gav240z

Early 240z has no holes in it. This also has a hole near radiator for I think air con related condenser?

S30Z - That's why I have 4 of them and 1 FD. I'm an S30Z nut for life. Although both seem to be appreciating in value quite rapidly lately... the FD is actually more expensive to maintain and harder to work on (parts are not cheap!), I like the mechanical simplicity of the S30Z's. Insurance is much more expensive (along with yearly registration) in the FD.

Going back to the 2+2's I think we'll see more appreciation of them long term. As much as I hate to see an original car hacked up for flares and engine swaps etc.. this car that was featured on Grease Monkey Garage did get a lot of attention. It's got 730k views now, which is pretty good and the comments all seem favorable of the car, most probably would have to do a double-take to notice it's a 2+2. I really think we (the S30Z community) are our own worst enemies when it comes to the 2+2, so many dismiss them or put them down in favour of the 2 seater, but to me they are the exact same car in the way they drive and feel (if not a bit more stable on the open road and solid due to larger wheel base) and really it's just the roofline difference that draws the most ire from folks. Bottom line is, I think they are undervalued and under appreciated. They were after all more popular back in the day (in Australia) hence why they sold so many of them here.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Datsun-240z-260z-Engine-Guard/112829650286?hash=item1a452bd56e:g:~TcAAOSwMlRajlau&vxp=mtr NOS 260z undertray.

Well what's the point in buying a 67 Mustang Fastback GT350 or GT500? When you can go out and buy the new Mustang? Or why buy an old VW Bus (split screen kombi) when you can get a modern van that does everything better? The reason you do it is because it's iconic, nothing worth doing in life is ever easy, that includes restoring, fixing and maintaining old cars. I actually enjoy the working on the car part almost more than driving them. Just wish I had more time available to dedicate to it.

Surely there is a faster way to strip the underside? Hats off for your perseverance.

Chalk and cheese compared to the earlier cars I reckon. I also told my missus if I ever consider those cars to tell me I'm going through a mid-life crisis.

The reason I threw the ZX in there is that it still has an L-series engine and is the successor to the early cars and many components can be switched between the cars. There is also a resurgence in interest in them in the last few years due to the earlier car prices going up! This 280zx 2 seater just sold for $23,000 USD. https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1981-datsun-280zx-6/ That was unthinkable only a few years ago. I've also gone a bit soft in my old age and started to like them, especially the 2 seaters and I reckon a turbo L28 is pretty cool also

Yeah that's aftermarket I'm afraid.

Check this out... bit of steel wool, WD40 and elbow grease.. (15 mins or so of work) but at least I did something! Before: After: The rest of the exhaust system is actually not in too bad shape, so I might sandblast it and then coat it with VHT (high heat) silver paint. The exhaust headers I might have HPC coated (provided not full of pin holes).

Do you have a wooden knob or another style (leather)? These should be the same as stock 240z size ones.

I like the 2+2's, having owned 1 in the past. I think they are good cars and the real challenge is finding a good 1 these days. But remember it's just my personal preference.

Actually have another NOS 1 in Europe (with some storage damage / rust from moisture).. Just seller has been busy and hasn't figured out shipping, assures me it's mine. But I like having an insurance policy

In order of desirability for me personally and not including some of the special Rally Cars etc.. (which I'd love to own). Fairlady Z432-R Fairlady Z432 Fairlady 240ZG (Homologation Special) Low Vin # 240z's (export markets) and Low Vin # Fairlady Z's (69-71) etc.. Bonus points for rare colour combinations (interior / exterior etc..) - Early colours like Safari Gold etc.. Love 903 Blue/ Blue or 904 White with Blue or 904 White with Red etc.. 260z 2 seaters (74+ S30Z's) 280z 2 seaters (Or S31's 76/77/78) - with fuel injection 260z / 280z 2+2's or Fairlady Z 2/2's - Good if you have small children 280zx 2 seater turbo I should point out that I've driven both early and late cars and 2+2's etc.. and they are all fun in the same way. I would have no complaints about owning a later 280z imported from North America, I would get rid of the horrid bumpers though, even if I like originality, those things just ruin the lines of a great car.

Already bidding

Work on the patch work quilt continues.. I know this probably isn't the best way to repair this panel, I should probably just remake the entire lower section, but I figure I'm learning to improve my welding skills quite a bit this way snd if it turns out looking crap I'll try re-creating the lower section anyway.

Here is an RLS30 in Japan. https://page.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/d271685927 Asking $26k+ in that shape...

I was thinking the same, just a shame it was left to rott forever and not salvaged earlier...

I like the early dashboard. The later 1 was better in terms of airflow and accommodating air con but it also looks more 70s and less 1960s and I prefer the early style. Tail lamps for me is a no brainer, early ones were the best. I like a lot of the early car details but have no problem admitting the later cars were structurally better. I also think late 2+2s were wider and there was more space between passengers. I know driving down in Peter's 260z Sydney to Melbourne was quite comfortable and spacious in the 2+2. I actually think 280z's with fuel injection are good buying in North America and still cheap. 260z's are even cheaper but often neglected the worst over there as they are a 1 year car with difficult to find parts and were not worth much for a long time. Things are changing at a glacial pace but they are moving. I reckon the best comparison is to look at E-type Jaguars. Series 1 roadsters are cream of the crop, then series 2 and 3 and then 2+2. I guess it comes down to what you want? Do you want a car as an investment and for collectibility reasons? Or do you want a more practical classic that you can modify without the concern for destroying value? I'd like a later S31 Fairlady Z with the ZG conversion on Triple carbs like was on Yahoo! Auctions the other day. It sold for $46k AUD, where as a genuine HS30-H is probably 3x that now or more. I also think Mazda Mx5s are similar again, the original NA is the most pure all the way up to the ND etc.. each has its pros and cons and each will appeal to different people. I think 280zx's will start to become desired again soon with all their luxuries etc.. the 2 seater on Trade me in NZ right now is already asking $25k and looks quite good.

Having been in both, I prefer the 240z but then again I'm biased. I see the appeal of 911s but I just prefer the look of S30z's and the engine in the right spot. Ergonomically the 911s are strange with their offset pedals. I find the 240z very user friendly in comparison. It's a shame more S30z's are not restored at the level of that Blue 911 on Gumtree.. I think there is a market for it, a small market but it is a growing 1.

2 seater 280zx in NZ https://www.trademe.co.nz/a.aspx?id=1555864787&tm=email&et=45&mt=7F1F0D31-C106-4483-BC9A-C7464ADF110F

Wow, what a mess between the 2 of them. But the car in WA is a far better buy... That badge is unique, looks like it had some kind of V8 conversion under the hood judging by the bonnet bulge... and engine is missing. I wonder how many years HS30 00890 has been languishing in that field for?

Big accident on the Hume Highway I'm stuck in traffic so hopefully they're not caught in it.

Bump still got 4 sitting here.

I'm heading down to Wogga tomorrow for a friend's wedding... It's kind of on the way lol..