Comments: 1-15, 16
The exhaust manifold had warped when it was given to me. Turns out there were only 6 bolts holding the manifold on, when there needed to be 12. Possibly the work of an absent-minded mechanic. Performance was mediocre at best, however I machined the face of the manifold and secured it using all 12 bolts and the difference was astounding.
The original alternator wore out at about 132,000 kilometres and I replaced it with a Bosch 80amp unit.
I had to top up the power steering fluid about every 1000 kilometres until I got the power steering fixed at 137,000. I'm pretty sure the power steering unit was not original, and that it was installed not long after my grandfather bought it new.
Quite frankly, I love this car. It was given to me by my grandfather, in mint condition and I've kept it that way ever since.
For one thing, this is a very comfortable car. The seats are supportive, comfy and perfectly shaped.
There is ample room inside the cabin, enough even for my 6'3" figure.
Noise inside the cabin is limited to the quiet sound of the engine and the slight whirring sound of the automatic gearbox. At high speeds (100+km/h) there is also a very faint differential noise (very similar to that of the gearbox). To tell you the truth, I like these noises. It reminds you you're in a car, not a lounge room.
The performance is good from the 2.6 Litre 6 cylinder. The 3speed auto is a bit limiting when it comes to acceleration, but once it gets up to speed, it's a great cruiser. It happily sits at 100km/h down the freeway and on a trip to the Northern Territory, it ploughed along at 140km/h quite fine. It held its own up to about 165km/h when I decided that 140 was just fine after all. It also felt a bit 'floaty' above 150.
In addition to this, the car is extremely solid. I often joke about the car being carved out of a solid block of steel.
There are also a few points of interest about the car: the retractable aerial can be controlled inside the cabin via a rocker switch (you can make it go up and down). There are light failure indicators for the headlights on the front of the car and ones for the tail lights in the parcel shelf. (the ones in the rear look like 2 little red eyes). This car has the same engine as in the 260Z and has about 140 horsepower.
As an overall car, its just as good as my '95 Holden Commodore (the Commodore is my daily driver as I am currently in the process of doing up the 260C).
I liked your review as I think 100% the same about the 260C as I recently got one. I enjoy driving it and the seats are very good.
Thank you for such a good write up.
I have recently purchased a 1975 Datsun 260c off of a man who had owned it for 30 years, at 15 years old this is my first car and it is in immaculate condition for its age. It also has the 3-speed automatic and I find it to be a very comfortable car that cruises at the speed limit with ease.
I am also having small problems with the exhaust manifold, a small hole making a "chuff" sound, a gas station attendant commented that the car sounded like a tractor (will be repaired shortly). I haven't gone far over 110km/h and don't intend to.
I would like to lower the car slightly and purchase wide whitewall tires when it needs them next, it has new tires at the moment so perhaps a set of clip-ons until then, other than that I would like to keep the car in its current super tidy state. Expect to see the green Datsun driving the streets of Dunedin soon.
I recently purchased a 1976 260c sedan for $100. I agree completely with what you have said. I am 17 and it is a great first car for me because it is easy to work on and its fun. The engines in these cars go forever. Mine has 648000kms on it and its still going, I only had to replace the battery and starter motor. They also have plenty of power. I managed to do a reasonable burn out and mines an auto. I also managed 0-60km/h in about 4 seconds which isn't too bad for a car that old with that many kms on the original engine. These are great cars. Thanks for the great review.
Once off the mark the 260c goes well, certainly faster round the bends than my old hq holden was, would love to have a wagon again. find the 330 shape more to my eye than 230 to be frank.
I'm from Guayaquil, Ecuador, well I have a 1977 260c with manual gearbox, I purchase this car in exceLlent condition four months ago, the car was abandoned in a farm 15 years, it have 80.000 original kilometers. the motor runs excelent only one valve was burn, I replace the valve and the car really flyes!!, I run the car at 150 kmph and the cruise is very good, in the first three gears looks like the motor make a big effort to move the car, but when the fourth gear is shifting he needs more and more gas... it flies!!!. the car is very stable and the brakes are good too, I have a problem with the exhaust, but I'll replace it this weekend.
I think that I make a great deal buying this car, the shape of the car on side is very good, have a air of the z car and the front is very good too.
Hi, I have a 1976 260C two door coupe hard top... and just love her. Solid, comfortable, luxurious, just had resprayed at some cost. The interior has suffered somewhat and I have been unsuccessfully searching for replacements. I bought her in 1996 having 160000kms. Some rust under sills, but fixed that. On the highway she just rolls along! What luxury in an older car. If anyone out there knows of two door interior access, please let me know. Cheers, and happy touring in these magnificent vehicles.
Hi all.
Yesterday I was called by a friend of mine who owns a Datsun 260C. He overheated his engine and burnt some valve's….
Does anybody know Datsun/Nissan part numbers or know were to buy them??
Thanks
Guus from Holland
zpoint@tiscali.nl.
You can ask for the parts for the 260Z, the 260C have the same engine of this sport car: the L26 2600cc (a terrific engine!!) put on google "260Z engine parts" and you 'll find on the net tons of engine parts.
Rgds,
I am from India. I too own a Datsun 260C here. Currently its under restoration in its last stages. I had a ride in it long back when I was 13. Now I am 23. The car was left unused for such a long period. I started its restoration after I developed interest in vintage cars. I was amazed at the reliability of the engines. The car started only after a few tweaks after so many years on the third starter.
I love the car and will be using it regularly within a months time.
I have an immaculate Datsun 260c that I bought from the original owner in 2002. It has served me very well and it is a very comfortable car to drive. It has white wall tyres and a manual transmission. It is the best one in South Australia I have ever seen and it is currently for sale. If you are looking for a 260c or you want information on them, feel free to send me an email.
Rabbit_fighter79@yahoo.com.
I too had a Datsun/Nissan 260c.
I purchased it from an Uncle who had a company car so had done very few miles.
Interestingly the only problem I ever had was the exhaust seemed to come off/loosen every now and then, the bolts themselves would break so your comment on the adding of extra bolts was/is a good one.
I drove the car a lot, from Perth to Melbourne and back at least 6 times, from Perth to Broom'e and Karratha, and even along the back roads of the Nullabour. It has been the most comfortable, reliable and beautiful car I ever owned or most likely will.
I did service the car regularly using the best Nissan Motors or city motors depending on the city.
The old girl finally disappeared from under the car port in our home in Brisbane, and I miss her dearly.
No other car has ever held worthy comparison, from the stearing and handling to the mileage. Parts were/are expensive, hub cap costing about $600 back in the mid-late eighties, but well worth it.
If anyone has the opportunity to have/own a 260c, I say GO FOR IT. Even just telling people I had platinum ball joints was a buzz. Have a great New year
I've just purchased a Datsun 260C off my brother, was our grandfathers car. It's a work in progress as the car hasn't been used for a number of years. Its got 46,780Km's on the clock. It needs a respray, little rust here and there.
Overall in A1 condition in the interior.
I purchased new in August 1974 a 260c Station Sedan. I have used it since that time. It is all original. The only part missing is one hub cap. (anyone got one?)
A great motor car. People want to know why I drive an old car (I own another) however I like it to drive & what car these days will accommodate 8 people? My grandchildren love the rear seat!
My first car was a 1976 Datsun 260C (H330 stationwagon) from 1991. She was a bomb, but I loved her dearly and I cried pathetically 7 years later when I got rid of her. She was a manual, and some bloke told me that they didn't import them into Australia, but that's what she was and had been sold like that when new.
I drove this car about 140,000km and it was the most enjoyable driving I have ever done. The car wasn't fast or flashy, but comfy and quiet and really a pleasure on the lonely drive from Canberra to Condobolin. What more could you want?
I have a 1976 330 series 260C. I have had this gorgeous girl since 1991, and have been keeping it for my son, however, I am now reluctantly preparing to sell her. Original HXS712, but given to son of friend in Queensland, and subsequently rescued from him, now AC65DU. Inside needs some TLC (as they do) but have found organization in Sydney who will update all that. She drives like a dream, just sails on the open road and passed registration due 15/12/07. Any suggestions as to where I should advertise her would be greatly appreciated. A reluctant sale, but necessary. Cheers.