I found a '71 240Z that has some pretty heavy rust damage along the rocker panels (rusted through in places & over the rear wheel fender flares. It looks like it might have been in a front-end collision, as there is a welded panel along the frame rail & one front fender sits a little higher than the other. The steering is hard; not nearly as responsive as other Zs I've driven.

It has a pretty heavy "clunk" from the rear, which I understand is a fairly common problem with the differential.

Amazingly, it has no rust visible in the wheel wells or under the battery bracket. The floor pans & frame rails look like they've been coated and a carpet kit has been glued down inside, so I can't tell about possible rust in these places. The engine runs quite well and the 4 speed tranny shifts easily.

Any ideas on how much a Z in this condition would run in the Arizona/California area would be greatly appreciated. The asking price is $1000

 

With the damage that you described I would investigate the rust more. And see if the frame has ever been bent or replaced. but I have paid a lot less like around 300 for a 1970 240Z with no rust and dual webers. It didnt run very good but that was due o sitting for so long. I just needed to replace the fuel filters. Rust is something you dont want to play with on a Z.
Hope that helps. Also i have bought 13 Z,s in my life and have never paid more than 2 grand for one.