New buyer - Looking for a 240z for fathers retirement

SeanDezart

Well-Known Forum User
Maybe an advantage or not, the fact that it's a FHC and not a T-top with their inherent problems and scarcity of parts notably rubber seals. I could do a nice stainless exhaust for that.:driving:
 

jonbills

Membership Secretary
Site Administrator
I’d be very cautious about buying a 280zx for someone who is a 240z fan.
 

SeanDezart

Well-Known Forum User
Now what are you insinuating ? I happen to like both AND 260Zs....and 280Zs.....and their 2+2 versions.:EXTRAp
 

chrisvega

Well-Known Forum User
I’d be very cautious about buying a 280zx for someone who is a 240z fan.

Why ?

Like Sean I am a fan of both, it's not an either/or question.

Don't forget his Dad is no doubt of advanced/ing years and will not want to go tearing around at full tilt everywhere, dealing with heavy unassisted steering, feeling every lump and bump in the UK's ever worsening pot-holed excuses for roads. I know which one I would prefer to drive in older age, especially over any distance and it's not the 240Z.

Track day or drag racing maybe a different story but not relevant here although I will throw in that my standard factory spec. 280ZX turbo will pee all over any standard factory production 240/260/280Z in a drag race.

Out of interest have you driven good examples of both cars to make a valid comparison ?

Anyway, an academic question in some respects as the budget is only £10k and as already mentioned you won't get a roadworthy 240Z in budget. 280ZX or bust as far as Datsun brand is concerned on this one.
 
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jonbills

Membership Secretary
Site Administrator
The guy asked about 240zs as a retirement present for his father, because he had one in the 70s and presumably liked it. 280zx is quite different as you say and there’s no evidence his dad ever fancied a 280zx.
Therefore, I would be cautious about spending £10k on one for him.
 

chrisvega

Well-Known Forum User
I suppose it all depends if it is a ' surprise ' retirement present or not for Danny's father.
If a surprise then agreed he should be cautious as it is a different model than the 2 seat 240Z of his father's younger days, regardless whether a 2 seat or 2+2 variant of the 280ZX.
Perhaps sound advice would be if you are going to look at this alternative then run it by him first just in case to ascertain his thoughts and get his prior seal of approval.
 
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chrisvega

Well-Known Forum User
We can't really offer a proper opinion based on a few long distance low resolution pics. no interior or engine bay pics or any close ups.
Looks a bit scruffy to me from what I can see for a ' restored ' car but as you will be seeing it in the 'metal' shortly you will be the better judge of that.

Remember it is the inferior spec. HLS30 spec. and not the HS30 UK/ROW spec. car your father bought in the 70's.
If un-modified it will have a 4 speed gearbox not 5 speed, 3.36 rear diff not 3.90, no rear anti-roll bar, slower steering response etc .
Looks like it retains tractor like factory ride height.

Seems your budget has now doubled so game has changed somewhat from your opening post.
If you shop around carefully £ 19k will still just about get you a nice US spec. car already in the UK possibly with desired upgrades to gearbox and diff and lowered ride height/suspension tweaks so unless the car you are viewing is super nice with no compromises I would say don't rush in.
 

uk66fastback

Club Member
Why not take some closer, clearer pics if you can and post up ... might give people more of an idea of the car. Be interested in the history of this one, how it ended up there etc.
 
Definitely not going to rush in to anything. I spoke to the guy earlier and I wasn't convinced by the conversation but will still go check it out tomorrow. I'll be sure to get as many pics and history as I can. Watch this space.

@chrisvega..thanks for the spec info and heads up. The game has definitely changed and i'm excited about what this could open up!
 
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