1972 Datsun 240Z: Regular Car Reviews 

let me hear that again: "that internet culture has gotten so to the point that anything less than enthusiastic praise is an outright attack."

you know this is a good car when he talks actual stuff about the car

There is a guy who drives a z in my town. He's a younger guy, maybe 18 or 19. Whenever I see his car, I can't help but feel like he's having so much more fun than anyone else driving. He always has a smile on his face. I think that's what's missing from driving these days. So few cars make you smile the way that an older import will. They're funky and break down now that they're old, but damn they're fun.

30 years ago my dad gave me his 240z,.i still have it

what does every datsun 240z owner lie about? Rust

This is one of the most beautiful cars ever made.

Ah yes, the illusive Devil Z with its 600hp.

The dash in this car is just so, so beautiful. Best 70s interior ever.

My aunt's boyfriend had one of these when I was a kid. Al and his Pall Malls went to prison where he was later stabbed. Sweet car, though.

"Do you want to own one of these?" I want one of these to be the reason of death on my gravestone

a stock looking, not LS/2J swapped non slammed non cambered 240z? man you find the rarest things

I like how Roman is exploring new avenues of musicianship.

5:25 this car still turns heads, nice.

Someone = *Mentions 240z* Wangan Midnight fans = "Let us introduce ourself."

Old American car, "Mr. Regulars drunken dad voice" Old Japanese car, "Mr. Regular audibly orgasming"

Nissan GTR Me: nah Datsun 240Z Me: yeah

My god, that thing is gorgeous and pristine.

RCR: "The Internet's never-ending war on the name Kyle." Me: "I represent that comment."

Datsun 240Z. The grand daddy of JDM culture.

Back in the day one big focus from the dads, uncles, and older brothers who taught teens to drive was smoothness. It was an indicator of mastering the skill. Things like coasting around corners in neutral, NOT downshifting through the gears, etc were commonly taught as the way to drive stick shifts for smoothness and theoretically long clutch and throw out bearing life. Sadly, very few people can drive a car smoothly.

“You don’t have to enjoy things ironically”-RCR Thoughtful social analysis my friend.

I absolutely love this 240z, literally my dream car. It's pointless for me to own but it's a dream to own.

Mr Regular decided to ruin no nut November for the bois by dropping this.

As a young man, I was fortunate to have owned several Z cars. The interior was cardboard and vinyl and performance was so-so but the 240z, 260Z and 280Z had the look. One of the best looking sports cars of all time, right up there with the Jag XKE and Austin-Healey 3000.

This is an old joke I heard from someone who collected Z’s. Back in the 60’s, Nissan was trying to market to the United States. So Nissan kept calling different people. The brits, the Italians, French and then they finally settled with the Germans. Well, the Germans asked how quick they needed the name and Nissan told them in 3 months. The Germans replied with “Dat Soon?”

This is one of my top 5 all time favorites cars, gorgeous, fun to drive and just freaking timeless

I'm going to say it. That guy has a nice car.

great writing, Mr. Regular. The early 80s 280 zx's were the first cars I ever "noticed" as a kid. I asked my dad, "What's that?" And he said, "That's a Z-car." Ever since the age of 4, I've had a soft spot for these. I remember whenever I'd see one, I would point and say, "Z-car! Z-car!" Now I think about how my son points and says, "School bus!" or, "Dump Truck!" with such excitement, and it makes me think about how much joy it can bring a person just to look at things like cars, and how my dad might've felt whenever I'd say, "Z-car! Z-car!"

There's nothing quite like driving an older carburetted car with no power steering and no driver assists.

"That's part of the song." my eyes teared up. You really know how to put a good line together. Thank you.

Me 2 days ago: I wonder if RCR has done the 240z? RU-vid: Nah CRC today: here you go

that exhaust note is unbelievable

It's amazing to me that there are still iconic regular cars that you haven't done yet after all these years

I miss my 1978 Datsun 280Z, they were wonderful machines. Even though it didn’t have power steering, you didnt notice it unless you were not moving. The controls were quick and responsive, you were connected to the car. For some reason I wanted a mustang gt at the time and I test drove one. Omg, it was like driving a truck, compared to the Z. The controls were heave, clunky, and unrefined... and this was in the late 90’s. And you are correct, they do come alive past 2000 rpms. And with a unequal length header and 2.5” exhaust.... produce that lovely throaty crescendo and roar.

Neighbor had one of these rotting away in the drive way when i was a kid. Absolutely loved staring at this car

"The internet's never ending war on the name Kyle." That's a good quote.

Datsun 240Z: the car that starts every conversation with a S13 with "Back in my day..."

I fully agree with your vinyl / carb tuning analogy. I get significant satisfaction tuning the dual SU carbs in my Sprite. You feel everything you do with the turns of the screws and blips of the throttle. Comparatively, flashing a tune to my BMW e36 is just cold, you flash it, start it and see if anything changed. It's usually hard to tell as the long term trims need modified by driving.

You gained my respect when you mentioned Megasquirt

About 4 years ago my father bought back his 1972 240z from highschool. It’s a never ending work in progress but it make me grin more than anything in this world. The sounds, smells, and general experience are something that I will never forget for as long as I live. Even with the rust and crust there will always be a place for the Datsun in my heart.

I'd love one of these. Prior to the LS being a thing, people used to drop 350 chevs into these.

As the proud owner of a 1971 240Z, I couldn’t agree more. It’s a fantastic experience to drive, and it gets looks and comments everywhere, every drive, but ownership of one of these is not for everyone...

This video could have just been 5 minutes of hearing it drive around the road, no words needed. Such a beautiful sound.

At my old workplace (a car dealership) we got in an 1970s Datsun 240z and I loved it. Very mechanical / manual everything, and very connected to the road. Fun car! We also had Nissan GT-R R32-34s but I never really loved them. They may be good on track when pushed to their limit but driving around in them is just boring.

I felt this one. Just about to turn 53 and true story this is and was my father's one and only sports car he ever owned. When I was four years old I had no idea how cool and forward thinking he was to try out this new Japanese made sports coupe considering the current trend at the time with performance cars. So he did indeed purchased one of the first 1970 Datsun 240Z's available in our area. Back then I was even small enough for my parents to justify me riding in the back cargo area before the seatbelt or booster requirement. Scary when I think about it now of course but I had fun back there. Great car from what I remember and I would really love an opportunity to drive or own one someday just so I can experience what he did. Wish I had him around still to ask questions about that car and that time. Funny but he only had the car for about a year or two and ended up trading it for the early VW Westfilia "Campmobile" vans that was all the rage back then. I did see a VERY nice one out in Gardnerville Nevada when I was visiting there last month. Made me think of that time and my father of course. Great review as always guys!

This car started my car obsession. As an early teen, seeing my uncle's 240z it left an imprint of what a sports car should be: the shape of it, the controls, the fit, the connection and the involvement. The Miata is that now (for me) but this is where it started. What a lovely car.

11:25 welp, I've failed No Nut November again

I own a 280z that i used to daily. Drove it from California to Ft. Campbell, KY. It doesn't have modern features but man is it fun to drive. Mr. Regular got it right when he said there's an experience to driving it that you can't beat.

Thank you for doing this one. My love for cars is seeded in memories of taking high speed clover leaf interchanges with my dad in his 240z. I was barely tall enough to see over the dash or the high door sills but It was my first taste of danger, of speed, of the tranquility of sailing through canyons. The first motor I ever saw hoisted out before my eyes was from his 260z. These old Japanese cars will forever rest in my memories as being a real drivers car. A car without all of the technological aids that have became standard on everything. Can't wait for the POV video. Could use another trip down memory lane👏👏

I had an orange 72 240Z back in the late 70's. it was lowered and had a header and straight pipe out back with a tiny muffler as I had too. It cornered like it was on rails. I blew Corvettes and Lotus 's off the road regularly. Recaro seats and roll bar. It would easily make over 150 mph and gave the most beautiful 4' flames out the back when you downshifted at 120 mph.

I have wanted one of these cars since seeing one that one of my classmates had in college in the early 70s. I wound up owning two British sports cars and a Porsche later on but now I finally got my Z, an all-black 2019 370Z sports coupe 6M. It's is by far the best sports car that I've owned. I once had an opportunity to own the predecessor to the 240Z, the 2000 roadster, but blew that chance by waiting too long in making the decision.

Datsun 240z: The sensible weaboo’s car

The conclusion was spot on. I have been driving z's all my life and they are dangerous on today's highways and are incredibly inconvenient with the crudest of technology. Problem solved check out TRIBUTEZ. Power steering, disk brakes all around, smart screen radio, modern ac and heat, power locks and windows, upholstery throughout, Fuel injection at 485whp, HID headlights, custom reupholstered leather seats with proper wings. Best of all we never win at car shows because we dont stand out. Just a well restoration of a basic classic car.

I love Datsuns! I've been in an old 240z with a 2.8 swapped in it was a cool car, and I've owned 3 Datsun trucks 68 520, 72 620, and a 75 620. Love them all but theres this thing about ownin a Datsun, its like any other old vehicle theres ALWAYS gonna be something up with it wether it got slightly too cold and now the carb doesn't want to work, the brakes stopped workin and started leakin fluid just because, the transmissions 5th gear went out AGAIN, or the engine burns so much oil you spin a bearing and have to replace/rebuild the engine YET AGAIN. But even with all the problems they're just so much fun to work on and drive. Its ok. Remember whatever it is you're doin, Do it in a Datsun!

They were everywhere when I was growing up. Haven't seen one on the road in years now. When compared to Mustangs, Camaros, Triumphs, XKEs, VWs, etc - I am forced to wonder why? I loved the design back then, and always wanted one.

Now THIS is a classic RCR.

8:30 Who does corners on neutral, what is wrong with you people? That's driving 101, you don't have winters in there or something to quickly teach you why it is a bad idea? You change gear before corner if braking was needed..

I'm getting the feeling that "It's okay to unironically enjoy things" is the thesis statement of this whole channel.

I had a 72' in Competition Orange with the Black 'Z' Script Decal along the Rocker Panel and American Mag Wheels and it came with teardrop side view mirrors in orange. I actually had the Vanity License Plate TWO4TZ back in 1986-1989 when I owned her. She required a lot of maintenance from what I recall and things broke. I had the top end rebuilt and problems with float bowls and syncing carbs..always remember to put a bit of oil in the tops of the side drafts. She was fun to drive but I got the sense it wasn't a standout car back in the 80's when modern Toyotas and Hondas were popular. But, I always had a smile on my face when I drove it. Thanks for showcasing this fine car!

This is so weird, I’ve just been watching wangan midnight then this drops... so strange 😅

I would compare what this owner has done with his Z to what you did with your Falcon. Both are examples of enthusiasm and art. The warning for the muffler sound at fire was unnecessary. That roar was extremely satisfying. Good episode. Thanks.

I love that he's showing you the engine-bay light at 9:18. I always thought that was cool.

I usually come here for a laugh, mixed with a car review. Not to say that the reviews are not to be taken serious but they tend to lean more on the side of comedic intent. But this review was something profound. Your analogies about the Rock and Roll hall of fame potentials this year and your aside about internet culture condemning anything but abundant praise, transcended the usual car review. A lot of folks will praise things of yesteryear because they remember the time or wish they were a part of it. And with cars, it's easy to fall into that trap. Modern cars have gotten so good that we often become complacent. We say things like, "They all look alike." Or "They have no soul." We get caught up in horsepower wars and say things like "0-60 in 6 seconds is too slow." But the truth is most modern cars perform well and are easy to live with for the most part. I appreciate your honesty about how this car is best appreciated for you. I think we could all stand to learn to appreciate things on a spectrum greater than the definitive good or bad. Well done sir.

That engine note sounds amazing. I wish more z's had the stock motor.

I've been waiting 5 years for this video. 5 years of barely even looking at my own 240Z. I'll get to it eventually.

Having changed a fair amount of oil on several different cars, i love the location of that oil filter.

A white interior even spanning the transmission tunnel, brave man. Boy this car is gorgeous; a 240Z is probably the most beautiful car that EVERYONE has seen (collectively)

I need to stop youtube. I can't keep my hopes up once owning a 240Z. I settled down and became a DAD ...no cash or room for a classic car.

I'm 48 years old, I remember these things brand new! A friend in high school had a 260 that I adored from afar. A beautiful car! And you sir I have watched a lot of your videos, but this by far was your best ever!!! I don't see how you can top it. You paid the car it's due respect. And your review was Superb and the History you gave us was perfect! Bravo. Bravo. Bravo Bravooooooo.

One of my favorite cars and now one of my favorite RCR videos all in one happy bundle

They also quickly pulled the roadster once the 240z became popular because they didn't want people knowing the 4 cylinder roadster out performed the 240z

My dad bought one from an old friend back in the late 80s. Did all the bodywork, new interior, and new paint. But, what was special to me about it was that it had popped up lights. Only 10 was made in the world.

I'm going to watch this over and over. My 260z is an absolute rusty death trap but I love it. Just put on triple Webers. It runs like trash, doesn't have exhaust, reeks of fuel, and has a bunch of parts waiting for me to get to. I am using this to learn all the skills I wish I knew and having a blast doing it. I'd only recommend it to someone who loves these cars, and this review makes that point so well.

My dad used to own this old 1983 Datsun Bluebird estate, I loved that little thing

Did Roman have a stroke, what's with that intro?

My gramps use to tell me as a kid how datsun got their name. It went like this. At an excutive board meeting for Japanese car company. Ceo:Gentlemen were almost done. Board member: Excellent Ceo: Only one issue. Our first car ships tomorrow and we forgot to come up with a name. Board member: Screams dat soon!

I had a 280 Z back in the day. I loved that car and wish I still had it.

As a 14 y/o, I think that this is a cool car.

you really captured the essence of what it means to own one of these... well spoken bro!

Back in 1977 my parents bought a 240 with the triple Weber’s.We lived in Sitka Alaska and my dad would take me to a old airstrip on the weekends and beat the thing doing donuts and such. It was a two seater but they stack me on that hump in the back very uncomfortable at age 6 still good memories. Good video!

The way he talks about this care makes me proud to own one :')

Mr. Regular delivers the truth in a warty and whole-hearted and manner.

Headphone Warning Me: Turns volume up

i was lucky enough to have one of these as my first car, it was flat black, we paid a thousand bucks for it in 2003. I didn’t know what I had, never could get it to run dependably enough to be a daily driver and sold it for something fuel injected, a 240sx s-13. I still sigh a little every time I see a Z go by. Thank you Regular for another spot on review.

My dad and I worked on a 280z, they are so fun to drive and easy to work on because there is so much space under the hood you could snooze in a sleeping bag.

There used to be such cool cars that everyone could afford

Shoutout to the dude who stopped walking at 5:25 because of the car

yeah the name fairlady at launch wouldn’t of sold good lol

I've got a 79 Trans am with a BBO and it straight up drives like diesel It's kinda scary fast tho cause it's got ALL of the torque I've had it over 150 MPH it's terrifyingly stable at those speeds for a 40 year old car and the feeling of rolling on the throttle, Reaching the Mechanical secondaries, pushing through the slight resistance, and into the glory of all 4 edelbrock venturis sucking in all that air, and then the PUNCH in the ASS when all of that torque kicks in it's intoxicating. And it only has a 2.73 rear end so it gets nearly 20MPG on highway

"Air chokes" - aka, carbs need tuning. It shold rev out. They are a fairly peaky motor tbh. Seemed to take a long time to start too.

„You don’t have to enjoy things ironically” is the most important phrase of this review

GOD it sounds so good.

I used to have a 78 280z...I miss that car. Was a real beauty and a blast to drive.

Ive been driving my 260z for over 30 years its the biggest buzz ever its a real hoot and it rewards a good driver the harder you drive it the better it gets Ive driven new ones and yes i like them But it dose not give you the same drama and feel that these do

Bought a 1982 280ZX Datsun and I’m in love! Can take a corner at whatever speed and it just does it! Ps to any 240-260-280z-zx they love poly bushings

11:17 i am nursing a semi

huge props to the owner for tastefully resto-modding this and not just doing a "LS SWAP AND RGB LED LIGHTS BRAAAAHHAHHHHHHH"

"Good grief, is that what im driving?"

This is the third car you have reviewed that I have owned (other two being mkii MR2 and WRX) and can say without a doubt that having owned a 240z for 16 years now that this is the most accurate review yet. I don't disagree with a single opinion you gave on this car. Except for the part where they aren't worth owning... I'd sooner give up a testicle than my S30. In fact, I want a second one that isn't as complete to do something similar to this car with.

"But you saw it..." *"IT'S THE DEVIL Z!"*