help me to resist.....

Yesterday, while browsing CL, I came across an ad for a '74 Datsun 260Z....a small bumper model. It has about 100k (reported) miles on it and it "relatively" rust-free. Color is silver, with a black interior that shows no cracks in the dash or console. If I understand Z cars correctly, it has a small lever opposite the shift lever which is for a manual choke?

Price? a not too bad $6K. At least one "fly in the ointment"? It has an automatic transmission. It looks so good otherwise, I'm at least tempted to ignore that HUGE flaw. What else can "the experts" here tell me about this particular model? BTW, I once owned a rusty 280Z, so I'm not completely ignorant to this car's possible drawbacks...like a not really reclineable seatback.

You're asking us?

You are a Dork.

buy it and swap it

More than I'd spend on a car, but I have a flawed perception of reality.

My current dd is a '97 Civic DX coupe with over 182K on it. I paid LESS for it a year ago, than they are asking for this Z car...and that's another reason why I can't easily pull the trigger on this. IF I did a trans swap this would become a very sweet ride. And having owned a 4 speed 280, I know it can be a gas guzzler and a bit noisy on longish trips thanks to high gearing, which would be similar to the situation with the auto box if I don't do a transmission transplant. Both cars, my current dd and the 260Z have manual steering, which as I approach 60 years old is getting tiresome to turn quickly.

On a 260Z, the alternative would have only been a 4 speed anyway. Lowball him, swap in a 5 speed and you may even increase the car's value.

Unless it's a 2+2...

Just for reference there is a very nice 280Z here for $6500 with a 5 speed already in it. Older paint is popping here and there but the floors are solid and the interior is perfect. Dark green with brown interior is a nice combination too. This helps you not one bit, but it might help me. If you buy the local car here thats one less temptation.

I once owned a 280Z. I don't care for the styling compromises and looks of the "big bumper" Z cars. I do, however, like the smoothness and somewhat hassle-free nature of the fuel injected inline 6.

I'm now trying to tell myself I could buy this car and give it to one of my nieces (she wants a Jeep Wrangler) and hopefully she will see that there is more to driving a car than being able to see over most of the other cars on the road. Of course, getting her father to let her drive it....THAT would be a problem.

Around here, $6k can buy you a pretty nice 240, so it should be in great condition to go for that figure. We had a really nice 260 sell locally here for about $4500 about 6 months ago. Mint condition everything and one owner. Still took him a long time to sell it.

Absolutely go for the 5 speed swap, it would be worth maybe 6 to 8 mpg easily, and would be much better on trips of any length. Of course any automatic version is likely to be better cared for, or at least less "abused" than it stick shift brothers. It also should have a larger radiator I think, and a different final drive ratio.

Racerdave600,

as much as I like manuals, anymore the thought that an auto equipped performance/sporty car probably saw gentler care is always in the back of my mind.

I hope to buy ANY vehicle for less than what someone is asking, in this case the 260Z for less than $6K....but I must admit I am bad at haggling on prices for anything. Tho I once got a Sicilian who claimed he spoke no English, to tell me what an idiot I was for wanting a large wooden "sculpture" for a ridiculous price.

Back to the Z, IF I try to get this car....and I am trying to come up with reasons not to, whether or not the A/C works will be a HUGE factor. Right now, it's about 100 degrees outside, and the idea of a non-functional A/C in a car with a VERY black interior.....just doesn't sit well.

BUY IT! I am a Z car fanatic myself, and I havent even owned one... lol Probably going to be my next project, I see the values for these in the not too distant future skyrocketing...