1973 datsun 240z sports 5 sp manual 2d coupe

*** AUCTION *** 

1973 DATSUN 240Z

PRICE GUIDE: $ NO RESERVE

A genuine Australian-delivered, matching-numbers example of Japans landmark sports coupe, combining late-production HS30 specification with its original L24 engine, correctly dated P30 block, E88 cylinder head, twin round-top Hitachi carburettors, five-speed manual transmission and a largely original black interior.

• Australian-delivered late-production 240Z

• September 1973 Australian compliance

• Chassis No. HS30-103311

• Matching-numbers L24 engine

• Engine No. L24-183867

• Correct P30 engine block

• Block casting date code 3430A

• E88 alloy cylinder head

• Twin round-top Hitachi carburettors

• Original air-cleaner assembly

• Five-speed manual transmission

• Datsun 901 Silver Metallic presentation

• Largely original black interior

• Original 160mph speedometer and full instrumentation

• Factory wood-rimmed steering wheel

• Original owners manual and operating literature

• Long-term ownership

• Offered at No Reserve

 
This Australian-delivered 1973 Datsun 240Z represents an increasingly desirable example of one of Japans most significant sports cars. Combining timeless styling, fully independent suspension, a matching-numbers 2.4-litre inline six-cylinder engine and five-speed manual transmission, the original Z offered the performance and appearance of a European grand tourer with Datsuns renowned engineering and dependability. 

At its heart remains the matching-numbers 2,393cc L24 inline six-cylinder engine. The block is stamped L24-183867, corresponding exactly with the engine number recorded on the vehicles original Nissan identification plate.

The engine carries the correct P30 block casting and date code 3430A, understood to indicate a casting date of 3rd April 1973. It is topped by an E88 alloy cylinder head, the correct late-production casting for an L24-powered 240Z.

Fuel is supplied through a pair of factory round-top Hitachi side-draught carburettors, accompanied by the believed original orange air-cleaner assembly..

Featuring a cast-iron block, overhead-camshaft alloy cylinder head and seven-bearing crankshaft, the L24 became renowned for its smooth power delivery, durability and willingness to rev with a factory output of 150hp at 6,000rpm SAE.

Backing the L24 is a five-speed manual transmission operated through a wood-finished gear knob. Power is delivered to the rear wheels through an R180 differential and Nissans independent rear-suspension arrangement.

Independent struts and coil springs are employed at all four corners, complemented by power-assisted front disc brakes and rear drums. Combined with rear-wheel drive and favourable weight distribution, the result was a responsive and well-balanced sports car equally suited to winding roads and long-distance touring.

As a late-production example, this 1973 car benefited from numerous refinements introduced throughout the 240Zs production life. These included revised driveline arrangements, improved interior controls, upgraded ventilation, later seat mechanisms and numerous detail improvements to body hardware and occupant comfort.

Externally, the car is presented in Datsun 901 Silver Metallic. The body and paint retain a presentable overall appearance while displaying various blemishes, dents, imperfections and areas of ageing consistent with the cars unrestored presentation. Minor corrosion bubbling is visible in the lower sill areas forward of the rear wheels, while the rear hatch, guards and surrounding areas appear comparatively clean.

Inside, the 240Z retains a remarkably complete and largely original black interior displaying the style 1970s Japanese sports car. Its high-back reclining bucket seats retain their original-style pleated vinyl upholstery, complemented by the dashboard, centre console, door trims, luggage-area panels and extensive diamond-pattern vinyl.

Directly ahead of the driver are the original 160mph speedometer and 8,000rpm tachometer, while three centrally mounted instruments incorporate the clock, amperage, fuel, coolant-temperature and oil-pressure gauges.

The odometer currently displays 77,749 miles; however, this reading has not been independently verified as the vehicles complete distance travelled.

Further period appointments include the three-spoke wood-rimmed Datsun steering wheel, wood-style five-speed gear knob, heater and ventilation controls, manual choke and cigarette lighter. A period-style aftermarket radio/cassette unit has also been installed.

The interior displays age-related wear, including cracking to the upper dashboard, a taped repair to the drivers seat and localised damage to the lower drivers door trim. Importantly, most of the interior trim remains present, giving the next owner the choice of retaining the cars originality or undertaking a sympathetic refurbishment.

The luggage compartment retains its black carpeting, diamond-pattern suspension-tower trim and interior quarter panels. The car is also accompanied by its Datsun 240Z Sports owners manual and associated operating literature.

The 240Z also established an enviable international motorsport record, including outright victories in the East African Safari Rally in 1971 and 1973. These demanding victories demonstrated the strength and durability of the S30 platform while helping establish Datsun as a serious international performance manufacturer.

Early Datsun Z cars have become increasingly sought after internationally, with genuine Australian-delivered examples retaining their original identification, driveline and interior components occupying a particularly desirable position within the market.

Combining Australian-delivery provenance, a matching-numbers L24 engine, correctly dated P30 block, E88 cylinder head, twin round-top Hitachi carburettors, five-speed manual transmission and a largely original black interior, this 1973 Datsun 240Z offers an exciting opportunity to secure an authentic and highly complete example of Japan's landmark sports coupe.

The car has recently been mechanically serviced and driven to the Chicane Auctions showroom by its long-term owner for auction. It has deliberately not been detailed or extensively prepared for sale, allowing bidders to assess its honest condition and originality.

Offered at No Reserve, it represents an appealing preservation or restoration opportunity for the dedicated Datsun collector and enthusiast.

AUCTION TIME:
Auction Starts: Thursday 27th August.
Auction Closes: Thursday 3rd September 8:30pm (AEST).

INSPECTIONS:
Inspections are welcome by appointment at Chicane's Melbourne showroom.
Monday - Friday: 10:00am - 5:00pm
Saturday: 10:00am - 2:00pm

Contact our Melbourne Showroom: (03) 9580 7369

Visit the Chicane Auctions website for all photographs, videos and complete auction details: www.chicaneauctions.com.au