Datsun 240Z
Datsun 240Z (Fairlady Z)
Photo: Sicnag, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Vehicles · JDM Legends

Datsun 240Z (Fairlady Z) · 1969–1973

The Datsun 240Z brought a smooth 2.4-litre overhead-cam straight-six, independent suspension and fastback style to the US at a price that undercut its European rivals, turning Japanese sports cars from curiosity into serious business. Early Series 1 cars (1970 to mid-1971), with their low VINs and distinctive early trim, are the ones collectors chase.

The one to have: An early Series 1 car (1970 to mid-1971): the low-VIN cars with the hatch vents, early tail lights and 240Z badging, ideally a documented numbers-matching or concours restoration. Rust-free floors and frame rails matter more than mileage.

Specification
Engine
2.4L SOHC I6
L24 · 2,393 cc · twin Hitachi SU-type carburettors
Output
151 hp
gross, at 5,600 rpm; ~146 lb-ft; 4- or 5-speed manual
0-60 mph
~8.0 sec
top speed ~125 mph; kerb weight ~2,300 lb
Built
S30 1969–1973
US HLS30 left-hand drive; Series 1 (1970–71) early cars most prized
The market
Verified sales on file
7
Jul 2019 – Oct 2025
Median sale
$35k
all tracked results
★ Series 1
$68k
median of 4 target-spec sales
Top result
$310k
BaT · Jan 2020
Benchmarks: Project $10k–$20k – driver $18k–$32k – clean restored / survivor $35k–$55k – concours Series 1 $55k–$70k – record / provenance $100k–$310k · Trend: cooled and flat-to-soft since the 2020–2021 peak; early low-VIN Series 1 and documented concours cars hold value best

Know the real one

S30 chassis (HLS30 for US left-hand-drive cars). Launched October 1969 as a 1970 model in the US, developed under Yutaka 'Mr. K' Katayama, who pushed Nissan to sell it as a genuine sports GT.
'Series 1' (1970 to mid-1971) is the prize: tells include the vents on the rear hatch panel, early tail lights, a chrome '240Z' badge and a two-gauge console; the lowest-VIN cars carry the strongest premium.
The L24 straight-six, independent strut suspension and light weight made it quick and cheap to run; rust in the floors, frame rails, dogleg and hatch area is the key inspection point and separates honest cars from cheap ones.
The model ceiling is a 21,750-mile 1971 Series 1 survivor that sold for $310,000 on Bring a Trailer in 2020; factory-commissioned Nissan restoration cars and special-provenance examples cleared $100,000 in 2019.

Verified sales · ★ = target spec · foreign results converted to USD as noted

DateVenueYearSpecMilesPriceLocNote
Oct 2025Hagerty Marketplace1970Series 1, survivor87,611$29,158ALOut of long-term storage, odometer TMU; cowl paint bubbling, sold as-is needing mechanical attention. Driver-grade.
Sep 2025Hagerty Marketplace1970Series 1, restored ★121,101$35,000CAComprehensive 2003 restoration with mostly NOS parts; multiple concours class awards; one family from new. Minor paint flaws.
Jan 2025Barrett-Jackson1972RB26 restomod—$69,300AZTwin-turbo RB26 engine swap, two-tone; noted as roughly executed. NOT an original/target car; a modified-market comp, Scottsdale 2025.
Sep 2023Hagerty Marketplace1971Series 1, bare-metal restored ★86,688$24,610NY600-plus-hour bare-metal restoration 2020-2022, engine and transmission rebuilt, Monte Carlo Red over black, Series 1 wood-rim wheel.
Jul 2023Hagerty Marketplace1971restored driver47,000$18,190GA~2007 restoration plus 2014-2022 mechanical sorting with invoices; ~47k miles but TMU.
Jan 2020BaT1971Series 1, all-original survivor ★21,750$310,000—The model record. ~21,750 miles, original engine and transmission, Racing Green, bought new by a Datsun dealer and kept one family; called the most-original 240Z in existence. Ceiling reference (2020).
Jul 2019BaT1972Nissan Vintage Restoration ★97,000$101,240—One of roughly 37 factory-commissioned Nissan restorations (late-1990s program), Lime Yellow; program provenance drove the price. Ceiling/provenance reference.

Where to hunt

Bring a Trailer — Datsun 240ZSold archive and live listings Classic.com — 240Z marketAggregated sold prices and trend Hagerty Marketplace — 240ZAuction results with condition detail
Research file — market data verified through July 18, 2026. Sources: individually observed results via Classic.com feeds, BaT, Cars & Bids, Mecum, RM Sotheby's, Broad Arrow, Gooding, Collecting Cars, PCARMARKET and venue coverage, plus marque registries and factory press material.