The Datsun Z Series (1970–1978) includes the 240Z (1970–1973), 260Z (1974–1975), and 280Z (1975–1978). The 240Z is the most collectible — 2.4L inline-six, 151hp, 2,300 lbs, and the purest design. Values for #2 240Zs are $45,000–$70,000 and rising 15% annually. The 280Z is the best driver — fuel injection, 170hp, better rust protection, and $20,000–$35,000 in #2 condition. The 260Z is the transition year (1974) and the least valuable — emissions-choked 139hp and only one year of US production. The 2+2 (back seat) variants are worth 30–40% less than 2-seaters across all years.
Three Models, One Iconic Shape
The Datsun Z was designed by Yoshihiko Matsuo under the guidance of Albrecht Goertz (BMW 507 designer). The long-hood, fastback silhouette was inspired by the Jaguar E-Type but at half the price. The S30 platform was sold as the Fairlady Z in Japan and the 240Z/260Z/280Z in export markets.
| Model | Years (US) | Engine | HP | Weight | Key Changes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 240Z | 1970–1973 | 2.4L L24 I6 | 151 | 2,300 lbs | Twin SU carbs; purest design; most collectible |
| 260Z | 1974 | 2.6L L26 I6 | 139 | 2,750 lbs | Emissions-choked; larger bumpers; one year only |
| 280Z | 1975–1978 | 2.8L L28E I6 | 170 | 2,850 lbs | Bosch L-Jetronic EFI; larger bumpers; heaviest |
The 240Z is the collector's choice. The 280Z is the driver's choice. The 260Z is the budget choice. All three share the same beautiful S30 body.
Production Numbers
| Year | Model | US Production | 2+2 Production | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | 240Z | ~16,000 | N/A | First US market year; early cars have many unique parts |
| 1971 | 240Z | ~33,000 | N/A | Full production year; most common 240Z |
| 1972 | 240Z | ~36,000 | N/A | Peak 240Z production |
| 1973 | 240Z | ~26,000 | N/A | Final 240Z year; some late cars labeled "260Z" early |
| 1974 | 260Z | ~26,000 | ~7,000 | Only year for 260Z in US; 2+2 introduced |
| 1975 | 280Z | ~32,000 | ~8,000 | First year for 280Z; Bosch EFI introduced |
| 1976 | 280Z | ~45,000 | ~10,000 | Highest Z production year; bumper over-riders added |
| 1977 | 280Z | ~42,000 | ~9,000 | Minor updates; 5-speed manual more common |
| 1978 | 280Z | ~35,000 | ~7,000 | Final S30 year; replaced by 280ZX (S130) in 1979 |
Production data from Nissan Motor Company. 2+2 models were available from 1974 onward. The 2+2 has a 12" longer wheelbase and a small back seat — worth 30–40% less than 2-seaters.
Engine Evolution
| Engine | Displacement | Induction | HP | Torque | Years | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| L24 | 2,393cc | Twin SU carbs | 151 | 146 | 1970–1973 | Most desirable; carbs need periodic syncing |
| L26 | 2,563cc | Twin SU carbs | 139 | 146 | 1974 | Emissions-choked; lowest HP; one year only |
| L28E | 2,753cc | Bosch L-Jetronic EFI | 170 | 163 | 1975–1978 | Most reliable; EFI is maintenance-free vs carbs |
The L24 (240Z) has the best throttle response and sound. The L28E (280Z) has the best reliability and drivability. The L26 (260Z) is the least desirable — emissions equipment strangled the larger displacement. All three are bulletproof inline-sixes that regularly exceed 200,000 miles.
Market Values by Condition (2026)
| Variant | #1 Concours | #2 Excellent | #3 Good | #4 Fair | 5-Year Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 240Z (early) | $90,000 | $65,000 | $35,000 | $15,000 | +60% |
| 1971–1973 240Z | $75,000 | $55,000 | $28,000 | $12,000 | +50% |
| 1974 260Z 2-seater | $45,000 | $30,000 | $16,000 | $6,000 | +30% |
| 1974 260Z 2+2 | $28,000 | $18,000 | $9,000 | $3,500 | +20% |
| 1975–1976 280Z | $45,000 | $30,000 | $16,000 | $6,500 | +35% |
| 1977–1978 280Z | $40,000 | $25,000 | $13,000 | $5,000 | +30% |
| 1975–1978 280Z 2+2 | $25,000 | $16,000 | $8,000 | $3,000 | +22% |
Values from Bring a Trailer, Cars & Bids, and Hemmings sold data (2024–2026). The 240Z is appreciating fastest — up 50–60% in 5 years. Early 1970 models (with flat rear deck, no side vents) command 15–20% premium over 1971–1973.
Value Trend Chart (2020–2026)
Datsun Z Average Values (#2 Condition)
| 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 240Z (#2) | 35000 | 42000 | 48000 | 52000 | 54000 | 55000 | 55000 |
| 280Z (#2) | 18000 | 22000 | 25000 | 27000 | 29000 | 30000 | 30000 |
| 260Z (#2) | 20000 | 23000 | 25000 | 27000 | 29000 | 30000 | 30000 |
240Z vs 280Z: Which Should You Buy?
| Factor | 240Z (1970–1973) | 280Z (1975–1978) |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.4L twin SU carbs — 151hp | 2.8L Bosch EFI — 170hp |
| Weight | 2,300 lbs (lightest) | 2,850 lbs (heaviest) |
| Driving Feel | Raw, responsive, mechanical | Refined, smooth, easier to live with |
| Maintenance | Carb syncing every 5,000 miles | EFI is maintenance-free |
| Rust Resistance | Poor — thin Japanese steel | Better — galvanized panels from 1975 |
| Parts Availability | Excellent — huge aftermarket | Excellent — shared many 240Z parts |
| Value (#2) | $55,000 | $25,000–$30,000 |
| Appreciation | +50% in 5 years | +30% in 5 years |
| Best For | Investment, purist collector | Driver, weekend enthusiast |
The 240Z is the investment. The 280Z is the driver. If you want both, a 280Z with 240Z-style bumpers and carbs is a popular modification — but it reduces collector value.
The Rust Problem
Datsun Z cars were built with thin Japanese steel that rusts aggressively. The most critical areas: floor pans (especially around seat mounts), battery tray area (acid accelerates rust), lower quarter panels, doglegs (behind front wheel), frame rails, and the hatch sill. A rust-free Z is worth 2–3x a rusty example. Always check with a magnet and flashlight. Surface rust is manageable; structural rust (frame rails, floor pans) is a $10,000–$20,000 repair.
- Floor pans — especially under driver seat
- Check for soft spots with a screwdriver
- Floor pan replacement: $2,000–$5,000
- Battery tray area (passenger side)
- Battery acid accelerates rust; common failure point
- Often hidden under battery — remove to inspect
- Doglegs (rocker panel behind front wheel)
- Where fender meets rocker; mud collects here
- Check from underneath
- Lower quarter panels
- Behind rear wheel where debris kicks up
- Bubbling paint = internal rust
- Frame rails
- Critical structural; if rusted through, car is unsafe
- Check where rails meet floor pan
- Hatch sill (lower rear)
- Water collects under rear hatch seal
- Check for rust bubbling at bottom of hatch opening
Buying Guide
- Best investment: 1970 240Z (early production)
- First year; many unique early parts; lowest production
- $65,000 (#2); appreciating 15–20% annually
- Look for serial number HLS30-00001 through ~10000
- Best value: 1977–1978 280Z
- EFI reliability, 5-speed standard, better rust protection
- $25,000 (#2) — half the price of a 240Z
- Same iconic shape; 90% of the driving experience
- Best driver: 1975–1976 280Z with 5-speed
- 170hp EFI is smooth and reliable
- Aftermarket support is excellent (ZCarSource, Motorsport Auto)
- Can be daily-driven with maintenance
- Best budget: 1974 260Z 2-seater
- $30,000 (#2) — cheapest 2-seater Z
- 139hp is low but can be improved with carb tuning
- Only one year production = rarity factor
- Avoid: 260Z/280Z 2+2
- Worth 30–40% less than 2-seaters
- Longer wheelbase changes the proportions — less attractive
- Harder to resell; smaller buyer pool
- Avoid: Any Z with frame rail rust
- Structural rust = $10,000–$20,000 repair
- Car may be unsafe to drive
- Only buy if price is under $5,000 as a project
Frequently Asked Questions
- What's the difference between a Fairlady Z and a 240Z?
- Fairlady Z is the Japanese market name. The US market cars were badged "240Z" (and later 260Z/280Z). In Japan, the Fairlady Z came with a 2.0L engine (L20A) for tax reasons. mechanically similar but the 2.0L is less powerful (130hp).
- Are Datsun Z cars reliable?
- Yes — the L-series inline-six is one of the most reliable engines ever built. Many exceed 200,000 miles. The 280Z with Bosch EFI is particularly maintenance-free. The 240Z SU carbs need syncing every 5,000 miles but are otherwise robust.
- Is the 260Z worth buying?
- Yes, if you find a clean one. The 260Z has the worst reputation (lowest HP, one year only) but it's still a Z car. It's the cheapest entry point to 2-seater Z ownership. With a carb rejet and emissions removal, it can match 240Z performance.
- What is a "Series 1" 240Z?
- Series 1 cars (serial numbers up to ~HLS30-10000, built in 1970) have unique features: flat rear deck (no vents), smaller bumper guards, different hatch latch, no center console vents. They're the most valuable 240Zs — 15–20% premium over later 240Zs.
- Should I modify my Z?
- The market favors originality for 240Zs. For 280Zs, mild modifications (wheels, exhaust, lowering) are more acceptable since values are lower. Popular mods: Toyota 4-piston calipers, R180/R200 limited-slip diffs, and triple Weber/Solex carbs on 240Zs. LS swaps are controversial — great performance but kill collector value.
Get an AI-powered valuation for your Datsun Z — free, instant, based on real auction data.
Value My ZSources & References
- Hagerty Price Guide — Valuation Tools — Independent valuation data by condition grade #1-#4
- Bring a Trailer — Auction Results — Real-world auction sale prices for market comparison
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