1970 Datsun 240Z
S30 · First year US sales. Originally called the Fairlady Z in Jap... · The car that proved Japan could build a world-class sports car
Collectible
Production & Overview
Total Production
16,215
Original MSRP
$3,526
Assembly Plants
Hiratsuka, Japan
Wheelbase
90 inches
Body Styles
2-Door Fastback Coupe
Curb Weight
2,355 lbs
Available Engines
L24 2393cc (146ci) — inline-6 SOHC
2.4L straight-six. Dual SU carburetors. Smooth, rev-happy engine far ahead of competitors.
151 hp
Buyer Checklist
⚠ Clone warning: Numbers-matching early Z commands 40-60% premium. Always verify with cowl tag, engine stamp, and registry before purchase.
Verify VIN plate on driver's door jamb and firewall
Check body plate in engine bay for build date
Inspect all body seams for rust — CRITICAL on Z cars
Check frame rails (under car) — primary rust failure point
Inspect rear frame sections and hatch area
Check floor pans thoroughly from underneath
Verify unibody structure at strut towers and firewall
Check for previous accident damage — common at nose
Verify original L24 engine — swaps are common (L28, V8)
Road test: check for front end noise and steering accuracy
Known Problem Areas
Frame rail rust — most common Z car failure
Floor pan rust
Rear hatch and lower body rust
Strut tower rust and cracking
Engine swaps — L28, V8 conversions common
Accident damage — nose area especially
Previous fire damage from carb issues
What Drives Value
↑ Increases Value
First year (1970) with matching numbers
Rust-free body structure — critical
Unmodified original drivetrain
Original interior in good condition
Southern or southwestern car (minimal rust)
↓ Decreases Value
Frame rail rust — structural failure
V8 or other swaps without documentation
Prior accident damage to unibody
Non-matching engine
Restoration Overview
Difficulty
High — rust issues require extensive metalwork
Parts Availability
Good for mechanical — body panels more difficult
Driver Quality Cost
$15,000 – $30,000
Show Quality Cost
$40,000 – $80,000
Key Suppliers
Z Car Source · Motorsport Auto · Classic Datsun
Pop Culture & Legacy
Changed American perception of Japanese automotive quality overnight
Beat European sports cars at a fraction of the price
Launched Japan's sports car credibility that led to Supra, RX-7, and NSX
Other Datsun 240Z Years