The Essential Buyer's Guide - Datsun 240Z By Jon Newlyn

gav240z · May 20, 2018

So full disclaimer, I recently received a free copy of this book after the publishing company sent me a copy for review.

Company: Veloce Publishing Ltd.

Website: www.veloce.co.uk

Book ISBN: 978-1-787112-02-5 (use to search for the book on their site)

Price: £ 12.99 + P&P (eBook prices vary, and delivery is free)

So what do I think?

The book is great for anyone green to the S30Z series and looking to buy a "240z" in particular. I put 240z in quotes because whilst it may touch on models outside of the 240z range, it doesn't really go into any depth. So buyers looking to purchase a home market Fairlady Z, 260z, 280z or even Fairlady 240Z or any of the 2+2's (which are not mentioned at all), may find some chapters irrelevant.

However considering the current book price and the cost of buying a bad Z, the book is cheap insurance to help you avoid buying a lemon. Although given the way 240z values are going lately and the lack of good supply, and buyers with champagne taste but beer budgets, sometimes you take what you can get. However the book may help you find the car that suits your budget, goals and skill level.

It's a pocket reference, not an encyclopedia and I acknowledge that it's likely written to suit a specific publisher format in keeping with a series of similar books, therefore it probably cannot stray too far from the defined series path.

Trying to cover everything about the "240z" in a small pocket reference is not an easy task, so it does a good job at a general overview and introduction, perhaps my favorite recommendation in this book is to use borescope to view critical areas of a 240z where it rusts, that may not be visible via any other means. If you take only 1 tip/recommendation away from this book, take this 1.

There are a few errors or omissions such as the fact that the blue interior is referred to as "peacock" blue, which I've never really heard of before and the red interior was completely missing from the specification of options. Although it does score points for talking up the importance of the blue interior as being "rare" and potentially adding value .

It is very much oriented towards buyers in the UK (and maybe Europe) and therefore it does cover the Samurai's and their history, although I'd say many outside of the UK would probably not be that interested in these modified HS30's and or obtaining 1 over the garden variety HS30s sold locally in Australia.

It briefly touches on different market specification HS30's (such as AU vs UK) and the pro's and con's of buying each, it also touches on importing an HLS30 (North American or Europe spec 240z) and what to be wary of when dealing with a car half way around the world.

The clubs and references section doesn't mention this site, which I find odd if only because it mentions various US based club sites, many of which I've never heard of and this is the single best reference on the Internet bar none! . So I'll have to dock a few points for that omission.

Overall though I'm glad a book like this exists and will be my goto reference from now on when a newbie asks for advice on buying a Z (well 240z). After nearly 20 years of being involved with S30Z's the book is perhaps not that useful to someone like myself, but if I had the book 20 years ago it would have been a different story.

So if you're looking to buy a 240z and don't want to comb through hundreds of forum threads to learn about all to look for, grab a copy!

Official Blurb below.

Features

• The complete guide to buying and owning this classic 1970s sports car

• Where to find a suitable Datsun 240Z, and what to look for

• An invaluable assessment guide, with a unique scoring system, that helps you find the right car at the right price

• Advice on choosing the right model and condition

• Key checks - how to spot a bad car quickly

• A guide to buying at auction, and checking paperwork

• An in-depth look at one of the ten most important cars of the 1970s, and the car that started the ‘fast and furious’ craze

• This book will help you to buy the most enjoyable investment you’ll ever make

• Features original photos of the Datsun 240Z, including images from a rebuild

• Details of 240Z clubs, forums, suppliers and specialists

Description

This book is designed to stop you wishing you had a Datsun Z sports car and give you the confidence to go out and buy one. It will tell you their strong points, their not so strong points, what to look for, where to look, and what type of Z you should go for.

Synopsis

The Datsun Z Sports car is the best selling sports coupé in the world. Most people have been touched by one at some point in their lives. You may have owned one when they were new and regretted selling it. Maybe you remember your friends’ Zs, and always longed for one but thought the task to find a good 240Z too difficult. This book will give you the knowledge and confidence to go out there and find your Z.

With advice on finding, assessing, and buying a Datsun 240Z, including a unique scoring system to evaluate a potential purchase, as well as tips on buying at auction, checking the paperwork and much more, this book is THE essential guide.