Years
The Nissan 240Z, sold from 1969 to 1973, was the first model in Nissan's Z-car line and established the brand in the affordable sports car segment. It belongs to the S30 generation, which later expanded to include the 260Z and 280Z before the line continued through the S130, Z31, Z32, Z33, and Z34 generations. The 240Z is typically noted for its lightweight body, 2.4-liter inline-six engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, and balanced handling. Its simple mechanicals and relative affordability also contributed to its reputation for reliability and ease of maintenance.
Manufacturer: Nissan
Nissan Motor Company was founded in Yokohama, Japan, in 1933 and became one of the world's largest automakers, forming a long-standing alliance with Renault beginning in 1999. The company released the Leaf in 2010 as one of the first mass-market electric cars and is also known for the GT-R performance car and its pioneering work with continuously variable transmissions. Nissan's reputation has been mixed in recent years, with its CVTs drawing reliability complaints and the company experiencing financial difficulties and leadership turmoil following the arrest of former chairman Carlos Ghosn in 2018.
Model: 240z
The Nissan 240Z, sold from 1969 to 1973, was the first model in Nissan's Z-car line and established the brand in the affordable sports car segment. It belongs to the S30 generation, which later expanded to include the 260Z and 280Z before the line continued through the S130, Z31, Z32, Z33, and Z34 generations. The 240Z is typically noted for its lightweight body, 2.4-liter inline-six engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, and balanced handling. Its simple mechanicals and relative affordability also contributed to its reputation for reliability and ease of maintenance.
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1972The 1972 Nissan 240Z received only minor changes, including a lower compression ratio to meet emissions standards, which reduced output slightly, along with small interior and trim updates. It was offered as a coupe or a longer-wheelbase 2+2 hatchback. Common service concerns include rust in the floor pans, rock panels, and rear wheel arches. The L24 inline-six engine is durable but benefits from regular valve adjustments, attention to its twin carburetors, and inspection of aged cooling and fuel system components.
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1973The 1973 Nissan 240Z, sold in the US as the Datsun 240Z, received a larger 2.6-liter L26 inline-six engine partway through the model year, replacing the earlier 2.4-liter unit, along with minor interior, trim, and emissions equipment updates. Common service considerations include inspecting for rust in the floor pans, rocker panels, and hatch area, as well as maintaining the carburetors, cooling system, and aging rubber seals and electrical components. Regular valve adjustments, timing chain inspection, and fuel system upkeep are also typical maintenance items for the L-series engine.