1974 Datsun 260Z 2+2

Description

Japanese cars are one of the fastest appreciating segments in the vintage car market right now, and arguably none are more interesting than the tale of the 1974 Datsun 260Z 2+2. Best of all, you can pick up a highly original example of this one year only model for under $10K.

The Z cars defined 1970s motoring in America, and that's best represented in one color: Gold Metallic. It's that perfect hue that seemed as disco-friendly as the leisure suit forty years ago, and it's still an attention getter today. But really why the color still works so well is because it's on a car that has survived all these decades unmolested. Careful owners did not park this one where it would get door dings, and no one put some huge aftermarket rear wing on this Z. Instead, this coupe has survived with all the clean and sleek lines that made it iconic, and its biggest upgrade was a set of later-model 280Z alloy wheels. This level of originality is especially nice to see considering Datsun only imported the 260Z for one year, and it was also the first year the 2+2 option was available. These are two extraordinary vintage vehicle facts that will make this survivor distinguishable its entire life.

Open the door, and there is more evidence of this car's cherished life. The high-backed black vinyl bucket seats are in amazing condition. Behind that are the first-year rear seats, and they look like they've spent most of their lives folded down for better cargo room instead of steady use. Getting behind the wheel feels great thanks to features like the center console and three-spoke sports steering wheel. It's all part of an interior package where the Japanese studied the world's best sports cars, and then enhanced it with user-friendly design and unimpeachable reliability. As a result, the cockpit talks directly to the driver with gauges set into twin round pods for speedometer and tachometer. Auxiliary gauges are placed on a trio of dials set high on the specially contoured dash - a look that became so iconic, it was used for the modern Z as part of its retro-style. This Datsun even had luxury touches for its time such as the AM/FM radio and provisions for air conditioning.

But what really made these cars so great was under the hood. The 260Z had a newly enlarged 2.6-liter inline-six that could rev like a European, but built a reputation for reliability never seen before. That's why it's no surprise this car still has its original motor and three-speed automatic transmission. It now breathes a bit better than its regulation-choked days thanks to a set of Weber down-draft carburetors. The result is a car that has an unmistakable vintage sound, but it fires up and ticks through the gears with the kind of confidence not felt in many other 40+ year-old vintage coupes. The same can be said for the tight suspension and front disc brakes.

Here's your chance to get an interesting survivor that's also a blast to drive. The bargain price is just the cherry on top.