1978 Datsun 280Z – Sold
We’re very pleased to present for purchase this beautiful “time capsule” Datsun 280Z . This is 280Z # HLS30-432515, built in October 1977.
It is a Five Speed coupe with just 97,356 original miles and is sold with a clear, Colorado actual mileage title. The car is equipped with air conditioning.
The car is finished in white (its original color; with one high quality re-paint in 1988) complimented by its original brown interior.
This Z has been very well maintained and cared for by its same local owner for the past 34 years. It is a three owner car from new and was sold new in Dallas, TX.
Perhaps the best quality of this Z is that it is very rust free. Not only was the car kept clean and garaged when not being driven but it received a Ziebart rust preventative treatment early in life and as a result does not suffer from the rust problems found in many other Z cars.
These 280Z cars (not to be confused with the later ZX cars) are very close to the original 240Zs but with a better running, more maintenance free engine thanks to fuel injection. Many consider the ’77 & ’78 280Zs to be the best of the Z cars.
Original jack, tool kit, spare wheel/tire, owners and workshop manuals.
The last of the real Z cars and an appreciating investment. In very good condition throughout, ready to enjoy! JUST SOLD – THANK YOU
The body on the car is straight, rust free and original metal with the exception of the fibreglass lower front air dam valance which is an aftermarket addition but stock metal valances are available if one wanted to switch back to the original. All rubber was replaced with NOS rubber when the car was repainted.
Period Riken Alloy Wheels work well on the car (the original steel wheels are no longer with the car but they and the original wheel covers are available from Z car parts suppliers if one wanted to (?) revert). The suspension has been lowered slightly and the brake lines been upgraded with stainless steel lines.
We feel the design and lines of the 1969-1978 Z look cars have stood the test of time and look attractive and modern today. Compared to many modern sports GTs which grow in size each year, these Zs provide a crisp, trim look.
The entire interior of the car is in incredibly nice condition without blems or tears. The brown interior works very well with the white exterior and is a much better option than the more standard black (and cooler both look and temperature wise too!)
Odometer showing original mileage of 97,356 miles, The car is sold with a clear, actual mileage, Colorado title. All gauges functioning properly; even the clock!
Factory AC blows cold.
Dash top is crack and blem free.
Headliner is in very good condition.
Rear speakers are secured with clips so can be removed; no cutting of car for these which is nice to see. Z cars offer plenty of space inside the rear hatch for luggage, golf clubs, etc. in the true GT fashion for touring.
Factory tie down straps for luggage. We note that the carpet in the rear hatch area while original is faded from the sun.
Original workshop/service manual and the glovebox owner’s manual.
The original spare wheel, space saver spare tire, jack and tool kit (never used!) are located in the well beneath the rear hatch floor panel along with some spare NOS hoses.
Left side B pillar ID plate with VIN #. VIN plate shown below is inside windshield; also matching VIN Nos. shown on plates and stampings inside engine compartment.
Original L28E (hence the 280Z name for its 2.8 litre engine) in-line six cylinder engine (2753cc/170hp/177 lb/ft torque/8.3:1 Compression Ratio) with Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection. These smooth, strong, bulletproof engines are considered by many Z enthusiasts to be the best of the 240/260/280Z cars. The optional five speed transmission found in this car was first introduced in US spec 280Z cars in 1977, the prior 240 & 260 Z cars were available only with 4 speed manual, or 3 speed automatic, transmissions. The fifth gear really enhances the cars high speed touring capability.
Having bought a new 280Z in 1977 (add it to the list of cars I should have kept!) I can attest to what great driving cars they are. They make for great everyday drivers with a comfortable, roomy interior having plenty of driver, passenger and luggage space and are fine long distance high speed tourers in the true GT tradition. Today, they are one of the more affordable collectible sports cars that can be enjoyed in modern traffic. For those that enjoy spirited driving, they are plenty quick enough with good high speed capability, rack and pinon steering is direct and unassisted, handling is very predictable, and its 4 wheel disc brakes provide very good stopping power as well.
Paint on engine compartment plate is faded but stamping is clear. The engine compartment light below the plate works.
Original paint color # 216 – Polar White.
Ansa Exhaust, very popular period performance exhaust system. Great, throaty sound.
The underside of the car is very clean and rust free as seen below, particularly for a 42 year young car! Zeibart rustproofing was applied to the car early on. This, along with very good preparation before its re-paint in 1988, has resulted in a very straight, relatively rust free car. Front to rear undercarriage photos shown below:
Overall the quality of the paint is very good and the car presents well. There are a few rock chips/chips on the top side of the car: 3 on the hood and one on the top of the left rear valance as shown below. The rockers and door gaps are quite good as shown below. There are also the typical small rock chips on the rocker panels behind the front wheel wells that are not readily visible when viewing the car. There is matching touch up paint with the car from its re-paint so that a paint restoration/detail shop could satisfactorily address these.
Three stone chips on hood, the larger (3/16″) is on left in photo and two small below, and to the right of the hood emblem near the front edge of the hood.
Chip in paint on left rear valance.
Left front lower rocker.
Left rear lower rocker; inner and outer rockers on both sides are sound and not rusted. Door gaps are very good and doors open and close well.
Right front lower rocker.
Right rear lower rocker.
