap at around $5k.

RE: Vents the 260z went through a couple of changes over the years. The earlier 74-75 cars didn't have vents, the dashboard gauges used a different type-face and wiring set up and the door jambs had different locking mechanisms when compared with the 76 - 77 model cars.

There are lots of other subtle differences in the years, but nothing too major other than that. The change over seems to co-inside with the introduction of the 280z series offered in the US (which had fuel injection). Although this was offered in 75 in the states. So it took another year before Australia noticed a change in the model.

The only problem with the 260z's is the original intake equipment. Many owners have changed over to the British SU or Hitachi SU (240z style). This is due to issues related to the flat top carbs. Vapor lock is common (especially in Australian heat) and parts for the flat tops are difficult to source. Performance was also hurt.

I understand you require an original vehicle though, so you may be willing to overlook this issue. You could always change over to Triples or 240Z SU's, and at resale time refit the original intake system etc..

Loads of 2+2's were fitted with Auto's especially in cars delivered to Australia. So depending on how important this item is to originality you may consider converting an Auto over.

Price wise I think you should be able to find what you want for what Dimitri has stated, but you may get lucky and find a good car around the $7k mark.

Its really just a game of patience, I'm sure you know judging by your collection of other cars.

Also feel free to post some photos of your early Mazda's I'm a bit of a rotary fan myself .

Oh and 1 other thing, the Air-Con never seems to work anyway. So you would have to rebuilt / fix this most likely.

[260Z-2+2-5sp-Air]

Welcome to the forums...
Your wish list seems realistic to me. You haven't mentioned anything about rust though; But I assume some rust is ok as lons as its not terminal. Zeds like this do appear but it all depends on your budget. If you have around $9-12k, that should find you a nice example.
With the vents, they should be on both sides if it hasn't been tampered with. I know because I have covers for both sides.
Anyways, good luck for the search and as you said, you have patience which you will need..

Thanks "Zedman240" for the welcome 
Glad you think I'm being realistic 
RE: cancer oh I mean rust. Yes nothing terminal. I'm hoping for minor spots of surface rust - nothing serious. Effectively I'm after a fastidiously maintained car. But I'm realistic seeing it is a 35yr old car.
RE: budget happy to spend up to $12k for the right car or up to $15k for the perfect car.
RE: bonnet vent covers - never seen them on both sides but will take note of what you state.
thanks for your time

[260Z-2+2-5sp-Air]

Nothing wrong with a brown interior

Hides the rust 

Funny 
Luckily it takes all sorts to make the world go around and that beauty is in the eye of the beholder 

[260Z-2+2-5sp-Air]

I think it is a good target. I would not rule out autos that don't have air. Both of these can be changed quite easily if you find a decent car worth the investment.

In other words if you find an auto without air for $2000 under your limit and the rest of the car is solid then it is worth buying the car and converting it.

Good luck with it.

Hi "galderdi"
thanks for taking the time to reply 
I take you point but this won't be an option for me.
Reason why, I'm a super fussy buyer, in that I want an all original car. If it didn't have a 5sp to begin with I don't want to do a auto to manual transplate.
I would possibly consider fitting A/C to a 5sp but again my preference is for it to have it factory fitted. Doesn't have to be working just all the original parts there.
Thanks for wishing me luck too

[260Z-2+2-5sp-Air]

Does this mean that an original, matching numbers 260Z 2+2 5 speed with factory air is rare and hard to find? Or is it that all the ones you have found don't meet your peferences?

Simon.

Ah clever Simon 
If I was to answer this honestly I'd say yes to both of your questions.
As previously stated I'm a fussy buyer and happy to wait for the right car.
The longer I wait the better idea I get of what's out there and possibly (and hopefully) I don't think back to "the one that got away".

[260Z-2+2-5sp-Air]

I've see a few cars match this criteria over the years. In fact a nice blue 2+2 such as this was for sale a couple of years ago. It was going cheap at around $5k.

RE: Vents the 260z went through a couple of changes over the years. The earlier 74-75 cars didn't have vents, the dashboard gauges used a different type-face and wiring set up and the door jambs had different locking mechanisms when compared with the 76 - 77 model cars.

There are lots of other subtle differences in the years, but nothing too major other than that. The change over seems to co-inside with the introduction of the 280z series offered in the US (which had fuel injection). Although this was offered in 75 in the states. So it took another year before Australia noticed a change in the model.

The only problem with the 260z's is the original intake equipment. Many owners have changed over to the British SU or Hitachi SU (240z style). This is due to issues related to the flat top carbs. Vapor lock is common (especially in Australian heat) and parts for the flat tops are difficult to source. Performance was also hurt.

I understand you require an original vehicle though, so you may be willing to overlook this issue. You could always change over to Triples or 240Z SU's, and at resale time refit the original intake system etc..

Loads of 2+2's were fitted with Auto's especially in cars delivered to Australia. So depending on how important this item is to originality you may consider converting an Auto over.

Price wise I think you should be able to find what you want for what Dimitri has stated, but you may get lucky and find a good car around the $7k mark.

Its really just a game of patience, I'm sure you know judging by your collection of other cars.

Also feel free to post some photos of your early Mazda's I'm a bit of a rotary fan myself .

Oh and 1 other thing, the Air-Con never seems to work anyway. So you would have to rebuilt / fix this most likely.

Hi “gav240z” or should I say Gavin,
firstly thanks for a fantastic reply.  I love detail so the more the better for me :-)
Really appreciate your giving me your time too.
Sounds like I started my search just a few months too late with the blue one you mention.
OK RE: bonnet vents. What about the covers – meant to be on both sides as “Zedman240” states? (not that I don’t believe him – just wanting another opinion).
I knew about the carbs and have noted that most original 260Z carbs have been swapped out for the genuine UK SU’s for reasons you mention.  I’m fine with this if in a car I purchase as its an easy swap back to original (as long as I find the original parts).
RE: Auto – not an option – just not interested in an auto trans Z car even if all other criteria match perfectly.
As you state being patient is key and I have great patience especially seeing I have other classics to drive.
Happy to fix A/C – expect it to need attending to being a 35yr old car.
Thanks again for your time.
PS I’ll try and post a photo of one of my well know all original RX3’s.

[260Z-2+2-5sp-Air]

Just wondered if anyone knew the answers to these outstanding questions 

- the variety of interior colour schemes offered back in the day ? (did some exterior colours match interior colours - like with Mazda's - or could any exterior colour match with any interior colour - like with Ford.)

- was the centre console armrest (coinbox) an option, as some I've seen are fitted with it and some not ?

- what were the factory options ?

- what were the dealer fitted options ?

thanks again 

[stevo_gj]

I knew about the carbs and have noted that most original 260Z carbs have been swapped out for the genuine UK SU’s for reasons you mention. 

Actually the 260z's infamous 'Flat Top' Hitachi SUs are normally swapped with the 240z 'Round Top' Hitachi SUs, not British SUs. The Hitachi round tops look very similar to normal British SUs but if you had one of each type you would be able to see a number of small differences.

I can't help with your other questions except to say that my 75 260z 2 seater had no armrest, bonnet vents with no covers, and was an easy step to convert from auto to manual.

Good luck with the search!

[Lynton]

Oh it is really good to see some genuine 2+2 interest on this forum.
I was around and 25 years old when 260Z's were brand new off the showroom floor and I purchased a manual 260Z coupe in 1975 after trading in my 1969 Datsun 2000 Sports.
260Z's came out late 1974 emissions free other than the carbon cannister under the bonnet.
The 2+2 came out standard with 5 speed manual or Auto, am/fm radio, hubcaps, steering wheel centre padded hub, no bonnet vents, vinyl covered transmission tunnel, open console, black armrests, $8550-00 on the road.
Early 1976 they upgraded the Zed, adding mag wheels, carpet over the transmission tunnel,  and in mid 1976 added pollution equipment to the engine, bonnet vents were introduced, air-conditioning and am/fm  search radio cassette were now an options pack, steering wheel had a smaller stylish horn hub, interior of the 2+2 now had color co-ordinated armrests and carpets and vinyls. The interior colors were beige/white, bronze/brown and black, the centre console with a lid was introduced.
 The 2+2 was an upmarket stylish coupe in its day driven mainly by executives and/or their wives. With patience it is possible to find the car of your dreams but it took me 7 years to find the right car I finally purchased in 1989.
Due to the age of these cars and their suitability or lack of suitability to a buyer it is likely the car will be modified for street friendly driving, this would include 240Z carbies, electronic ignition, new gas for air-conditioning and possibly replacement air-conditioning compressor, most Zeds would have had a repaint as the duco was not good for Oz sunshine, rust is an issue regardless, if you are local in Qld my car would be a decent car to view to get ideas of originality, I still have all the parts I have removed except exhaust. Dealer options fitted as extras were vinyl roof, chrome front nudge bar, perspex headlight covers, front and rear spoiler, lanbswool seat covers, mine has a cargo blind, mudflaps, pinstriping, towbar. I am the 2nd owner of my car. Lynton

[Thomo260]

Ah clever Simon 
If I was to answer this honestly I'd say yes to both of your questions.
As previously stated I'm a fussy buyer and happy to wait for the right car.
The longer I wait the better idea I get of what's out there and possibly (and hopefully) I don't think back to "the one that got away".

I must admit I was a bit cheeky in my question . It's just that I own a 77' 260Z with factory 5 speed and a/c.
http://www.viczcar.com/forum/index.php/topic,4323.0.html
I hope you find the one you want because I enjoy mine every time I drive it. Even if the a/c dont work.