1974 Datsun 260Z Fact Sheet
1974 Datsun 260Z Facts, Figures, and Specifications

Joining the basic 260Z two-seater coupe (front) at mid-year was the 2+2 version (rear). It was nearly a foot longer.
1974 – The Interim Z Car
After four years on the market, the 240Z was replaced with the 260Z with larger six-cylinder engine, detuned and fitted to meet US emissions standards. In the US, it would be a one-year only model.
The four-seat 2+2 GT also bowed this year.
General Year Information
The car was renamed “260Z” in 1974 due to the fitment of a larger I-6 engine. In addition to that larger 2.6L (2565 cc) engine, the 260Z had transistorized ignition, an electromagnetic fuel pump, new protruding 5-mph bumpers, and a built-in chin spoiler. Both the four-speed manual gearbox and automatic were still available.
The 260Z model lasted only one year before being replaced by the 280Z. The two-seat sports coupe was joined at mid-year with a 2+2 four-seat version.
Models Offered
Click a Tab to See the Details
Once again, no change in the distinctive recessed headlamps and rectangular parking lights that were still under the headlamps and below the bumper. Front fenders still the reflector lenses at the rear of the headlamps. The low, wide grille with its pattern of subtle horizontal bars was as in 1971, and the hood still had its bulge. The small round insignia remained above the grille. Early 1974 US 260Z models had bumpers that resembled those of the earlier 240Z, though increased slightly in size, pushed away from the body somewhat, and wearing black rubber bumper guards rather than the previous chrome bumper guards with rubber strips. The early cars still had the front turn signals located below the bumpers. Late 1974 U.S. 260Z models had the heavier bumpers that would be used on the 1975-76 280Z. These late cars had the front turn signals relocated to the outer edges of the front grill, above the bumper.
The single-overhead cam six-cylinder engine was increased to 2,565 cc (156.5 CID) and was retuned to meet US emissions standards, but it now only made 139 HP. The four-speed manual or three-speed automatic transmissions were unchanged. The four-wheel independent suspension, consisting of coil springs and MacPherson struts and front disc and rear drum brakes were not altered. The chassis was redesigned with additional stiffness because the chassis rails which were larger and extended further back than previous models. A rear sway bar was added.
Oil pressure, water temperature, fuel and ammeter gauges were recessed in a padded and formed dash. A large speedometer with trip odometer, and a tachometer, sat directly ahead of the driver. The climate controls were more sensibly laid out and easier to work, and those cars with air conditioning now had the A/C system integrated into the main climate control panel. The deep cushioned vinyl bucket seats with built-in headrests adjusted horizontally and vertically and reclined up to 10 degrees. A new console, new seat trim and door panels were featured.
Standard 240Z equipment included radial tires, a radio, clock, steering lock, collapsible steering wheel, three anchor seat belts, backup lights, a wood steering wheel and gearshift knob, front/rear bumper bars, console box, door armrest, driver footrest, glove box with lock, windshield and rear-window drip moldings, and coat hangers.
Once again, no change in the distinctive recessed headlamps and rectangular parking lights that were still under the headlamps and below the bumper. Front fenders still the reflector lenses at the rear of the headlamps. The low, wide grille remained, and the hood still had its bulge. The small round insignia remained above the grille. Early 1974 US 260Z models had bumpers that resembled those of the earlier 240Z, though increased slightly in size, pushed away from the body somewhat, and wearing black rubber bumper guards rather than the previous chrome bumper guards with rubber strips. The early cars still had the front turn signals located below the bumpers. Late 1974 U.S. 260Z models had the heavier bumpers that would be used on the 1975-76 280Z. These late cars had the front turn signals relocated to the outer edges of the front grill, above the bumper.
This 2+2 model sat on a 11.80″ longer wheelbase with noticably larger opening quarter panel windows and an extended and more notched roofline. The 2+2was for the most part, identical inside aside from the rear seat, but did receive a carpeted transmission tunnel instead of the quilted vinyl material used on the two-seater. The rear side windows on the 2+2 could open as they were push-out, done to give ventilation for rear seat occupants.
The single-overhead cam six-cylinder engine was increased to 2,565 cc (156.5 CID) and was retuned to meet US emissions standards, but it now only made 139 HP. The four-speed manual or three-speed automatic transmissions were unchanged. The four-wheel independent suspension, consisting of coil springs and MacPherson struts and front disc and rear drum brakes were not altered. The chassis was redesigned with additional stiffness because the chassis rails which were larger and extended further back than previous models. A rear sway bar was added.
Oil pressure, water temperature, fuel and ammeter gauges were recessed in a padded and formed dash. A large speedometer with trip odometer, and a tachometer, sat directly ahead of the driver. The climate controls were more sensibly laid out and easier to work, and those cars with air conditioning now had the A/C system integrated into the main climate control panel. The deep cushioned vinyl bucket seats with built-in headrests adjusted horizontally and vertically and reclined up to 10 degrees. A new console, new seat trim and door panels were featured.
Standard 240Z equipment included radial tires, a radio, clock, steering lock, collapsible steering wheel, three anchor seat belts, backup lights, a wood steering wheel and gearshift knob, front/rear bumper bars, console box, door armrest, driver footrest, glove box with lock, windshield and rear-window drip moldings, and coat hangers.
Engines
Click a Tab to See the Details
Engine: 2.6 L (160 cu in) L26 I6, cast-iron block, alloy head, two valve per cylinder, seven-bearing crankshaft, single overhead camshaft. Bore & Stroke: 3.27 x 3.11 in. (83 x 79.0 mm). Compression Ratio: 8.8:1. Horsepower: 139 @ 5200 RPM. Torque: 157 lbs.-ft. @ 4400 RPM. Seven main bearings. Solid valve lifters. Two HMB 46W 1.75″ (44 mm) SU-type carburetors.
Chassis Features
-
- Wheelbase: 90.7 in.
- Overall Length: 260Z – 162.8 in. 260Z 2+2 -173.2 in.
- Height: 50.6 in.
- Width: 64.1 in.
- Front Tread: 53.3 in.
- Rear Tread: 53.0 in.
- Standard Tires: 175HR14.
- Rear Ratio: 3.36:1 w/4 speed, 3.54:1 w/automatic.
Significant Options
-
- Air conditioning ($325).
- AM radio, push button ($59.95).
- AM/FM radio ($98.50).
- AM/FM stereo with 8-track player ($110).
- Automatic Transmission ($195).
- Center armrest ($9.95).
- Footrest ($12.95).
- Luggage rack ($12.95).
1974 260Z Key Statistics
-
- Body Style: 2-dr Coupe-2 Passenger
- Engine: OHC I-6
- CID: 146
- Price at POE: $4,695
- Weight: 2350 lbs.
- Production (US) 46,282
Body Paint Color Codes
Click on the Paint Code Name to See the Mix Codes for the appropriate color:
1974 Datsun Colors
012 Pewter | |
018 Snow White | |
019 Sunshine Yellow | |
052 Sunset Orange | |
102 Mellow Yellow | |
103 True Blue | |
104 Cactus Green | |
121 Seaview Aqua | |
141 Dark Green | |
211 Sherwood Green | |
212 Celestial Blue | |
214 Cocoa Brown | |
216 Polar White | |
224 Lemon Lime | |
225 Mediterranean Blue | |
226 Royal Blue | |
227 Burnt Orange | |
243 Medium Green | |
248 Maroon | |
252 Nissan Blue | |
301 Copper | |
302 Leaf Green | |
303 Emerald Green | |
304 Deep Gold | |
305 Bright Blue | |
306 Sterling Silver | |
307 Dark Blue | |
505 Black | |
524 Pagoda Red | |
525 Cherry Red | |
529 Bamboo Tan | |
637 Eggshell | |
904 White | |
905 Cherry Red | |
931 Gold | |
940 Kelly Green |
RELATED DOCUMENT
DOWNLOADS
Files directly related to the 1974 Datsun 260Z will appear below. Click to Download:
1974 Datsun 260Z Brochure –
Coming Soon!
Related Images
Related Images to the 1974 260Z will appear below.