Alas the time has come to finally sell my beloved Datsun 260Z 2-seater coupe. A 1974, UK RHD model, I have owned this car for 30 years. It was the subject of a substantial body restoration in the 90's, and whilst it has picked up several minor, age related blemishes over the years, it still looks and indeed still is in excellent overall condition, having always been garaged during my ownership, waxoyled every couple of years, and never knowingly driven in the rain.
The restoration consisted of practically a new body, after a previous owner had fitted an unsightly bodykit popular in the 80's. Brand new panels consisted of a new roof (to replace a glass sunroof), 2 new rear quarter panels (a huge wraparound rear spoiler had been fitted which damaged the originals), a new complete rear panel, 2 new outer sections of the inner rear arches, 2 new wings, 2 new sills, 2 new headlamp scoops, a new bonnet, a new glassfibre one piece lower front panel, and a mint second had tailgate was sourced. There is NO filler on this car. A previous owner had replaced the floors pans, and although these are rather unsightly sheet metal affairs, they were and still are solid. I have receipts for everything. Many, many mechanical parts were replaced during the rebuild and in the end the car was off the road for 16 years.
More recent expenditure includes a full stainless steel exhaust and manifold, a new windscreen, stainless steel bumpers, 4 new Michelin tyres & front brake pads.
This is a matching numbers car, and the engine appears to be in excellent condition. The current mileage is 117.526. It has 2" SU carbs. As far as i'm aware, the bottom end has never been touched, it has excellent oil pressure and the temerature gauge stays where it should. I MOT it each year, even though it is MOT (& Tax) free.
Naturally, as an older restoration, it has a couple of issues. Some play has appeared in the nearside rear hub. Most likely it's a worn stub axle. It drives fine and didn't come up as an advisory but will need fixing sooner or later. I have sourced a good s/h stub axle and purchased new genuine Nissan bearings, oil seal and locknut. I don't have the skills required to do the job myself, and haven't been able to find anyone local to do it, but at least the parts are there. Also some rust has appeared on both front panels where the bonnet hinges are bolted. I have a replacement panel for one side. Additionally, there are several minor blemishes which should be mentioned,
passenger door won't lock with key but locks from inside (needs adjustment)
tacho doesn't work (could be because of an uprated 280ZX dizzy, plenty of info on web)
fuel gauge innacurate (a new sender was fitted but it needs adjustment)
first to second gear can be a little stiff
one of the interior plastic rear quarter panels is missing (damaged years ago, can't find correct replacement)
paint has lifted at the bottom of the rear tailgate glass
the fuel flap has a crack in the paint
a very small oil leak from the near the bellhousing (the size of a 50p after being stood for about a week)
a very minor dent on each front wing (difficult to see)
a couple of stonechips on the bonnet, & a small dent when the bonnet was closed whilst something was under it
dash vinyl has a crack from the sun (most have)
drivers door drops a little (worn hinge pins)
passenger door / sill is a little skew-whiff
Please don't be put off by this list of blemishes, most can easily be fixed or lived with, I'm sure many sellers wouldn't even bother mentioning most of the above. At the end of the day it is a used car nearly 47 years old and IMO is in an excellent overall condition. It comes with a good indoor cover, a few spares, and a spare set of keys. I welcome and encourage viewings, but the winner comes to pay and collect the car, not to view and haggle. Car is located in Rossendale OL12. It will not leave until funds have cleared. There is no buy it now price. Payment and collection within 7 days of auction end. Thanks for looking.
