Low-mileage Datsun comes out of hiding

A rare, low-mileage Datsun that has been hidden away for 21 years is set to go under the hammer. The 1978 Datsun 260Z will go under the hammer at Classic Car Auctions’ (CCA) sale on Saturday, 24 September, at the Warwickshire Exhibition Centre.

The original UK, right-hand drive example was first registered in March 1978 and has had just two owners. Purchased by its current owner in 1994, the car was the fruit of a long and laborious search by its owner to source the best 260Z possible. With its low mileage and long-term ownership, this Datsun was the rare find the owner was looking for, finished in Copper Bronze Metallic.

It was used sparingly for just one year before a change in circumstances meant that the car was put into storage in 1995, showing just 8285 miles on the clock. It remained there for a 21 years, until being revealed again in May of this year.

When the car was pulled out of storage, it underwent a thorough inspection by a marque specialist. The engine was turned by hand and then connected to a small auxiliary fuel tank to bypass the fuel tank/lines and briefly started and run with no obvious issues.

Today, the car’s original condition makes it a collectible example, with no signs of excessive use. As a time-warp example, it is expected to sell for £18,000 to £22,000 when offered at auction.

‘This car is an unrepeatable opportunity to own what could be one of the lowest mileage ‘Z’ cars in existence,' explains Guy Lees-Milne, auction manager of CCA. ‘This fantastic car is a rare find ready for recommissioning or preserving, and will make for a very rewarding and straightforward project for the winning bidder.’

Included in the sale is the car’s history file containing past MoTs, original hand book and service book, original tool roll, jack and wheel chock and a letter from the Datsun 'Z' Car Register confirming its mileage. 

To find out more about the Datsun 260Z and CCA’s September Sale, please visit classiccarauctions.co.uk