260z 2+2 or hold out for original 240z or 260z?

[aztekZ]

hi.. This is my first post to the Z Car forum, there is some great information on here and i appreciate anyone taking the time to read my post.. cheers

 

I'm in melbourne and im looking to get a 70s model Z, fully restored if available. If anyone has one in Melbourne please post details here...

 

I have gone out to see this 1977 - 260z 2+2 in frankston, its listed on carsales:

http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/private/details.aspx?__N=1216%201247%201282%201252%201246%204294966615%20903%20410&__Ns=pCar_RankSort_Int32|1||pCar_Price_Decimal|1||pCar_Make_String|0||pCar_Model_String|0&__Nne=15&__Qpb=true&seot=0&trecs=11&silo=1011&Cr=4&PriceTo=410&__sid=11DAA2632CBE&R=6301226

 

It does look immaculate.. they are asking 9K for it with a roadworthy and I feel that maybe im better off waiting for a straight 70s z not the 4 seater? I have read a lot about handling being not so good with the 2+2, what are your thoughts? the steering was heavy but I still like the way it handled. I'm more just worried that the motor is not in a good way, the owner is very vague about the state of the motor and there is no service history..

 

What view of the 2+2 do you have in comparison to the early 240z's?

 

Cheers,

Damo

 

 

[Glen]

Hi damo, if you want another look at it i can meet you at the place where the car is, i have learned a fair bit about Z's since i got mine. I also have a friend right into them that might come along aswell. as for deciding which car it really comes down to what floats your boat. Handling wise i couldnt comment, best to speak to someone that has driven both cars and even then thats there personal opinion. Just go with your own gut feeling.

 

cheers

glen

[Scoota G]

It has the 240 type carbs on it too, thats a plus.

 

Oh and welcome 

[aegean]

And a manual. Looks pretty good for the price to me. The steering is heavy on all of them - no power steering, but that can be retro fitted if you really want it (although I wouldn't). Easy enough to have the engine checked with a compression /leakdown test, and they should allow that. If they won't, walk away.

[Zedman240®]

To me the asking price is a bit high, due to the car is just about to run out of reg, not all of the chrome work is there (missing front bumper), it has a dash cap rather than a re-skinned dash board and non-original mirrors.

You would also have a good look under the chassis for the standard rust. Engines can be rebuilt, but bodies need months of work! I might be a bit picky, but for $9000 I would be expecting a very clean but not outstanding zed. If you were to wait for a fully restored car, with 9K you are about half way there....Oh and welcome to the forum! Hope I haven't upset you

[gav240z]

I agree price is a little on the rich side, but it does look clean. It looks strange without the front bumper on.

 

Definitely check for rust, have it professionally inspected and if the owner has before and after shots before it was repainted (if it was) etc.

 

Engines / mechanical work are cheaper to repair, body work is expensive as stated.

 

Some argue that the 2+2 handles better than the 2 seater due to the extra length in wheel base. I tend to agree the 2+2 feels like a slightly more stable car, the 2 seaters tend to be oversteer happy. (Just my opinion here), but I personally prefer the 2 seater shape and I like the 240z style the most (tail lights / dashboard / interior) differences.

 

I think when searching for a car patience is key, once you have bought a car you don't want to be thinking if only I waited, you will know the right car because after all the other cars you have inspected, this particular car stands out as the best. Kind of a gut feeling more than anything, but you generally only get that after having seen at least 10 different cars I would say.

[gav240z]

Forgot to say welcome to the forum.

 

PS: Your title says "Hold out" for a 2 seater, I think that says to me you want a 2 seater.

[aztekZ]

Thanks for all the great responses!

 

It wasnt meant to be, I had arranged to take the car to zfactory in mordi tomorrow afternoon but I just got a call last night and the car has been SOLD. Looks like I will be holding out after all.. Wish I was up north because I keep seeing some nice Zeds up in QLD!

 

If anyone know someone selling any 70s model z's in victoria, let me know?

 

Cheers and have a great day

[RBZ 260]

welcome to the forum. bad luck on not getting that Z but there will be more.

 

though i couldnt let the 2+2 handling comment go past.

 

that would be the first ever comment i heard that 2+2 handles worse than the 2 seaters. all the ones I heard was the other way around.

 

got both of them and i tend to agree that 2+2 feels lot more stable than the 2 seater and seems to go better around corners expecialy at higher speeds. wet driving definetly 2+2 is the better one.

occasionaly few good Z for sale but price varies. seen from 10k to 35k. depends what u want and how much you want to spend.

 

buy what u realy like dont worry what other people say.

 

4 seaters have their advantages. way beyond the 2 seaters. but depends what ur use is.

some people like to take their family out for a drive well in a 2 seater u can only take ur mistress. 

 

to keep everyone happy buy both 

[Glen]

some people like to take their family out for a drive well in a 2 seater u can only take ur mistress. 

 

Gold!!