Too Good To Be True? (240Z Content)

So, during my daily morning Craigslist search over breakfast, I stumbled upon this: 1972 Datsun 240Z $1500. I was expecting the usual, overpriced, rust bucket with more needs than a newborn. But this, based on the description and single picture, seems to be a possibility for a lucky find. However, there's that little voice in the back of my mind telling me that no one would sell a 240Z in this condition for that little ("if it seems too good to be true. then it probably is"). I have emailed the seller to try and establish contact (no phone number in the add -- my biggest CL-related pet-peeve). What do the discerning eyes and minds of the GRM brain trust think?

Right off the bat, I bet you anything that is not a photo of the actual car. Secondly, if the guy knew anything about 240Zs, he would really heavily tout the lack of frame rot because that is a HUGE deal. Like any other CL ad, caveat emptor...

Those were some of my initial thoughts as well. I'm still going to look at it, but I need to make sure I don't get buck fever and offer him double what he's asking because I've convinced myself that it's a perfectly clean 240Z.

i got mine for $800, but it was in 2003 and had been sitting on the shop lot since 1983 on a mechanic's lein for headwork that was done in 82.

Yes, by all means, look at it! But these days, everyone thinks they have something restorable...probably one out of every 50 actually does. Maybe you'll get lucky! But probably not

EDIT: reverse image lookup shows that pic was stolen from a car dealer http://www.lmclassiccars.com/cars/1972-datsun-240z

When you get there to look at the car, a guy will bust out of a garbage can and yell "APRIL FOOLS!!!"

Go look. It's plausable and costs you nothing.

Just two-three years ago a number of 240 & 260 Z's showed up at Carlisle for darn similar prices.

I have seen that photo somewhere before. Not car for sale I'm sure.

Well, the guy responded fairly quickly. He said he's available Saturday, so we'll see. I asked him to send me some more pictures in the mean time.

$1500 - and the engine hasn't run in a few years.... doesn't seem too out of line

If it is as clean (rust wise) as reported... mix in a SR20DET and a 6 speed, then swap in the rear (280Z?) with disc brakes... and enjoy....

In reply to oldeskewltoy:

RB20DET's are pretty cheap as well, I'd personally go that route.

DustoffDave wrote: Those were some of my initial thoughts as well. I'm still going to look at it, but I need to make sure I don't get buck fever and offer him double what he's asking because I've convinced myself that it's a perfectly clean 240Z.

Why would you ever do that?

Take $1500 in cash with you and a way to get it home. If it's as clean as he says, buy it on the spot.

I don't list my phone number on CL ads either. When I did, i got calls and text from Nigerian princes and idiots at odd hours. At least emails don't wake you up when they arrive.

Go buy that car! quick!

definitely not car pictured. my guess is that it is blue since it has a white interior as that was the most common color combination for that. if it truly has no rust then 1,500 is a very good buy regardless of anything else. check the battery box carefully and the rails underneath as well.

Datsun1500 wrote: Why does everyone seem to be glossing over the fact that the photo is from another site? It's pretty cut and dry that it's not that car.

This. We'll see if he comes through with some pictures for me as he said he would. I also might take a cruise by the shown address at lunch and see if I can spot it...

Datsun1500 wrote: Why does everyone seem to be glossing over the fact that the photo is from another site? It's pretty cut and dry that it's not that car.

And no mention that it's not a representative photo is a red flag to me.

I've noticed that $1500 is a common amount used by CL scammers, but on the other hand the text reads like a legitimate ad. As long as you can actually go look at the car and meet with the seller in person it's worth a shot.

Another flag is that he says the body and interior is great but he only posted one picture. How can you tell the picture is from another site?

Its too bad no one cared about them 10 years ago when rust free ones were being crushed by the hundreds in California, they used to be that cheap, but now they are pretty much gone.

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