DATSUN 240Z QUICK GUIDE

Japanese, but with a Big Brit Bruiser feel - Datsun 240Z

The first Japanese sportscar to score international success and a Japanese take on the Big Healey format. Great fun to drive with a lusty six-cylinder engine and values have really started to take off. Watch for rot and see what the fuss is all about. Production ran from 1969 to 1973.

WHY YOU WANT ONE:

• Wonderful driving experience – bellowing straight-six
• An improving Oriental car club scene
• Reliable and great for regular use
• Easy to work on
• Still rising in value

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

• Corrosion wherever there is metalwork – some panels hard to find
• Poor running – could hint at major problems
• Market prefers genuine UK cars – check the history
• Trim very hard to find
• Noisy or crunchy gearboxes

RIVALS FOR YOUR AFFECTION

• Austin-Healey 3000
• MGC GT
• Triumph TR6
• Ford Capri

Lusty big-six sounds fabulous