1974 Datsun 260Z

Description

We often get asked for advice on the best starter collectables; that is, cars that can be purchased for not a lot of money and enjoyed with a minimum of fussing. This 1974 Datsun 260Z certainly qualifies. With a smooth-running inline-six and a cosmetic freshening, it's a handsome car that delivers a vintage driving experience that's easy to use in today's traffic. If you're looking for a fun, sporty, unusual driver that will always get people talking, it's hard to do better than this.

The paint was refinished years ago in bright blue, which isn't the original color but compared to all the silver and black Z cars you see out there, it's a great combination that looks remarkably good on the curvaceous sheetmetal. While there are signs of age, it makes this the ideal car for a first-time buyer who isn't looking for a project. The purity of the original Z-car's shape is undeniably attractive, and with the front and rear bumpers removed, the classic long nose profile is more Jaguar E-Type than Datsun functional. Fit and finish are decent and the reputation that Japanese cars earned was based largely on cars like this that were worlds better than their domestic competition and it's noticeable today.

The black vinyl interior has been freshened and remains in decent condition with plenty of life left in it. The seats show only moderate wear, with custom embroidery on the headrests and the foam underneath remains firm and comfortable. The dash pad is excellent and the carpets have been protected by heavy-duty rubber mats, so they're tidy, too. All the gauges are fully functional, including the auxiliary gauges on the top center of the dash, which are a styling cue that still in use on Z-cars today. A 4-speed manual transmission, along with the larger engine with more torque and softer suspension, were concessions to American tastes, but it also makes the car comfortable and a first-class long-distance cruiser. For the most part, this car doesn't deviate much from the original spec although it does have a newer AM/FM/CD stereo head unit in the center of the dash. Under the hatch, you get a good-sized trunk with nice carpets that haven't been backed by the sun, as well as a giant subwoofer.

Datsun knew that the 260Z needed to be competitive, so the 2.6 liter inline-six is a gutsy powerplant that revs smoothly and delivers impressive torque. It starts and idles beautifully, and pulls through the gears with a musical tenor that you'll enjoy every time you fire it up. The engine bay is tidy and clean, showing signs of conscientious maintenance throughout its life and that awesome red valve cover to really make it spot. The racy air cleaner gives it a purposeful look and there aren't many aftermarket upgrades, suggesting that this car has always led an easy life. The 4-speed manual transmission slips through the gears almost telepathically, and suspension is supple yet athletic, showcasing the car's grand touring mission. It rolls on a set of aftermarket alloys wearing 205/70/14 blackwall radials that fill the fenders just right.

The same things that made the original Z-car popular when it was new makes it a fabulous collector piece today: great performance, fun handling, and reliable mechanicals. Introduce yourself to the purity of driving that comes from a well-balanced chassis and an engine that can make the most of it. Call today!