Datsun 260 2+2 Input

Like so many others around here I have loved the 240Z since I was a kid. There's so much awesome all wrapped in one great package there. While I would love to get one it seems like most of the good ones, especially around here where rust likes to consume old cars for lunch, have gotten pretty pricey. I also have two boys, ages 9 & 11, which makes it harder to justify a 2 seater. That leaves the 2+2 version of the 260 which I've never paid much attention to as I always thought it just looked a little wrong. Lately though, at least from some angles it's kind of growing on me. Assuming I can sell myself on the look of it, what do people think of 260's? How do they compare to the 240? Would it be a nightmare finding parts for what is really a one year transition model? Do you think it will ever appreciate in value? I'm asking as there is one for sale local to me, fairly close to being in budget that I may just need to go have a look at. Your input is appreciated.

it's basically the same car (especially the early ones with the small bumpers) with a bigger engine. I have no idea why the 260 gets so overlooked

The 260 part is meaningless. Identical other than 200 more cc's, and no option of SU carbs if its a legal problem where you live. 280Z has yet again 200 more cc's, plus EFI and crash bumpers.

I'd buy a 280, myself.

Now to the 2+2 part. Ick. Ick.Ick. My eyes are burning.

You want nissan/Datsun six cylinder, with a stick and rear wheel drive, but with a functioning rear seat?

Have you considered a Leopard ? It's well past 25 years of age, so an import straight from the land of the rising sun isn't too hard an undertaking..

I have owned several S 30s which are the pre 79 z car. I think if you are looking for a four seater they are good way to go. I have seen all S30s climb in value over the last five years and I am pretty confident they will continue to do so.

I think that if you are interested in getting into z's, one that can haul the whole crew is a good way to start. Shells are still out there if you want to build a two seater and then you can swap almost everything over.

The 260 is a bit of an oddity in that they are a mish-mash of 240zs and 280zs. The early ones had 240 bits while the later ones resembled the 280. Nobody seems to like the flat top carbs but they can actually be really good if they get de-smogged and tuned. Or you could just go with triple webers and a cam.

I say go for it! Look for rust in the fenders, battery tray, rear hatch area, and spare tire well. If the frame rails are rusty I would walk away. Floor pans are available on eBay for $100 a side.

Here are a few pics of the last 2+2 I did. Not traditional but it was fun to drive!

My Father had a fairly modified early 260. Decent and Tasteful front and rear spoilers (rear was a ducktail) Covers over the lights, lowered, cammed, triple webers. I had it up to a indicated 140mph and it was still accelerating. I thought I was doing about 100, looked down at the speedo and became very frightened.

It was a fun car. Get on the gas too early in the powerband and it would backfire through the carbs and all sorts of white smoke would erupt from under the hood. Spring tidal flooding swept it away

How much room is in the back seat?

Not a lot of room in the back seat. Two small children could get back there but its more like the back seat of a early Ranger or Mercedes SLC.

A few more things to consider while negotiating the price... 2+2s are different cars from the doors back. The doors are longer so they have unique door cards, windows, and latch mechanisms. The back windows are "pop-outs" though, so that is nice. The vent cover on the C pillar is larger and different than on other S30s. The rear taillights are the same but the plastic surround is different. They are plastic and crack easily and I havent found any affordable reproductions for either body style yet.

The dash and front seat covers are regular S30 and are easy to find online. I am building a 2+2 that will hopefully make it to a chump race and the challenge so mine is completely stripped. If you need something 2+2 specific let me know, I might have it.