1977 Datsun 260Z 2+2 2.8 TWIN SU

Summary:

A real 'drivers' car

Faults:

Front dampers were a little soupy when I first bought her and original engine was very tired.

She is high mileage, not sure how much due to the 5 digit odometer.

She was riddled with rust, seriously riddled.

Interior was appalling, but she had been sitting for 5 years.

General Comments:

This car suits me perfectly. I have driven more powerful cars, cars that are more comfortable, quieter and more luxurious.

We also own a 2nd generation Honda Legend; I prefer to drive my z.

The z has serious handling ability, is very neutral when pushed close to the edge.

When pushed further, she exhibits a tendency to mild initial turn-in under-steer, but is easily converted to mild over-steer with a bit of throttle.

Interior is great if you like the more 'classic' styling.

The seating position is great, instruments are clear and accurate, the clock works twice a day, and the engine is smooth without being so smooth that it can't provoke a coarse growl when pushed.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd October, 2003

1976 Datsun 260Z 2.6 L26 6-cylinder petrol

Summary:

Underrated classic

Faults:

For its age and mileage, not a lot (not sure of exact mileage, because Odo only had 5 digits!)

Radiator problems, eventually fixed by replacing the whole thing.

Heating and air conditioning didn't work when I bought it, and I never bothered fixing it.

Vapour lock during hot Australian summers.

Small amounts of rust appeared around fuel filler and rear window.

General Comments:

Sensational car. Australian version was infinitely better than the US version, and better than the UK version as well, due to our lax emission laws and design rules at the time. Much closer to original 240Z.

Mine was the 2-seater, not the 2+2. Took a while to find one, as the 2+2 is much more common, but the 2-seater is far better looking.

Very few problems with it, and I was clocking up a fair mileage, using the car as my daily driver (up to 500km/week).

Poor ventilation, exacerbated by all-black vinyl interior, no air-con, made for a bit of a sauna inside during summer, but I learned to live with it.

Similarly, lack of heating was a problem in winter.

Also seemed to have some sort of leak from the engine bay to the cabin, as it tended to smell of exhaust fumes quite a lot. But since I generally drove with the windows down all-year-round (to cool down the interior in summer and stop windows fogging up in winter!), it wasn't a major hassle.

One day I will buy another one and restore it properly...

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th July, 2003

16th May 2004, 22:05

Exhaust smell in the cab is sometimes caused by a bad seal around the rear hatch. Tends to suck the exhaust from the tailpipe back inside.