Hi from UK

[Igga777]

I do not own a Datsun at the moment but am hoping to change that in the next few years.
I currently own a Triumph Spitfire Mk3 which needs rebuilding totally but rather than spending many years rebuilding this car (I have had this in my garage for many years without making a start on it), I got the idea of buying a car that I have really liked for years but that would actually be working and ready to enjoy.
I really would love a 240z but would probably end up with a 260z. I thought I would join a forum so that I could get a better idea of the cars, what sort of car I am likely to be able to afford, what to look for and what to avoid.
I want a rhd car with a budget of around 15k but wont be in a position to buy for a few years yet. I had looked at the price guide in practical classics which said that a condition 1 car was around 10k but looking around it seems people are asking much more ar the moment.
Any advice would be most welcome.
Nigel

 

[uk66fastback]

Welcome Nigel ...

If you find any at that price, you'll do well. RHD cars are rare as - all flavours etc. And that commands a premium. A year or two ago you might have been able to get something half decent for that money ... I've not seen anything at that price for a bit.

That said, some of the prices being asked for cars on ebay - some left hookers is far too high imo. You can usually tell which ones, as they are the ones that stick around. Good cars, at a decent price, LHD or RHD, won't last long ... interested to see some pics of the Spit - esp as it's a MkIII - I like the shape of those - I had a Mark IV 20 years ago, but the III is my favourite.

Has your Z GOT to be RHD?

 

[RIDDLER]

I reckon for £15,000 you should get yourself a pretty decent, though not perfect, RHD two-seater 260Z. The 240s tend to fetch more than that. A good LHD will be cheaper but they have been going up in price a lot recently. Also consider a 280Z. These will all be LHD but have a fuel-injected engine and are the same basic shape as the 240/260 and are usually cheaper to buy. I have a 260 and actually prefer it to the 240. They look virtually identical but the 260 has a better interior and (in my opinion) rides better on the road. However I would advise swapping the original carbs in the 260 to some from a 240 as this makes a big difference to the way the car performs in my experience. Bodywork is the big thing to check - the oily bits can usually be sorted! Good luck with your hunt.

 

[Igga777]

Thanks for your replies. I have had a better look at what is available and will probably end up with a LHD. I think I would prefer a half decent LHD to a rusty RHD. Not too sure about the 280Z's though. I think they lost something in the styling from the earlier cars. Looks like these cars can be upgraded massively looking at some websites. Think I would keep it pretty original. Did think of importing direct from abroad but wasn't sure of fees that you pay when importing. My brother lives in Canada so I may have a look around when I visit next year. Have seen some nice LHD cars but dread to think what the prices would be in a couple of years.

 

[STEVE BURNS]

Not too sure about the 280Z's though. I think they lost something in the styling from the earlier cars.

Don't confuse the 280Z with the 280ZX as the 280Z is the same basic shape as the 240/260 and the 280ZX is completely different design and shape

 

[status]

As you ain't got the dosh yet best advice is to keep saving yer pennies and read up on the Zeds and go to a few meets