One of the Oldest Datsun 240Zs Ever Built Emerges from New Orleans Warehouse
One of the earliest Datsun 240Z sports cars ever built has been unearthed in a dusty New Orleans warehouse, marking a rare and significant discovery for Japanese car enthusiasts and collectors.
The coupe, chassis number 00021, is believed to be the ninth 240Z ever sold to the public and the sixth-oldest known to exist, according to records maintained by Z enthusiast site zhome.com. Only 543 examples of the original 1969 model year were built, making this particular car one of just 195 early survivors from that first run.
The discovery was made by veteran barn-find expert Tom Cotter, who stumbled upon the car while seeking storage for his 1939 Ford Woodie. Cotter learned that the property's owner was safeguarding the historically significant Z car, which had spent over a decade off the road.
Still equipped with its original 2.4-liter inline-six engine and four-speed manual transmission, the Datsun is remarkably complete. Though covered in dust, the body appears nearly rust-free—a rare feat for early 240Zs known for corrosion issues. The odometer shows just over 27,000 miles, though weathering suggests the car may have logged well over 100,000.
Originally purchased by a mechanic who delayed its restoration for years, the car changed hands two years ago. Its current caretaker, a collector named Brett, now plans a full nut-and-bolt restoration to bring the iconic coupe back to its former glory.
When new, the 240Z offered an affordable performance option to European sports cars like the Jaguar E-Type and BMW 2800 CS. Today, early examples have become increasingly collectible, with top-condition cars fetching six-figure sums at auction.
Given its exceptional provenance and condition, chassis 00021 is poised to become one of the most valuable Datsun Z cars ever restored.
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