1972 Datsun 240Z

A series two Datsun 240Z, ‘EOG 563K’ has been lightly restored, including a recent ‘glass out’ respray and much new trim, including bumpers, badges, indicators, air dam and rear spoiler, so presents beautifully. It has also been freshly serviced too, which contributed to a very positive impression on our test drive.

Frankly, it looks resplendent now in its fresh deep blue metallic paint, with a very good interior, and a lovely engine.

If you’ve ever fancied adding a 240Z to your collection (and who hasn’t?), now might be the time to make your dream come true.

The resprayed coachwork looks superb, the metallic finish sparkling in the sun while the deep blue colour shows off the 240Z’s lines to perfection; this might not be a factory colour, but we wholeheartedly approve. 

As for the condition, starting at the front we notice the deep valence is new, so it is not only free of splits and cracks, it is also absent the sort of scrapes and rubbing underneath we usually describe as inevitable. There are no stonechips across the front either, which is – again – a refreshing change. 

The chrome bumper is free of flaws but then it is, like the rear one, brand new. 

The headlamps and new indicators sit well in the bodywork, and the whole area is free of flaws and imperfections bar a paint run and an ‘orange-peel’ finish on the offside headlamp surround. There is also an uneven finish to the hinged panel to the nearside of the bonnet. 

The windscreen is free of chips and cracks, and both the chrome screen surround and the matching wiper arms are bright and shiny.

Moving along the sides we note the flanks are free of ripples and dinks. The chrome trim around the (very good) side glazing is bright and free of tarnishing, and the brand-new door mirrors remain free of blemishes. 

However, a small amount of rust has broken out on the leading edge of the offside door window frame and there is also a spot of rust on the leading edge of the nearside sill. Neither looks too serious at the moment but as ever, sooner is always better than later where corrosion is concerned.

The badges on the front wings were new in 2026 and the ‘Z’ vents in the C-pillars are in an equally good condition. The doors sit nice and square in their aperture (as does the fuel filler flap) and the rubber door seals are still pliable and plump. The front indicator repeaters are bright and free of damage too, as are the four corners, including the rubber bumper inserts.

The 15-inch wheels, which are genuine Minilites, have been repainted and are still free of scuffs, scrapes and other kerbing damage, but then they’ve been protected by 195/70R15 rubber, which will have helped keep them away from kerbs much better than the sort of low-profile tyres modern cars are fitted with.

And they’re good tyres. Matching Michelin Agilis, in fact on all four corners. Made in 2011, all have good tread but are overdue for replacement on the grounds of their age.

Almost as importantly, the 240Z sits right with an excellent stance and no list. 

Moving to the rear, the new rear bumper runs nice and straight. Its chrome finish is also still free of tarnishing, pitting, and rust spots. 

The taillight trims were also imported from the US in 2026 and they sit on very good rear lamp assemblies, whose lenses are bright and colourful and free of chips and cracks.

The square black rear numberplate is fitted to a matching black panel, which helps further shrink its visual impact. (In the same vein, we suggest the front numberplate be replaced with a UK-legal version; no point in giving the Old Bill an excuse to pull you over, is there?)

The boot-mounted spoiler is in an excellent condition, but then it too is new. Big enough to provide useful downforce, its size also makes a helluva statement. However, there is a small scuff where it meets the offside rear wing, so perhaps a small tweak might be in order?

The rear window glass has a few light scratches to its surface, but these are minimal. The rear window seal is also damaged at the offside top corner, and parts of the boot seal have perished. 

The badge on the spoiler was bought new in 2026 but the area it sits on shows a bit of an ‘orange-peel’ finish.

The only other issue we know of is that the tailgate doesn’t stay up on its own, so you’ll need to source new struts.

The pleather seats, which feature four ventilation inserts on the backrest, look terrific, don’t they? Slim and elegant and yet sufficiently supportive to stop you sliding around during spirited driving, they’re also all-day comfortable. There is no damage to their face fabric either, and the stitching remains consistent and neat.

The leather-covered Moto-Lita steering wheel was retrimmed by the factory in 2018 – and given how little the work cost, we can’t understand why more folk don’t get them to restore their steering wheels!

The dashboard dates back to a time when manufacturers understood how much store enthusiasts place on a full suite of analogue instruments, especially when they go to the trouble of setting them underneath hoods to help keep the sun off them.

These still boast good white lettering to them, as do the rest of the switches and controls that are dotted around the cabin. There are cracks to the top of the dashboard though, which are probably due to UV-damage; even Japanese design can’t stop that happening.

The door handles and window winder handles were brought from the USA via The Z Store in 2026 and the choke control for the twin carburettors is fitted to the centre console, a stylistic flourish that’ll bring a smile to your face every single time you make a cold start.

Sound-deadening has been fitted under the (very good) carpets, which is handy because the Datsun has also had a Bluetooth amplifier and four replacement speakers fitted in the quest for hi-fidelity sound. 

Two of the speakers have been fitted into the door cards, whose overall condition is very good with very little in the way of wear and nicely taut vinyl still. The amplifier is in the glovebox, making it accessible but out of sight, which is a lovely touch.

The diamond-pattern rear vinyl trim is in a good condition with only the odd split seam. The area also plays host to a fire extinguisher, an ‘R’ suspension strut brace, and the other two speakers.

Everything we tested worked as it should too. Beauty, in this case at least, is more than skin-deep.

As for the boot the spare wheel is a non-matching alloy fitted with a Matador tyre.

The engine was tuned and fitted with a new ‘Red Top’ fuel pump in 2017, during which it recorded good compression across five of the six cylinders. The garage also noted it was fitted with a modified camshaft.

There is also a receipt on file for fitting a replacement gearbox, although we have no other information. 

The seller had a full service carried out, which he tells us included fresh engine oil and a new filter, and six new sparkplugs. 

As you’d expect, the straight-six engine starts well, even from cold. Its idle is, perhaps, a bit gruff, but it revs freely with almost no vibration. As the video shows, it also builds good oil pressure. 

Our man reports that it drove very well during the test drive, and it certainly has a very attractive exhaust note in addition to an addictive inlet rasp from the twin K&N air filters.

The engine bay is as well-presented as everything else. Showing fresh paint and subtly dressed, it looks fresh and clean. 

The underside looks strong too, even if there is a little overspray on things such as the petrol tank in addition to some resh underseal. 

There are advisories on the MoT for corrosion on the rear suspension components, and we also spotted a rusty offside sill. The radiator also appears to have sprung some modest leaks.

Despite not needing one, the Datsun holds an MoT certificate until August 2026.

The recent Vehicle History Check is clear, and it’s been in the keeper’s hands since December last year.

The V5 Registration Certificate shows just three former UK keepers since being registered here in 2013, and the history file includes some invoices. 

Most enthusiasts would find a place for a Datsun 240Z in their collection, and this example shows why: Freshly painted and running and driving very well, it would be a perfect and rare classic for the coming summer season. 

Keenly priced with a sensible reserve, we suspect it will sell for between £30,000 and £35,000, which would represent very good value, even at the upper end, given that significant recent investment and its overall condition. 

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at THE MARKET HQ in South Oxfordshire. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays (apart from Bank Holidays) between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.