So as some of you may already know, I'm searching for the perfect Z for me. Originally knowing very little to nothing about Z's, I've gone from 280ZXT's to now searching for the perfect 240Z. Although I'm not completely against the idea of a 280ZXT, it would have to be a VERY nice one as I've fallen in love with the S30's. To get on to the point, I've looked through tons of classifieds ads through multiple websites (zcar.com, hybridz.org, classiczcars.com, ebay, etc. etc.)

Anyway, I'm looking for something in very good condition with NO rust (I know thats basically impossible, but as little as possible). 70-73 is fine. I want something thats very original and on the 'upper end' of the available Z's. Something thats obviously able to be a daily.

Anyway, to give a better example, heres one car that I came across in the past few weeks that interested me. Jeffs240's 240Z listed on HybridZ.org and ClassicZcars.com, which the asking price is roughly 12k. Unfortunately the vehicle is in AZ and I live in CA, plus the description is quite short and pictures are limited and low resolution. I haven't contacted him yet (may or may not after this post), but I'm wondering if any of you guys know him through the boards or have actually seen his car in person (if youre in the AZ area anyway). Anyone have any details about the car before I ask him about it?

Sigh, never considered buying a car and shipping it without even seeing it, but its tough finding a local Z up to my standards.. Hah my dad definitely won't go for it, but we'll see

Links to said car:
http://classifieds.hybridz.org/showp...uct=3541&cat=9
http://www.classiczcars.com/classifi...uct=1632&cat=1

Hopefully I can start and finish my quest for the perfect Z here with you guys at Zdriver.com

Any other listings that you guys know of would be great, except, sadly, I feel like I've seen them all so far with no luck.

Oh yeah, heres another one I found but the lister's email is incorrect, DOH! I'll call in a week or two when I'm actually back in the states. Anyone know anything about this car? http://www.oldcars.com/car1663.html

Daniel

 

Call me crazy... but I'd never pay $12K for a 240z. I found my 1970 240z (240z #6040) for $500... it had been sitting under a car port for years & had 132K orig miles.

My advice... while you're out of the country browse around the web & when ya get back, THEN start seriously looking (when you can ACTUALLY see the car in person).

 

I've been searching for the past month vigorously so when I do come back, I can see the car in person where I live in California, and I found that second listing with the incorrect e-mail address. I'll call and see it if I can. I know most of you wouldn't pay that much for a Z, but I'm in not in a situation to buy a car that will need extensive downtime. Although I have another car I can drive, I don't want to send my car to the shop for rust repair, paint repair, or anything super time consuming (that isn't something I plan, like mods for example ) You might say a Z isn't for me, but I'd just like to find something thats been very well taken care of or for the most part already been restored that will allow me to modify what I want to modify without having to repair or stop because of a poorly conditioned car. Of course all used cars, especially old ones like the Z have potential problems that are unseen, I'm looking for one that has had preventive measures taken. Its good advise to suggest waiting till I come back to see the cars in person, but with the limited Z's in the condition I require, most of them won't be where I can see them in person anyway. Additionally, I'm trying to come up with a good list of cars to either checkout or follow up on for possible purchase when I finally come back, sooner the better. (So I won't have to be borrowing the family van for the daily school commutes) Anyhow, thanks for the advise. Still hoping someone will recognize those cars or have some suggestions.

Daniel

 

So you're willing to spend $12k on a restored 240z... just to go back and modify it more?

Limited? How long have you been out of the States? There's Z's everywhere.... and good ones too. I've owned 9 280zx's in the past 5 years... all were worth while cars and none cost me more than $500 a piece (several for $100/pc).

It's your money.... but seriously, you can find a score of a Z (from 70 - 96) for less than $5k. Then you can spend your remaining $6k on upgrades.

 

Looking at S30 70-73 Z's and I've been out of the states for about 7 months, and have only been searching for 1 and a half months or so. I'm willing to spend up to $12K for a Z that is likely to not need ANY repair work, just to go back and modify (modify, not repair), things that I wish over the time of ownership (again, in which I would not like to have to repair things that I don't absolutely have to ) Original parts, all panels aligned correctly, original paint (that doesn't need repainting), etc. are all pretty important which is why I said limited (at least in my local area anyway). When it comes down to it, I of course can settle for less, but I'm just trying to find the 'perfect Z' while I have the luxery of time.

Daniel

Edit: I am WILLING to spend up to that much, but as you may or may not have seen, the last car I was looking at was listed $6.5K obo by poster and only reached $3950 on ebay not meeting the reserve (I didn't bid, was firm on seeing before buying as the car is in my area..). I'm all for finding a cheaper car, but I am relatively firm on my requirements Cheers

 

I had a similar criteria when I was looking for my current 240Z. I wanted a car that could be driven with minimal downtime so I know what you're looking for. Here's a nice example for you. It's in So-Cal too.

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/car/266239893.html

 

Wow thanks for the listing, I've been checking craigslist periodically but must have missed this one. I'll check it out when I arrive (no e-mail listed, doh!), hopefully not many people will jump on it before I get the chance

Daniel

 

You send an email to the listed craigslist address & it forwards an email to the seller... so you'd send an email to: sale-266239893@craigslist.org for that listing.

 

Hm haha now I feel stupid, I never used craigslist before Thanks, I'll be sending him an email.

Daniel

 

FWIW: I found my S30 on www.collectorcartraderonline.com
I just now did a quick search for 1969 to 1973 Datsuns, in the U.S., and got 54 listings (about 80% of which were 240 Z's, the others were 510s, roadsters and whatnot). Prices were anywhere from $1000 to $13000. Lots of variety in condition or modifications, but there's a lot to choose from, especially if you're willing to travel. I don't think I'd buy an S30 sight unseen. A cheap last-minute airfare could save you time, money, shipping, etc. I also don't think I'd pay $9k for a Z unless it was 100% exactly how I would have restored/modified it, and the quality of work was better than I would have done.
happy shopping,
Dave

 

I've always wondered what FWIW means, elaborate? Thanks for the link, I haven't seen that site. I would REALLY like to check out the car in person before purchasing, unless I really felt the seller was honest with some reputation (either by forum or something like it).. and of course documented records and tons of high resolution pictures, etc. Anyhow, thanks for the link I'm going to check it out right now.

On another note, I'll be in the States this Friday! Time to try and checkout some local Z's.. mmm

Daniel

 

Damn, check out this 11k mile 1981 280zx for $18,500....
http://adcache.collectorcartraderonl...2/87259162.htm

or maybe this 1982 custom is a better bargain... $3,199...
http://adcache.collectorcartraderonl...9/87537259.htm

Anyway, there's lots of cars to checkout.
http://ww2.collectorcartraderonline....rchresults.php

 

collectorcartraderonline is the bane of work productivity for me. I can dream up all sorts of projects from those ads ("hey... let's search for any Porsche 911 under 5k from before 1980"). Or, "Well, it's a pickup, so it's a practical car once I put a motor in it, even if it is from before 1950".
Sorry: FWIW is "for what it's worth"
Yeah, I agree. It's hard to beat meeting the seller in person and being able to check out the car and its' records.
Welcome home, hope the travels go well!
Dave

 

hell bigjim is selling his and let me tell you its a beaut...

 

Links are a must, you should know that by now Skittle! I don't know who bigjim is or where he's from, and is it a 240Z?

Daniel

edit: Okay I know I saw that name before, did a search and found his 'finally new pics' Z link... But this was just posted a few weeks ago if that, and he's selling? Links to his ad please!

edit#2: Okay just kidding, I just found it.. sigh I'm way ahead of myself haha. I saw it on ebay already, I didn't know it was his. Ill take another look..

 

mmhmmm..... yep... ebay. nice car. cant believe he is selling. seems to be a good investment.

 

In any case, very nice car and I'll have to keep an eye on it. (although it probibly won't be around for long)

Daniel

 

prolly not... did you look at other Z websites classified adds? such as classiczcars.com zcar.com and hybridz.org... found my free car on classiczcar.com only 10 miles away and the Z i bought on ebay only 40 miles away... everything seems to be working out... sept the fact i have to wire the wiring harness to the dash harness customly... kill me!!!! lol

 

I'm currently using Zcar.com, Hybridz, classiczcars, ebay, and craigslist to search. Additionally, I'll start checking collectorcartraderonline (probibly more when I arrive, I can only keep track of so many Z's!) bigjim240's 240Z looks great, but for some reason I feel guilty wanting to change some things about it. That won't stop me from purchasing it (not saying I WILL purchase it but..), but its too soon for me to really make any decisions. Sigh I really do like the Z though.. haha. I really got the Z bug :/

Daniel

 

what would you want to chagne except maybe lowering it to fill the wheel gap and painting the front air damn? the rest is great....

 

I personally like smaller wheels (I think some 16's with some fat rubber suit the Z better, and wide ones at that) The current 17's look too 'modern' for my taste. By wide I mean really wide, fender flare wide.. Painting the air dam, and probibly a different airdam altogether. Not to say the current airdam is ugly by any means, I just have some other choices that would come before that one. I always wanted a turbo setup, but I don't plan to do that any time soon even if I got the car tomorrow or something. Along with the turbo, I'd probibly want a bump to a 2.5" mandrel bent exhaust.. and once you start I guess new things will start popping up as they go. Anyway, I'm still just dreaming, I just want a Z to love first

Daniel

 

Mate...BE PATIENT

Seriously, I was looking off and on for 8 years before I bought mine 6 months ago...but I saved myself so much anguish by not settling on quality or price.

If you are considering one that isnt local then you HAVE to go look...people lie in ads mate

 

yeah.. turbo swap requires time and $$$ and if you buy an s30 with a turbo swap already done and running good its even more $$$ iv'e got a project similare to that going on... and he picked one of the best option airdamn imo... does need paint.. and i think 17 inch wheels with wide low pro (not that crappy ultra low pro) tire looks good... i however dont like grey/black rims unless they have a large polished lip... blends to much with the tire.... looks oddd.....

 

I admire your patience for being able to wait that long, but given my situation.. I do need a car by summertime or a little later. I'm doing my best on finding the right one in that time

For the sake of discussion, if turbo was in mind, does it make sense to try and add a turbo to bigjim's current setup, or a full motor swap? He's already got a L28 block with P79 head (plus he's got cams, but I don't know which ones).. what kind of wire harness would that use (I mean his current setup, not a motor swap turbo setup)? Apparently the P90 head is supposedly the best flowing and came with ZX turbo's, so I'm not sure where this car stands (in terms of turboing of course).

Daniel

 

Wow just posted from what looks like a few hours ago, if not minutes..

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/DATSU...QQcmdZViewItem

I wish people would be more descriptive though.. almost 3 full lines of text, 1 small picture? Gotta be kidding me :P

Daniel