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Datsun 240Z

Datsun

Datsun 240Z: Datsun's iconic sports car (1969-1973). 2.4-liter L24 inline-six. Launched the affordable sports car category
Photo: TTTNIS / Wikimedia Commons · CC0

Datsun's iconic sports car (1969-1973). 2.4-liter L24 inline-six. Launched the affordable sports car category in North America.

The Datsun 240Z is a sports car produced from 1969 to 1973. The 240Z (called Fairlady Z in Japan) launched the Z car nameplate and the affordable Japanese sports car category in North America. Light, fast, beautifully styled, and inexpensive (under $4,000 new), the 240Z gave buyers Jaguar E-Type performance for less than half the price. The 240Z used the L24 2.4-liter inline-six naturally aspirated engine making 151 horsepower (gross). Front-engine, rear-wheel drive, four-speed manual transmission. Curb weight around 2,300 pounds. The 240Z became the best-selling sports car in the world by 1972. The 240Z is one of the most influential Japanese cars ever made. The styling, the lightweight chassis, and the accessible price point established a formula that subsequent Z cars (260Z, 280Z, 280ZX, 300ZX, 350Z, 370Z, current Z) have continued. The 240Z is also the foundation of the Japanese restomod scene; many 240Z restomods use modern engines (RB26, LS swaps, VQ swaps) while preserving the original chassis. On WhipJury, 240Z submissions are common, particularly restomod and engine-swap builds.

240Z specifications

L24 2.4L naturally aspirated inline-six. 151 horsepower (gross). Four-speed manual. Curb weight around 2,300 pounds. 0-60 in around 8 seconds. Top speed around 120 mph. Production: about 524,000 cars total.

Frequently asked questions about Datsun 240Z

How much does a 240Z cost?
Used pricing varies dramatically. Project 240Zs: $5,000-$15,000. Driver-quality cars: $15,000-$30,000. Clean restored 240Zs: $30,000-$60,000+. Show-quality restorations and rare variants (Series 1 cars): $50,000-$100,000+.
Why are 240Zs so collectible now?
Limited surviving population (rust took many), historical significance as the car that proved Japanese makers could build genuine sports cars, beautiful design that has aged well, and a passionate restomod scene that has driven up demand. Clean original examples or properly executed restomods both command strong prices.
What is the difference between 240Z and Fairlady Z?
Fairlady Z is the JDM (Japan-market) name; 240Z is the North American export name. The export car got a larger 2.4-liter engine; JDM Fairlady Zs got the 2.0-liter L20 engine to fit Japanese tax rules. Right-hand drive Fairlady Zs and left-hand drive 240Zs share the same S30 chassis.
Are 240Zs reliable?
The L24 inline-six is durable and simple. Carburetors need periodic adjustment. Rust is the main long-term issue. A documented-restoration 240Z with a healthy engine and a properly addressed chassis can be daily driven; a barn find usually needs significant work.
Is the 240Z the same as later Z cars?
Same lineage but different generations. The 240Z (1969-1973) is the original. Later Z cars include 260Z, 280Z, 280ZX, 300ZX, 350Z, 370Z, and current Z. Each generation has its own character; the 240Z is widely considered the purest expression of the original Z car formula.

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