New buyer - Looking for a 240z for fathers retirement

Hi everyone,

Looking for some tips on where to start looking for a 240z as a retirement present for my father. Having a look around there seems to be the odd project car (which i would be interested in) but i'm looking for something that at-least runs and wont break the bank or need too much work.

Any tips on where to start, what to look out for and any cars on the market currently I might could be interested in? Import tips if nothing on the UK market right now?

My father retires in November so I have a little time to look around. He owned this car in the 70's in red and couldn't think of a better retirement present!

Thanks!
 

Rob Gaskin

Treasurer
Staff member
Site Administrator
Hi Daniel, interestingly I sold a car last year to a guy who's father had one in the 70s.

The problem you have is finding one that's in roadworthy and presentable condition because most 240Zs like that are not for sale.

The next problem is that you have 'joined the party' a bit late unless you are prepared to spend £20k plus and that's one hell of a retirement present!

You might be lucky with a US import but they usually need a full interior refit and a respray due to the sun (if it's from a dry state).

This one is definitely worth a look:

https://www.classiccarauctions.co.uk/datsun-240z-8910
 
Hi Daniel, interestingly I sold a car last year to a guy who's father had one in the 70s.

The problem you have is finding one that's in roadworthy and presentable condition because most 240Zs like that are not for sale.

The next problem is that you have 'joined the party' a bit late unless you are prepared to spend £20k plus and that's one hell of a retirement present!

You might be lucky with a US import but they usually need a full interior refit and a respray due to the sun (if it's from a dry state).

This one is definitely worth a look:

https://www.classiccarauctions.co.uk/datsun-240z-8910

Hi Rob,

Thanks for the reply and the early tips.

It seems I have joined the party a little late which is a shame but still would like to shop around and see what I can muster up. I currently live over in Dubai so sort of doing this remotely so even have the option of a Japanese import, along with a US import if I find a decent one. I go back to the UK quite a lot and my brother is based there but any tips on importing from the US would be a great help. Are there UK agents I can get in touch with that help with the purchase and shipping of the car if I find one I like? Any trusted websites?

Ideally I would want to buy one from the UK but like you say finding a roadworthy and presentable one is looking rather slim. I definitely don't have 20k plus to spend..but could do half that if necessary. The one you have recommended looks a great buy so going to keep my eye on that.

Sorry for all the questions but have to start somewhere :)

Thanks again!
 
Hi Rob,

Thanks for the reply and the early tips.

It seems I have joined the party a little late which is a shame but still would like to shop around and see what I can muster up. I currently live over in Dubai so sort of doing this remotely so even have the option of a Japanese import, along with a US import if I find a decent one. I go back to the UK quite a lot and my brother is based there but any tips on importing from the US would be a great help. Are there UK agents I can get in touch with that help with the purchase and shipping of the car if I find one I like? Any trusted websites?

Ideally I would want to buy one from the UK but like you say finding a roadworthy and presentable one is looking rather slim. I definitely don't have 20k plus to spend..but could do half that if necessary. The one you have recommended looks a great buy so going to keep my eye on that.

Sorry for all the questions but have to start somewhere :)

Thanks again!

10K would get you a decent start point of a 280z, lhd. have a look at Vega classics.
 

chrisvega

Well-Known Forum User
£10k is project money these days for any S30 so expect to be doing paint, interior and mechanical work to some degree or other at that price.
As Franky says 280Z will get you a lot more car for the same budget but prices are catching up quickly.

The auction car looks pretty good and the lower estimate is auction bait.
I would be surprised if it sells at anything less than top estimate at £ 18k as it is worth that figure all day long.
 

chrisvega

Well-Known Forum User
‘ Sorry I’m a lady, sorry I’m a lady I would rather be, rather be, just a little shady ‘ Baccarra c.1977 from memory, before your time young Franky but a catchy tune nonetheless.

Thanks for the heads up but I don’t have anything suitable in way of S30Z in that price range around at the moment.

If OP decides on a 280ZX for his father which is probably a very good shout for someone of retirement age ( think power steering, electric windows, comfy seats ) then I do have an imported very nice low mile ZX 2+2 in black with tasteful tan leather interior (none of your red velour tarts boudoir stuff here ) available for a lot less than budget.

same again.

Drop chris a message at Vega to see what he's got, or got coming over. you need to be careful as there's some popular importers who are more than a little shady.
 

SeanDezart

Well-Known Forum User
You also have a very nice 28ZXTurbo which takes comfort, aircon, cruise control etc (and performance) to a new level !
 

johnymd

Club Member
I really like my red 280z and would certainly buy another. They are very well built in comparison to 240 with a lot more thought being put into strength. They are still a good buy but prices are on the up. I believe they also make a good base to built a retromod car.
 
‘ Sorry I’m a lady, sorry I’m a lady I would rather be, rather be, just a little shady ‘ Baccarra c.1977 from memory, before your time young Franky but a catchy tune nonetheless.

Thanks for the heads up but I don’t have anything suitable in way of S30Z in that price range around at the moment.

If OP decides on a 280ZX for his father which is probably a very good shout for someone of retirement age ( think power steering, electric windows, comfy seats ) then I do have an imported very nice low mile ZX 2+2 in black with tasteful tan leather interior (none of your red velour tarts boudoir stuff here ) available for a lot less than budget.

Hi Chris,

Thanks for responding to the thread. I was just about to message you. Shame there are no S30Z's in that price range at the moment but I have a little time. My aim is to get something by the summer at least.

Interested to hear more on your 280ZX for sale. This could be a very good option. Let me know if we can chat privately.

Cheers
 
Hi Chris,

Thanks for responding to the thread. I was just about to message you. Shame there are no S30Z's in that price range at the moment but I have a little time. My aim is to get something by the summer at least.

Interested to hear more on your 280ZX for sale. This could be a very good option. Let me know if we can chat privately.

Cheers

I can't see any of the s30 range of a useable condition coming up in that price range.
 
I'm open to something that might need a little work but has to be running at least. Most of the project cars I've seen look awful and far too much work needed. 280ZX may be the way forward.
 

chrisvega

Well-Known Forum User
I sold a few nice roadworthy UK registered 280Z last year around the £ 12k price range. However, prices have firmed up strongly over the last few months no doubt helped by a high profile auction house in the States recently selling a worthy but not absolute pristine example for over $35k !

The 280ZX is pictured here (rear rack now removed as it is an acquired taste according to Mr.Dezart although I quite like it myself ).
89k miles from new with quite a lot of service history (was stored off road for many years hence low miles).
It is UK registered, MOTd and has been reliable and good fun to drive in recent road tests in dry weather.
Have not advertised the car yet but will do so in next week or so with Easter fast approaching.

It is lhd (is your father OK with lhd ?) ex-CA but importantly has super solid and original bodywork. If you consider any UK market ZX check this area of the car very carefully as they can rust horrendously as some brave home restorers on here will testify. The more complex structure of these later cars makes them more expensive to restore than an S30 and definitely not financially viable relative to end value unless you can do all the work yourself.

Price wise I would like to see around £ 8k for this car which I think is great value bearing in mind the superb originality throughout with plenty of room for uplift in value on the coat tails of the earlier S30 models as they zoom out of sight.

Not sure if you are a member on here Danny as does not say on your profile but if so you can send me a personal message or email chrisroberts62@hotmail.co.uk to discuss more about the car.IMG_2888.jpg
 
Last edited:
I sold a few nice roadworthy UK registered 280Z last year around the £ 12k price range. However, prices have firmed up strongly over the last few months no doubt helped by a high profile auction house in the States recently selling a worthy but not absolute pristine example for over $35k !

The 280ZX is pictured here (rear rack now removed as it is an acquired taste according to Mr.Dezart although I quite like it myself ).
89k miles from new with quite a lot of service history (was stored off road for many years hence low miles).
It is UK registered, MOTd and has been reliable and good fun to drive in recent road tests in dry weather.
Have not advertised the car yet but will do so in next week or so with Easter fast approaching.

It is lhd (is your father OK with lhd ?) ex-CA but importantly has super solid and original bodywork. If you consider any UK market ZX check this area of the car very carefully as they can rust horrendously as some brave home restorers on here will testify. The more complex structure of these later cars makes them more expensive to restore than an S30 and definitely not financially viable relative to end value unless you can do all the work yourself.

Price wise I would like to see around £ 8k for this car which I think is great value bearing in mind the superb originality throughout with plenty of room for uplift in value on the coat tails of the earlier S30 models as they zoom out of sight.

Not sure if you are a member on here Danny as does not say on your profile but if so you can send me a personal message or email chrisroberts62@hotmail.co.uk to discuss more about the car.View attachment 27509

Hi Chris, not a member yet but will definitely sign up! Have just popped you an email.

Cheers
 
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