This 1971 Datsun 240Z is one of the OGs that put the Z badge on the map in America. Dressed in orange with a black vinyl interior, it packs a 2.4-liter inline-six, four-speed manual, and sends power to the rear wheels – just like a proper sports car should. The odometer reads 73,000 miles, but as always with classics, the true mileage is anyone’s guess. According to the seller, it’s been a Texas resident since day one and got a multi-year makeover after being picked up in 2021.
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What It’s Worth Right Now
Classic.com pegs the going rate for a 1970-1973 Datsun 240Z at just under $35,000, with the average sale price hovering around $34,800 from 85 sales. But the numbers are all over the place: the cheapest went for $6,666, the priciest hit a wild $154,000, and the latest sale clocked in at $93,500. It all comes down to how original, clean, and rare your Z really is.
Asking prices are just as scattered. There’s a 1971 240Z with 100,000 miles and an automatic at $28,947, a 1972 manual with 89,000 miles at $49,500, and a 1973 with just 38,000 miles asking a hefty $59,950. These are just wish-list numbers, not actual sales, but they give you a sense of how wild the Z market is right now.
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Right now, this 1971 Z is sitting at $12,250 with seven days left and just two bids in. That’s way under the Classic.com average, but it’s early days. Keep in mind, the true mileage is a mystery; it’s had a lot of work done, and there are some visible flaws. If the mechanical refresh holds up and the car looks as good in person, somewhere in the $30,000 to $40,000 range would be a fair target. Of course, the final hammer price will tell the real story.
Condition and Details
After the seller picked it up in 2021, this 240Z got a serious makeover. The body was stripped down, floor pans swapped out, and the sheet metal patched up before it got its fresh coat of orange. Suspension and brakes were both overhauled. The interior got new black vinyl, and it now rolls on slotted 14-inch mag-style wheels wrapped in 195/70 Barum Brillantis 2 rubber.
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Inside, you get black vinyl bucket seats, fresh carpets, and new rear quarter-panel trim as of September 2025. There’s a woodgrain steering wheel, a wooden shift knob, center console, classic Hitachi push-button radio, and a heater for those chilly mornings. The gauges are old-school: 160-mph speedo, 7,000-rpm redline tach. The odometer says 73,000 miles, with about 700 added by the current owner.
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Under the hood, the 2.4-liter inline-six got a refresh in March 2026. That meant rebuilt dual carbs, new pistons and rings, a fresh water pump, timing chain, alternator, gaskets, plugs, and ignition wires. The four-speed manual still sends power to the rear, and the clutch, fuel tank, and mufflers are all new. Not everything’s perfect, though: there’s some lifting paint on the rear hatch, cracks in the paint if you look closely, and the dashboard has seen better days.
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The Offer
| Specification | Detail |
| Make | Datsun |
| Model | 240Z |
| Year | 1971 |
| Mileage | 73,000 miles shown, TMU |
| Engine | 2.4-liter inline-six |
| Power | Not specified |
| Transmission | Four-speed manual |
| Drive type | Rear-wheel drive |
| Exterior color | Orange |
| Interior color | Black vinyl |
| Current bid | $12,250 |
Interested in this 1971 Datsun 240Z? View the listing here.
What Makes the 1971 Datsun 240Z Unique
The 240Z is one of the legends that proved Japanese sports cars could go toe-to-toe with the Europeans in the US. This first-gen Z nails the classic formula: naturally aspirated inline-six, four-speed manual, rear-wheel drive, and compact proportions. It’s exactly what enthusiasts still chase today.
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This car also has a story beyond its specification. It is said to have remained in Texas since new and has received extensive work over several years, including body repairs, replacement floor pans, suspension and brake work, interior refurbishment, and a recent engine overhaul. It is not a concours-original example, and the seller acknowledges some cosmetic imperfections, but the mechanical work gives the next owner a starting point that does not appear to require a ground-up restoration.
Final Thoughts
At $12,250, this 240Z is way under Classic.com’s $35,000 average, but there’s still time left on the clock. The unknown mileage and visible paint and dash issues mean it’s not a pristine, low-mileage survivor, but with the recent mechanical work and that four-speed manual, it’s a tempting option if you want an early Z you can actually drive.
The real question is where the bidding stops. If it stays well below the market and a pre-purchase inspection gives the thumbs up on the restoration and engine, this could be a smart way to get into classic Z ownership. Just make sure to check the body repairs, floor pans, paint, and paperwork before you throw your hat in the ring.
Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only. We are not a dealership or broker. All vehicle specifications, pricing, and availability are subject to change without notice. We are not responsible for typographical errors, omissions, or the accuracy of the provided information. Please verify all details directly with the seller.
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About the author
Jacob Oliva
Senior Editor, Autoblog