Vehicle Description
This handsome 1979 Datsun 280ZX 2+2 represents the last of the
Z-cars that changed the automotive landscape in the 1970s. As some
newer models prove, cars like this will always have a place in our
garages and in our hearts, and this Z is a fantastic way to enjoy
the ride.
Looking at the shape, it's clear that there's a bit of E-Type Jag
in there, maybe a hint of Corvette, and perhaps some MG, too. Fast,
light, agile, and affordable, even today, this Z is a delight. It's
also nicer than most, with an older repaint in the original silver
metallic, which still looks contemporary and will never seem dated.
It's also been fitted with a deeper chin spoiler that accentuates
the long, lean, low look of the Z without taking away from the
clean overall look. Cars like this were often put away as sunny-day
drivers, and as a result, this one shows none of the bumps and
bruises of the daily grind. Chrome was still in fashion, so there
are plenty of bright pieces, including the stainless around the
windows and along the B-pillar, all of which remains in good shape.
Even things like the rubber bumpers are in decent shape with only
light fading, suggesting that this car has led a sheltered
existence.
One of the Z-car's biggest successes is the interior, which is both
sporting and functional. The bucket seats were designed by guys who
knew the car would be used to its potential, so they have thicker
bolsters than most cars of the period, and grippy cloth inserts
instead of vinyl help hold you in place. Of course, all of this
remains in original condition, showing only very minor wear aside
from some light wear on the driver's seat and some aging to the
plastic, most notably the steering wheel and console, but it's not
particularly noticeable. The dash is full of easy-to-read
instruments, including a row of auxiliary gauges in the center, a
look that is still evident today in the Nissan GT-R. This
particular 280ZX is also luxurious, featuring factory A/C (needs to
be serviced), power steering and brakes, and an AM/FM/CD stereo,
all of which are fully functional. The rear seats (which fold down)
are in excellent shape and the trunk offers a surprising amount of
room for gear or travel.
The L28E 2.8 liter inline-six is a fantastic motor. Torquey, yet
eager to rev, it was enlarged to better suit American driving
tastes that demanded low-end torque. It still has that same
baritone wail that epitomizes big-horsepower inline-sixes, and
because it's a Nissan, it's reliable and smooth. The engine bay is
pretty tidy and retains almost all its original equipment, and that
tangle of hoses is how the factory did it, but don't worry, it has
all been regularly serviced and is in excellent running condition.
A recent set of plug wires ensure that it fires easily and idles
smoothly, so don't be afraid to rev it. It's quite clean underneath
thanks to a lifetime in a warm climate, and it doesn't look like
there's much deviation from stock, as it even wears its original
catalytic converter. The 5-speed manual transmission is a pleasure
to run through the gears and stylish alloy wheels wear 195/70/14
Goodyear blackwall radials for a proper sports car look.
Today, as when it was new, this 280Z is a lot of performance for
not a lot of money. Call today!