Vehicle Description
The Datsun Z cars put Japan on the performance car map, and this
1977 Datsun 280Z 2+2 tells you all you need to know about why these
are such special vehicles. With an unusual copper metallic paint
job, a beautifully preserved interior, and long-term ownership
history, this is exactly the kind of car that you can enjoy today
and let it appreciate tomorrow.
The long nose styling of the Z car never seems to go out of
fashion, and when combined with a sophisticated and elegant color
like this, it creates a unique blend of performance and luxury that
was found on cars like the Jaguar E-Type. The paint is original,
and with that in mind it's in fantastic shape. Not perfect, mind
you, but for being 40 years old, it's pretty impressive with a soft
shine that is exactly what you'd expect. Typical of the Japanese,
the fit and alignment of the body panels are excellent, and for a
car from the '70s, this one fits together amazingly well. Details
like the chrome bumpers are in original condition, and their shiny
surface suggests that this car has always been properly maintained.
Badges, the front grille, the rear valence with distinctive Z
taillights, all of it looks far younger than the car's age would
suggest.
The two-tone 2+2 interior gives the Z a lot more space, and while
you won't want to put two adults in back for a cross-country trip,
it greatly expanded the Z's practicality. The front buckets are
well preserved, with no cracks or splits, and showing virtually
zero wear even on the lighter surfaces. With its distinctive
dashboard design, with speedo and tach in front of the driver and
three auxiliary gauges mounted up high in the center, the Z's
interior has been the prototype for all Japanese sports cars for
decades. In this car, the dash pad, the door panels, and even the
rear hatch area are exemplary, showing no signs of sun damage which
is so common on these cars. A/C (needs to be serviced) and an
AM/FM/cassette stereo are included, so there's no reason not to get
in and have fun.
Power comes from an upgraded 2.8 liter inline-six, which makes
wonderful sounds akin to the great British roadsters of yore, not
to mention all that turbine-smooth torque. The 280Z uses fuel
injection, which looks complicated but is extremely reliable and
delivers improved performance and economy. Showing signs of proper
maintenance throughout its life, this Z fires up the first time
every time and pulls cleanly, with a long list of recent
maintenance items including the fuel pump, fuel injectors, hoses,
clutch master and slave cylinder, a new muffler, and a re-sealed
gas tank. The 4-speed manual transmission is wonderful to row
through the gears, making this Z a fantastic car to run down your
favorite twisty road. The all-independent suspension is agile, and
none of its handling prowess is diminished by the added length of
the 2+2 body. The original alloys are in very good condition, with
no curb rash or corrosion, and they wear a set of 195/60/14
performance radials.
In the same family since 1980, this very well preserved survivor is
an affordable way to enjoy a vintage sports car that's also
surprisingly practical. The Z's day is fast approaching, and clean
examples like this one will continue to be in demand. Call
today!