1973 Datsun 240Z - Southwestern car since new, great driver-status L28 car!

Condition: Used
Make: Datsun
Model: Z-Series
Year: 1973
Mileage: 132,000
VIN: HLS30120805
Transmission: Manual
Vehicle Title: Clear
Location: Surprise, Arizona, United States

Description

Please read the entire description and review the additional pictures. If I've left anything important out, please feel free to message me!
This southwestern Z was originally purchased and owned in Albuquerque NM until 1993. The second owner lived in north central Arizona, and I purchased the car from his family in 2017. The odometer reads 32k miles, and based on my knowledge of Z restoration, this car has 132k miles. This is my 6th Z car, and our vintage Datsun collection has outgrown our available space. A driver-status restoration was conducted on this car, as follows:
The original engine had poor compression and was stored improperly for too long. An L28 (N42) block was selected, bored .020 over, re-ringed, and mated to an E88 head that was resurfaced, re-sealed, and pressure-tested. An 065 American Cam camshaft was installed with a new timing chain kit. The front cover and oil pump were professionally polished, a new fuel pump, thermostat and temp sensor were installed, as were new NGK plugs, and a MSA 6-2-1 ceramic coated header was added. A set of SU carburetors were installed on the freshly bead-blasted manifold, and the valve cover received similar treatment. The original 4-speed trans was in good shape, so a new LUK clutch and throwout bearing were installed, as well as fresh shifter bushings. The radiator was pressure tested, cleaned, and fitted with a new pressure cap. The air cleaner housing was modified to eliminate the now-unnecessary heat riser opening before it was bead blasted and repainted in the correct Datsun orange paint (with a new filter). A new fan clutch, new engine mounts and a new MSA exhaust system finished off the drivetrain.
As a southwestern Z, the car had light bubbling appearing on the rear dogleg and wheel arch, which was repaired. An inspection of the undercarriage reveals undercoating that appears old, consistent with the haphazard dealer-applied material of that era. The rest of the car was rust-free and very straight for its age, requiring very little bodywork prior to sealer and paint. The windshield was removed beforehand and reinstalled with new rubber. The door and hatch weatherstrip was replaced with new rubber from Precision, as was the cowl seal, inspection door bumpers, hood bumpers, hatch bumpers, and several other rubber bits. The sill plates were bead-blasted and clear-coated. The rear taillight panel and grille were similarly blasted and repainted in the correct grey color. Rear window louver hardware was restored to correct operation, and the louvers were repainted flat black. Badges and emblems were refurbished or replaced, and any hardware that was removed from the car was replated prior to reinstallation. The original-color paint is glossy and smooth.
The original bumpers with rubber rub strips, overriders, rubber filler panels and bumper guards were removed. The holes were welded and smoothed, and both bumpers were replated by Metro Plating in Phoenix for a much cleaner look.
The interior was already well-preserved, requiring only minor refreshing. Pics show the condition of the floors, battery tray, and spare tire well, which were remarkably clean. The bucket seats had a minor split in each, but were in good shape otherwise, so they were retained. The door panels were likewise in great shape. Carpet was replaced with a new fitted kit from MSA, as was the shift boot and e-brake boot. A couple cracks are present in the center console, and the little rectangular Z badge is missing in front of the ashtray. The gauges work correctly with the exception of the clock, and the dash has two cracks (pictured), which could be covered with a cap or mat, depending on buyer preference.
The brake system received a new brake master cylinder, as well as all new rubber lines and rear wheel cylinders, and all brake components were cleaned and re-lubricated for proper operation. A new clutch master cylinder and slave cylinder were installed, and the tension rod bushings were replaced with new units as well. A set of new correct-sized tires were fitted, and the original hubcaps were replated and restored to correct appearance.
As with any car, there are some flaws which should be disclosed for the future owner. Driver window operation is occasionally balky. There is a paint flaw in each door sill (visible when doors are open), and yellow overspray is present on portions of the undercarriage. The radio is not functional and the heater is not connected. The choke functions properly but occasionally fails to return to closed position.
This Z drives nicely and accelerates briskly with the exhaust modifications and additional displacement. While it's not a concours restoration, it is a great driver-status car that would be very expensive to replicate. This is your chance to own a good-looking, great-sounding Z that will present well at a car show or cruise.
Additional photos are available here: http://nicoclub.com/archives/1973-240z.html
This car was listed on BaT (Bring a Trailer) and attracted 19 bids (https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1973-datsun-240z-52/). However, a shady local winning bidder failed to complete the transaction and was subsequently banned from the site. Therefore, the car is available here for bidding.
I am happy to assist with out-of-state transport, and the car has a clear, clean title in my name, ready for a new owner.Good luck, and happy bidding!

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