Chassis No. HLS3049416

Engine No. L24060430

In 1969, urged by North American President Yutaka Katayama, Nissan returned to the performance car market with the Datsun 240Z, debuting at the Tokyo Motor Show. Priced at $3,626 in the U.S.-less than half the cost of a comparable Porsche 911-it offered a thrilling driving experience with a 2.4-liter, 150 horsepower engine, independent suspension, and front disc brakes. Its sleek design and affordability made it a hit, especially as American muscle cars struggled with emissions regulations, helping to change perceptions of Japanese cars in the U.S.-market.

Sold new by Pete Dawson Motor Company of Goldsboro, North Carolina, this numbers matching 1972 Datsun 240Z was originally specified in Blue Metallic (115) over a White vinyl interior. According to extensive service records and receipts, the car was diligently maintained by its original owner for 34 years. When it was sold to its second owner in 2010, the car underwent a mechanical refresh, including new hoses, switchgear, bushings, links, struts, and rebuilding the carburetors.

In 2018, this 240Z was acquired by its third owner, and under their direction, the car was refinished in its correct and originally specified livery of Blue Metallic with the front seats reupholstered with White vinyl. Numerous interior trim pieces were also replaced, including the dome light, carpets, seat belts, door pulls, shifter, and emergency brake boots. While the car was being restored to its factory-correct specification, a Kenwood CD stereo with modern speakers was installed as a nod to modern convivence. The current owner acquired the car in August 2019. Recent servicing in November 2023 while in their care included cleaning and adjusting the dual Hitachi SU carburetors, an oil change, replacing the spark plugs, wires, distributor cap, and rotor, and installing a new fuel pump and filter.

A correctly restored, matching numbers 240Z is an uncommon find today. With long-term original ownership and fantastic colors, this impressive example retains an unexpected service history file. With extensive restorative work since 2010, this original numbers-matching 1972 Datsun 240Z is offered with factory literature, wheel chocks, and jack.