1974 Datsun 260Z with a 350 V8 and T5 five-speed, no reserve on Hagerty

Why we picked it

The seller says this 260Z has been in one family from new and runs a 300-hp GM small-block crate motor with a Tremec T5 five-speed. It was repainted blue in 2014 and has a clean California title in the seller's name. Being a 1974, it is exempt from California smog checks, which matters for a V8 swap.

It is offered without reserve and sits at $2,000 with nine days left, so it will sell to the high bidder. The closest recent result, a V8 260Z five-speed on BaT, sold for about $17,400. Bids will rise, but a no-reserve sale is where these sometimes go cheap.

The value check

The current bid is $3,150. Comparable cars in the same condition have sold for $17,400–$18,000, so the middle of the market is about $17,700. That put this car 82% under. Bids usually climb in the final hours, so the discount will likely shrink.

Compared price is the $2,000 current bid plus Hagerty's buyer fee (7%, $500 minimum), so $2,500. A V8 1974 260Z five-speed in similar 6-out-of-10 condition sold on BaT in April 2026 for about $17,400 (shown as GBP 13,836 by The Classic Valuer), and a stock 1974 260Z reached $18,000 on Hagerty in March 2026 (sale unconfirmed). The $2,000 bid plus Hagerty's buyer fee is far below that, but no-reserv

Where the numbers come from:

• V8 1974 260Z 5-speed sold on BaT, Apr 2026 (Classic Valuer copy)
• 1974 260Z 4-speed, $18,000 high bid, Hagerty (Mar 2026)

What to check

• Known issues per the listing: driveshaft needs alignment, radiator leak, heater needs replacement, exterior light combo switch dead, torn seats.
• Ask what rear end is fitted; the stock R180 or R200 can be overwhelmed by V8 torque.
• Check frame rails, floors, battery tray and dog legs for rust under the 2014 paint.
• Inspect the motor mounts and transmission crossmember quality on the swap.
• Add Hagerty's buyer fee to your bid; pickup is in San Diego.

Making it drive like new

Sort the cooling and driveline first: a V8-specific aluminum radiator with fans and a correctly sized driveshaft. Then an R200 limited-slip with CV axles, coilovers, and four-piston front brakes bring the chassis up to the engine. Our LS-swap cost guide covers the parts.