1983 Datsun 280ZX

The American iron muscle had plenty of power which is indisputable, but Datsun (soon to be Nissan) with their Z series, had decent power for their size, but has a one up on the Americans…handling! This was nowhere more evident in the class ranks of the SCCA, where the Z's were in the same class as the ponies. Down the straight it was the Americans, however they were quickly caught in the curves and out handled which made for interesting racing on all configurations of tracks.

For consignment a 3-owner car, always garaged, well maintained, and now gracing our hallowed halls of the Classic Auto Mall cathedral. It's red, it's sporty, and it's fast, and it's all Japanese pony styling and of course reliability. A fine example that will give American Muscle some run for its money, particularly on the handling end of the deal.

Exterior
All bathed in red paint which covers the exterior it also shows some black moldings and shiny trimmings along with extra black highlighting on the bumpers. The car presents very nicely sporting straight panels, good gaps, and no rust. All brite work, and badging is excellent. A large greenhouse glass hatchback is covering the rear of this car and with the long hood is the definition of the Japanese version of the pony car. A smoked glass removable T top is nice and tight and does not leak. 6-spoke Z badged wheels are on all 4 corners and all new wrapped in blackwall radials

Interior
A swing of the wide door to leap inside to an inviting very good condition interior, we pass molded black vinyl panels with power window toggles and gray carpeted lowers. Inside reveals 2 gray colored ribbed broadcloth bucket seats all original. These have black smooth vinyl bolsters. Comfortably seated, one can reach out to the original steering wheel, gearshift and gaze upon the clean original dash. The dash is a black molded plastic and shows no cracks or errors. As for the analog instrumentation, its white numbers with black backgrounds and yellow pointers. In the center on dash top central are a trio of inset gauges that aim at the driver and indicate volts and oil pressure, and there is a quartz digital clock/timer. Temp sliders are just below and as we move downward towards the center console we first pass our eyes over a machined aluminum factory AM/FM/Cassette stereo unit. The console houses a chrome plated T style shifter, joysticks for the side view mirrors and a nice storage bin. This stops just before more gray ribbed broadcloth covers 2 plus 2 seats for the back. Carpeting covering the floor is black, and in back for the hatchback area the manufacturer used a lighter medium gray carpeting. Just a slight bit of smudging can be noted on the front seats and is nothing a good deep cleaning could not remediate.

Drivetrain
Flipping the long, long hood forward reveals an original and clean engine bay which presents as well maintained. Shoehorned into this space is the L28E inline 6-cylinder engine with Bosch Jetronic fuel injection that produces 145hp. Bolted on the back is a 3-speed Jatco L3N automatic transmission that not only provides great acceleration in lower gears, but great gas mileage when working with the 3.54 rear axle. Also seen is a gaggle of hoses and wiring all in fine condition.

Undercarriage
Shades of a 70,000 plus mile car show here with little to no surface rust, and lots of patina black metal surfaces which are sound. Good mechanicals, solid suspension, all independent and power disc brakes all around and the green flag is waving somewhere.

Drive Ability
A quick starter, good handling and braking and a nice comfy cruiser. Some extra fun with the T top off!

Prior to Nissan—this Datsun 280ZX BY NISSAN…has bells and whistles that the regular Z did not have. It is also a slightly larger car, fuel injected, and has cruise control. Overall, this is a very nice car, original documented mileage. Well maintained with diligent replacement of any parts that were not up to complete snuff throughout its lifetime. An original car for consignment here at Classic Auto Mall will have you tearing down the road, making lots of zzzzzzzzz's!

VIN DECODE
JN1HZ06S0DX510270
J-Japan
N-Nissan
1-Passenger Car
H-L28E Non Turbo
Z0-S130
6-2+2
S-4 Seater
0-Check Digit
D-1983
X-Nissha Plant
510270-Sequential Unit Number

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.