It was the 1970s, and the Japanese economy was doing well relative to other nations that were affected by the oil crisis. This became a period when Japanese automakers like Nissan wanted to show the world that they could do more than just affordable and reliable economy cars. Thus, the Nissan Fairlady Z--which was called the Datsun 240Z in the United States--was born. It cemented itself as a sportscar icon in the 1970s, and it turned out to be just the beginning for Nissan to create even more potent Z sportscars down the line.

The Datsun 240Z's combination of sleek styling, modern engineering, and a competitively low price made it a sensational hit among car enthusiasts. It was a sportscar that only Japan could do-- fun, yet affordable and reliable enough that you'd be confident its 2.4-liter straight-six that produces 151 horses and 146 pound-feet of twist will start every morning. As typical of a sports car back in the day, this engine is mated to a four-speed manual, that sent power to the rear wheels.

Unsurprisingly, the Datsun 240Z became a sales hit. 16,215 vehicles were sold during its first model year, which then grew to 33,684 in 1971. By 1972, 45,588 units were sold in just a year, and by its last model year in 1973, another 46,282 240Zs were sold. This immediately cemented the 240Z as a Japanese sportscar icon, and its sales numbers are the envy of today's sports cars. For perspective, the Mazda MX-5 - which is one of the best-selling sports cars in America - saw sales of 10,547 units in 2021. Wasn't life better when crossovers and SUVs haven't yet taken over the world?

If you want to own a Datsun 240Z yourself, today is your chance. A restored 1972 Datsun 240Z is currently listed at Bring a Trailer, and its engine was rebuilt during the restoration process. Its valve cover, twin SU carburetors, and intake manifold were hand-polished to showroom perfection, while the suspension and braking system of the 240Z was also overhauled. This included fitting replacement bushings and KYB struts, as well as rebuilding its front brake calipers, and master cylinder, among other parts.

The exterior of this particular Datsun 240Z was also restored to near-showroom quality. The 240Z was originally painted in factory Silver Metallic (901), but the car was reportedly stripped to the bare metal and received replacement sheet metal in areas such as the floorboards and wheel wells. The vehicle was then repainted, while the electrical components such as the lights and wipers have been refurbished.

Giving justice to its restored exterior is an interior that's befitting of a well-restored 1970s Japanese sports car. The bucket seats have been completely rebuilt, and it comes with red vinyl upholstery that matches the door panels. Likewise, the interior dash, carpeting, and panels have also been restored, with every single piece such as the glovebox, transmission tunnel cover, carpeting, and trim pieces being replaced.

If this sounds like a very comprehensive restoration job, that's because it is. Not only does this 1972 Datsun 240Z look great aesthetically, but it also definitely drives well since the restoration also took into account the car's mechanical components. Want one? This 240Z is currently bidding for a good $22,000 as of this writing, and you only have two days before the bidding ends.