For Sale: 1978 Datsun 280Z in Concord, North Carolina

You're looking at the last year for the original Z-car. So this 1978 Datsun 280Z 2+2 has the iconic design we all love and all the best updates learned over this model's run.

The Z cars defined 1970s motoring in America, and that's best represented in one color: Gold Metallic. It's that perfect hue that seemed as disco-friendly as the leisure suit forty years ago, and it's still an attention getter today. But really the reason why the color still works so well is because the original color was given a professional respray later in life to keep this precious metal hue glowing. Plus, this has a nice aggressive streak with the black hood stripe that continues up the roof and ends across the hatch. This styling element coordinates nicely with the bumper caps, tinted windows, and wheel covers to give this one a full black and gold coordinated appeal. More than just this cool look, there's a fundamental desire that comes from the first of the great Japanese sports cars. The design borrowed the best elements from around the world with the long front end, vented hood, sleek profile, and an overall timeless appeal that is becoming more and more appreciated by the day.

This is believed to be under the care of one family for most of its life, and so the interior is highly original. These 2+2s were a handy addition where the rear seats could hold others in a pinch, and they were especially nice to fold down a get extra cargo space for long trips. In fact, this is set up to be a nice grand touring machine with high-back bucket seats, armrest center console, and AM/FM/cassette stereo. Plus, we all love the look of the gauges set into twin round pods for speedometer and tachometer. Auxiliary readouts are placed on a trio of dials set high on the specially contoured dash. This is a look that became so iconic, it was used for the modern Z as part of its retro-style.

Under the hood is a correct 2.8-liter inline six. This was the largest of the original Z-series, and so you'll love the extra power. And fuel-injection just increases the desirability and drivability of these classic Z-cars. This motor just seems to be tidier than most with a handsome paint package, which reinforces the idea of a cherished single-family coupe. Out on the road, you really feel how a this is a great grand touring comfortable classic with features like the three-speed automatic transmission, power steering, front disc brakes, and the fully independent suspension.

This is a well-coordinated classic in a rapidly appreciating market. So don't look too long at the last of the great Z-cars, or it might be gone. Call now!