1977 Datsun 280Z

Although the old guard won't enjoy hearing it, Japanese cars are becoming collectable. We're already seeing spikes in prices of cars like the Datsun 2000 roadster, the Toyota 2000GT, and the early Mazda Cosmo, so there's no sense in fighting it.  The Datsun/Nissan Z-car now has a history that's nearly as old as some of our beloved American iron such as the Camaro, Firebird, and Dodge Challenger.  And for a generation that grew up in the 70s, the Nissan 280Z was something we eagerly read about in the pages of our favorite car magazines.  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 had 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 1977 version of the 280Z.  Parked in late 1991 and the drivetrain pulled for unknown reasons, but rescued in 2021 and given a solid going over with new engine gaskets and rings, the brakes serviced, the clutch hydraulics serviced and now ready to serve you.  It's a survivor folks, looking sharp in blue, holding its clean lines, accordion edged chromed crash bumpers, long pony car hood and hatchback styling bringing up the rear.  Oh and lest I forget, this example hasn't succumbed to the tinworm that has brought many of this era Z-cars to their knees.

Exterior
Invasive rust free steel is put together with nicely minded gaps with only some surface rust rearing its head on the lower body panels.  A few dings are present along with fading of the Blue Metallic paint on the horizontal surfaces, but it's a survivor!  Overall the chrome and trimmings as well as most of the panels are looking terrific, and nice and shiny.  Badging is all good and correct from 1977, and glass is clear.  The NTSB federally mandated safety bumpers are on, with the front being a flat faced stainless style with black rubber bumperettes and accordian style black rubber wrap around sides.  Leading the way are deeply inset headlights which flank the slightly bulged hood complete with functional heat extraction louvers.  A stainless and black rubber side molding runs just below the beltline between the front and rear wheels and up top we have both a rear defogger and wiper for the sloping hatch.  Inset taillights reside within a satin black rear panel and just below is another crash bumper with more accordion black rubber and bumperettes.  Grounding all of this are 14-inch Z badged wheel covers wrapped in 195/70R14 blackwall rubber. 

Interior
A swing of the door to leap inside to an inviting and in very good condition interior, reveals 2 ivory colored vinyl covered bucket seats all original.  Comfortably seated, one can reach out to the original steering wheel, gearshift and gaze upon the clean original dash. The dash being a black molded plastic shows no cracks or errors.  Carpeting covering the floor is black and has a few areas of minor soiling.  The deeply sunken gauges are like new, and odometer shows 74,987 miles which is documented as original miles.  The headliner is very nice, and rear hatchback cargo area carpeting is very clean and has a nice thick pile.  Also noted on the convenience side are heat and AC and an AM/FM radio.  Finishing out our tour are ivory door panels, presenting very well with diagonally stitched inserts and a thin applique strip highlighted by blingy chrome.

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 L-Jetronic fuel injection.  Our consignor notes that this engine was regasketed, had new piston rings installed, and new fuel injectors were put in to keep things tip top reliable.  This setup produces 149hp and bolted on back is a 5-speed manual transmission with new clutch hydraulics that not only provides great acceleration in lower gears, but great gas mileage in overdrive when working with the 3.54 rear axle.

Undercarriage
Shades of a 70,000 mile car show here with little to no surface rust, and lots of patina black metal surfaces which are sound and coated with patined coating of rustproofing, as well as a solid frame, good mechanicals, and overall very clean condition.  All independent suspension, and power disc brakes for the front and power drums for the rear and the green flag is waving somewhere.

Drive Ability
This sports car started easily, and it was off to the test track where it had nice acceleration, rail-like handling, and bias free panic stopping.  The interior is very comfortable and surprisingly roomy and our only frown to note was the clock not keeping time.  Otherwise a wonderful drive with functional air conditioning.

Presenting as a low mile, invasive rust free, turnkey car, this highly original example shows with the original drivetrain and luxurious, (for a sports car), interior.  A Japanese pony car which gave all others here in the USA a run for their money, now classic and becoming collectable, right here in our Hallowed Halls of Classic Auto Mall!

HLS30372942

H-L28E Engine
L-LHD
S30-Model Number
372942-Sequential Unit Number

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 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.