This 1974.5 Datsun 260Z 2+2 is a California project car with a 2.6 liter inline-six and 3-speed automatic transmission. Available in the US for the 1974 model year only to bridge the gap between the 240Z and 280Z, the 260Z combined elements of both. Relatively uncommon today, this late-production four seater spent its first years in Sacramento before moving to Orange County in 1986, where it has remained since. Mechanical work within the last decade has included a remanufactured long block as well as new braking, suspension, and steering parts as detailed below. The car has been driven regularly since and is being sold by the wife of its original owner with a new battery, recent service records, and a California title.
A color change was performed in 2011, with dark green replacing the original silver, and the car has split its time between the garage and the street since. The finish remains serviceable for a driver, with flaws including areas of orange peel along with a variety of cracks, flakes, and scratches as detailed in the gallery below. Period slotted 14″ 5-spoke alloys are evenly oxidized and wear all-weather rubber from 2012 with plenty of tread remaining.
The 2+2 featured a nearly 12″ wheelbase increase over the two-seater along with a roofline modified for rear seat headroom. No major accidents have taken place according to the seller, and notable body damage appears limited to a ding in the left quarter panel and a small crease in the hood resulting from a parking lot incident. Minor rust is pointed out under paint cracks and in the driver’s door jamb, but the seller is not aware of any other meaningful corrosion. The driver’s door received a used replacement latch and linkage a year ago but remains difficult to close properly according to the seller.
The impact bumpers fitted to the 260Z wear accessory bars and remain reasonably straight along with window trim and other brightwork. Plastic lenses are hazy but look intact, including front turn signals located above the bumpers for the final months of production. Badging shows its age throughout and a handful of unmounted emblems will be included in the sale. The pop-out quarter windows appear intact as does other glass, though an aftermarket tint is peeling from the rear hatch window. Weather seals show their age in both door jambs.
Textured black vinyl fits well and shows little evident damage or excessive wear on the front buckets. The diminutive rear seats look similarly clean aside from small tears on their upper rear edges. Matching door panels are also presentable with a small rip and missing handle trim on the driver-side. Loop-style carpeting looks fresh where visible under matching branded floor mats. Minimal metallic trim is faded and peeling, while a coat of surface rust covers the driver’s seat hinge hardware.
The dash wears an aftermarket cap that shows no large cracks, though some distortion is visible in its center. The stock steering wheel wears a wrap over a presumably cracked rim and the shifter is faded but intact. Instrumentation remains clear including temperature and oil pressure gauges from a 280Z. The five-digit odometer shows just over 27k miles and has rolled over twice according to the seller. Switchgear all looks accounted for and shows relatively little wear for the mileage. A modern aftermarket stereo is linked to a damaged pair of older door speakers.
Datsun’s L26 inline-six was enlarged to 2.6 liters for the 260Z, and this example is mated to a 3-speed automatic transmission. A remanufactured long block was installed in 2015 along with concurrent replacement of ignition, cooling, and exhaust parts as detailed by included records. Twin Hitachi SU-style carburetors have replaced the stock flat-topped versions and breathe through an earlier orange air cleaner rather than the original light blue item. Wearing its original silver paint, the engine bay looks otherwise stock aside from small modifications like a battery cutoff and modern ignition wires.
The car is currently running thanks to a new battery and has recently been taken for a lengthy drive. New wheel bearings and front struts were installed in 2012 at 222k miles along with new front brake calipers, resurfaced rotors and fresh pads. Rear brake drums, shoes, cylinders, and hardware were changed in 2010 at 218k miles. The 260Z benefited from a stiffer chassis than the 240Z and was provided with increased spring rates and a standard rear sway bar along with a heavier-duty steering rack, which was also replaced in 2012.
Mechanical work carried out during the last decade is detailed in records from local shop Irvine Auto Care, where the car has been serviced for over 25 years. The sale also includes a full-sized spare tire and factory jacking tools in their original bag along with the original owner’s manual and three keys.
