Design and Manufacturing Changes
to the U.S. Spec. DATSUN 240Z, 1969-1973

by: Carl Beck and the IZCC Members
E-Mail: beck@becksystems.com
Last Up Date 14 Sept. 2018

1969 HLS30 Series-I
Notable VIN Month Highlights
HLS30 000001 10 - Production begins on the Series-I HLS30 Model
- HLS30 00013 Lowest VIN Sold To Public.
- HLS30 00006, 00007 & 00008 Used by factory as press and show cars, then used as factory sponsored race cars
- Cars 00009-15 still unaccounted fro.
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Note 1: A Few Cars With VIN's Above HSL30 00500 Have Been Reported As Having Build Dates during 1969. (specifically HLS30 00502,00504, 0506, 00512, 00589, 00784 and 00789)

Note 2: The 1969 and first quarter 1970 240-Z's had numerous minor differences in specific trim items and small parts. We make no attempt to identify them all here, as they do not represent a Production Change so much as an appearance change in a specific part.

1970 HLS30 Series-I
Notable VIN Month Highlights
HLS30 00501 01 First Series-I built Jan. 1970
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HLS30 03486 04 Lowest VIN# Sold/Titled As A 1971 Model Year Car
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HLS30 008944 08 First Automatic Trans Put in Z Cars. Valve Cover changed from Nissan 2400 OHC to NISSAN OHC.
09
HLS30 011730 10 Highest VIN# Sold/Titled As A 1970 Model Year Car
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HLS30 018124 12 Last Full Month Of Series-I Body Style Production (rear hatch vents)
Note 3: Series-I production carried over into Jan. of 1971. Series-II production also started in Jan. of 1971.

1971 HLS30 Series-I, Series-II and Series-III
Notable VIN Month Highlights
HLS30 020533 01 Last Series-I Body Style Reported (rear hatch vents with NO side vents in quarter panels).
HLS30 021001 02 First of Series II Body Style Click Here For List Of Changes.
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HLS30 043496 09 First Series-III 1972 Model Reported
HLS30 04600010 Series-III 1972 Model Year Start According To Nissan
New Features For The 72 Model Year Included:
Flip Forward Seats, New Hub Caps, Center Console Redesigned, Gas Tank Door Latch Eliminated, 5 Inch Wide Wheels Made Standard, New 4sp. Trans. Design, Rear End Moved Rearward 35mm (about 1.4 inches), Auto Seat Belt Retractors, Seat Belt Warning Buzzer & Seat Belt Warning Light
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Note:4 Most 1972 Model Year 240-Z's built between 09/71 and 01/72 did not receive the Auto Seat Belt Retractors, Seat Belt Warning Buzzer & Seat Belt Warning Light, indeed many did not even have the "pockets" in the floorboards necessary to mount the Auto Seat Belt Retractors. This was an MVSS requirement for cars built on or after 01/72. In order to install the seat sensor, for the required Seat Belt Warning Buzzer, Nissan had to redesign the seat cushion. The newer seat cushions were supported by spring steel rather than the previous full foam rubber block supported by straps. Most seat belt warning buzzers were disconnected by the car's owner within days of purchase.
Note:5 Most 1972 Model Year 240-Z built before 01/72 had the rear window defroster lines running from the top of the rear window to the bottom of the rear window (ie. Vertical). Most 1972 Model Year 240-Z's built 01/72 and after had the rear window defroster lines running from one side of the rear window to the other side(ie. Horizontal).

1972 Series-III and Series-IV
Notable VIN Month Highlights
01 Horizontal Rear Window Defroster Lines
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HLS30 101398
HLS30 120031 		08 Last Series-III, 72 Model Year Car Reported So Far
Series-IV Starts Production1973 Model Year HLS30 120000 thru HLS30 172767 (to date). Major changes made for 73 Model Year Z's - Federal Vehicle Safety Standards & Emissions Standards. Too extensive to list here, see below.
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1973 Series-IV
Notable VIN Month Highlights
01 HLS30 XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
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RLS30 00020 07 260Z Production Starts at RLS30 00001
HLS30 172767
08 Last 73 240Z Built
172767 highest reported so far
Notes: For the 73 Model Year - Carb.'s changed, different E-88 Head Used For Federal Emissions Std.'s in 73. Dash layout changed, with backlight heater/vent controls, new hazzard switch design. Headlight buckets changed from fiberglass to steel. Flame retardent materials were required for interior use. Intermitten windshield wipers added as standard equipment. Two and a half mile per hour bumpers added.
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This page last updated 26 May 2004.
Problems? Suggestions? email Carl Beck at: beck@becksystems.com