1974 Datsun 260Z |

Sold

1974 Datsun 260Z

Sold Price

£28,944

Mileage~40,083 on clock
TransmissionManual
Engine2.6-litre
LocationGravesend

SOLD

1974 Datsun 260Z

I WANT ONE

Introduction

Dom Ginn

Vehicle Consigner and Photographer

The famous Z series – these cars changed Datsun’s image completely, and arguably now one of the coolest classic cars to ever have come out of Japan.

Launched to critical acclaim in 1969 the Datsun “Z” series was an instant hit. Drawing loose inspiration from British classics such as the E-Type this was a thoroughly modern sports car with a lift up tailgate, independent rear suspension, front disc brakes and a lively, high revving 6-cylinder engine. The much sought after 260Z was added to the range in 1973, offering a bigger engine, a stiffer chassis and an improved interior.

Coming from ~7 months with our vendor, this beautiful 260Z is an original right hand drive car and was an Australian export. It was re-imported straight to a Kent based specialist in 2001 by the first UK owner. The current owner, Roger tells us that here it was stripped to bare metal, any bodywork repairs carried out and the car resprayed in its current colour, believed to be BMW 'Aquamarine'. The car also benefitted from engine work including a Fourways modified L24 engine which included new pistons, a gas flowed head, 6 branch manifold, a complete stainless exhaust system and a performance camshaft.

Finding a nice 260Z is challenging enough, but we've saved you the hard work - this is a nicely sorted car with some sensible, performance enhancing upgrades. It looks stunning, offers real period charm and will be huge fun to drive.

We’ve taken plenty of high-resolution images and videos of this stunning 260Z so you can see for yourself.

This listing was written from information supplied by Dom after meeting Roger the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

The best bit about a Zed is the driving pleasure, it feels and sounds like a proper sports car; because it is!

Roger actually passed his driving test in his father’s “Zed” at 17 and has been around Datsun Zs since 1973 - he tells us, “I always promised myself another Z when I retired. I was looking for at least 2 years when local Zed specialist Fourways engineering advertised this one. If Fourways are selling it, it will be one of the best”.

Roger went on to say, “As the car hadn’t been used much by the previous owner I carried out some recommissioning. It’s taken 6 months of hard work, and I’ve driven it about 100 miles since finishing but now it looks and drives exactly as it should”.

Unfortunately, Roger is losing his storage space at a local airfield, and the “Zed” has to go – he describes it as “the most reluctant sale I’ve ever had to make”.

Roger will be happy to answer any questions about this lovely sports coupe in the comments section below.

Roger

Vehicle Owner

Roger saved £5,040* when they
sold their Datsun with us.

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EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

Purposeful, sporty and finished in stunning 'Aquamarine' - this classic Datsun absolutely looks the part.

Wheels and Tyres

Fitted with 195/70 R14 tyres the Wolfrace alloy slot mag wheels, centre caps and wheels bolts look in good shape and we could see no sign of significant kerbing on the rims.

The tyres are Nexen with a spec of 195/70R14 dot marked from 2022 on three and 2021 on the other. They show little sign of age-related wear and appear to have good tread remaining.

There is a matching spare in the boot.

Bodywork

The car stands straight, shut lines look good and both doors, bonnet and tailgate all open and close with reassuring precision. We could see no sign of panel distortion or damage.

There is a very minor dent in the bonnet and some bubbling around the offside wheel arch which the new owner may wish to attend to. These are minor imperfections though and overall, the car presents really well.

We've provided high-resolution images and videos detailing our observations, so please take the time to review all media files for a comprehensive view of the car’s condition.

Paint

The stunning, 'Aquamarine', metallic paintwork really suits this car and presents beautifully, retaining a deep, even lustre overall. There are one or two stone chips here and there as would be expected, most notably on the front valance. Generally speaking, the colour suits the car perfectly and it looks stunning.

Images have been taken from various angles to present the car as you would see it in person. Please take the time to fully assess these high-resolution images and videos to form your own view on the condition of the paint.

Glass and Trim

Windscreen, tailgate and side windows all look good without any significant marks or scratching.

Likewise, lights, lenses and mirrors all present well with no signs of damage that we could see.

VIEW ALL

INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

Deep set dials, moulded instrument panel and black leather - a true '70s cabin.

Seats and Carpets

The aftermarket seats, from a Toyota GT, look great and really suit the period look. They are in generally sound condition although are showing some wear, most obviously to the driver’s seat bolster as can be seen in the pictures and interior video.

The door cards, handles and interior trim are generally in good shape as is the black carpet.

There are signs of use but nothing unexpected for a car of this period.

Dashboard

Sunken dials and moulded dash give this car a true period feel, the dials are clear and easy to read, and all switchgear looks good.

We are assured everything works as it should.

There is a small crack on the top of the dash and another on the covering between the speedometer and tachometer as seen in the images.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The three spoke steering wheel and centre boss are in sound condition as are the indicator and wiper stalks.

The wood gear stick knob and moulded plastic appear sound with no major defects that we could see.

Please see the interior gallery for more images.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

Straight-six, ~165BHP and capable of ~127 mph – it’s really no surprise the 260Z was an instant hit.

Engine and Gearbox

The engine bay housing the legendary straight-six is neat, tidy and well organised.

We could see no obvious signs of leaks or damage.

Roger told us he been advised by Fourways that a rolling road engine tune would really benefit the car. He agrees as it can be a little temperamental when cold, the 2.6L unit soon settles down to a steady idle with no warning lights showing, and emissions appeared clear as can be seen on the 'Cold Start' video.

Suspension and Brakes

A you’d expect from a proper sports car the suspension on the 260Z is firm and certain.

On our drive out with Roger there were no untoward rattles or knocks that we could hear, and the car appeared to behave impeccably.

While requiring a little more pedal pressure than a modern car, the braking was sure and predictable ensuring this car can be arrested with confidence when required.

The Drive

The drive was everything you would want from this iconic '70s sports car. Acceleration was brisk and exhilarating, steering taught and responsive, braking reassuringly predictable and suspension firm and sporting.

Above all though this was a truly 70’s experience – charming, full of character and immense fun, in fact, we really didn’t want this drive out to come to an end!

Join us in the video – we think you’ll agree this is a special car.

Electrics and Other

Electrics on cars of this era are pretty straightforward. All switchgear, dials and gauges appeared in good shape and Roger assures us that, to the best of his knowledge, everything works as it should.

The car is fitted with an aftermarket radio/cd player.

VIEW ALL

History and Paperwork

Your chance to own a true icon - a perfect blend of style, performance and period charm.

The Z series changed the game for Datsun and offered the public a real alternative to the British and European offerings of the time.

These cars became a very successful sports car in the USA.

These days a good 260Z is hard to find and that’s where this example is an absolute winner. Beautifully finished and with some sensible, performance enhancing upgrades this car blends great, period looks with raw power and a truly engaging driving experience.

This lovely Datsun comes with MOT documentation and a range of receipts for comprehensive works going back to 2001 together with some photographic records of work carried out.

We’ve conducted our usual seller checks, including photo ID, V5, and have also actioned a history check on the vehicle. This is a professional check by HPI that highlights whether the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or has any outstanding finance. Please note: This does not include a mileage history check.

We've summarised our view of the car based on information from the seller above. As you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in high-resolution detail – this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. Please sit back, have a cuppa, and take your time to review everything in this listing to assess the vehicle's condition.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bid/s, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Service History

Date	Type	Mileage
01.09.2017	MOT	39,816
12.08.2016	MOT	39,675
27.08.2015	MOT	39,476
11.08.2014	MOT	38,729
08.07.2013	MOT	38,373
10.07.2012	MOT	38,091
22.07.2011	MOT	37,703
05.08.2010	MOT	37,323
28.07.2009	MOT	36,908
23.07.2008	MOT	36,409
17.07.2007	MOT	35,471
07.08.2006	MOT	34,486