First entering production in 1969, the Datsun Z was an affordable yet capable sports car that quickly amassed a legion of fans. The Z range has also grown increasingly popular with collectors, one of which has spent the last 20 years accumulating a world-class collection of half a dozen carefully-selected, low-mile S30 models — all of which are now up for sale via a special Bring a Trailer auction.
The first of the six vintage Japanese models is a 1973 Datsun 240Z that was originally sold new in California. Finished in Lime (112) paint complemented via black bodyside graphics, black vinyl interior upholstery, and chrome bumpers with overriders and tubular guards, this ’73 specimen features a 2.4-liter inline-six engine mated to a five-speed manual transmission. Next is a silver 1974 Datsun 260Z that only sports 6,000 original miles on its odo. Finished in silver over black vinyl upholstery, the 260Z is kicked along by a 2.6-liter inline-six paired with a four-speed manual transmission. Featured in an episode of Chasing Classic Cars, the third car is an Ice Blue Metallic 1976 Datsun 280Z 2+2 that’s only racked up just 2,500 miles since leaving the factory. This low-mile example also packs a 2.8-liter inline-six that’s paired with its original four-speed manual transmission.
Moving on to the even more noteworthy specimens in the Bring a Trailer Datsun Z Collection, we have a Light Blue Metallic 1977 Datsun 280Z that was originally sold in Michigan where it remained with its owner until 2014. Cloaked in a Light Blue Metallic livery over black vinyl upholstery, the car features a fuel-injected 2.8-liter inline-six engine and a four-speed manual transmission that have only accumulated 14,000 original miles. Just as impressive is the collection’s Olive Green 1973 Datsun 240Z — a 2.4-liter inline-six-powered example with only 14,000 miles on the clock. The collection’s crown jewel, however, is undoubtedly its 1970 Datsun 240Z Series I. Finished in Safari Gold paint and powered by a 2.4-liter L24 inline-six mated to a four-speed manual, this 1970 model was recently treated to a multi-year restoration, returning it to its former glory — and resulting in bidding having already reached $58,500 with four days remaining on the sale.
All six cars in the Bring a Trailer Datsun Z Collection are now up for sale on the automotive auction site.
