Vehicle Description
In the early '80s, when domestic automakers were wondering how to
make a high performance V8 engines work with draconian emissions
controls, import cars like this dialed-in 1981 Datsun 280ZX Turbo
delivered amazing performance and killer styling on the cheap. And
while the familial resemblance is instantly recognizable, the 280ZX
Turbo was a big step forward for the big swinging Japanese
automaker, delivering perhaps the biggest bang-for-the-buck on the
market in the early 1980s. Datsun Z's have soared in value the last
5 years, and the ZX's are growing exponentially close behind them.
So read quickly, or risk missing what might be your last chance on
the value rollercoaster shooting up toward the sky...
This incredibly well preserved 280ZX Turbo has had only four
conscientious owners (all of whom lived in sunny Georgia), and it's
obvious that they loved this car and treated it like an extended
member of the family. With that turbo motor and slick Midnight Blue
paint, it's arguably the most desirable of all the 2nd generation Z
cars. Re-sprayed in the early 2000s at a reputable shop just down
the street from us, the finish is of strong driver-quality, just
like you want in a car you plan on driving on the way to the car
show. The finish looks very impressive given the 20 years that have
passed since it was applied, and because the materials were modern
and more durable than what you'd find coming out of Japan in 1980,
it will hold up and look this good for many, many years to come.
And with the laser-straight sheetmetal and bodywork underneath,
there's no question that this car has been very well maintained and
babied since it was new. There's no evidence of major damage or any
large repairs, and the car overall has a lovely shine and deep
luster that is a hallmark of all genuinely well-preserved original
cars. Sure, she's no longer a perfect 'Fairlady', but she's much
more than just a fair lady. The doors open and close properly and
line up straight, the hatch fits tightly without any squeaks or
rattles, and the big hood with functional NACA ducts latches with a
gentle push instead of a slam. Trim pieces are in equally good
shape with no signs of fading from exposure to the sun, the
removable louvers out back are an awesome, period-perfect touch we
all love, and all the brightwork (what little there is) remains
bright and shiny.
The high-tech (for the time) blue-and-gray cloth interior remains
in very good condition throughout, from the carpets which show only
light use, to the seats that show only modest comfort marks in the
high-wear areas, and even the headliner and T-tops that are still
in remarkable great shape. The foam underneath remains comfortable
and firm, and doesn't feel brittle as it does on many cars of this
vintage, and the dash is remarkably stress and crack-free, which is
quite an achievement if you're familiar with Japanese interior
plastics from the 1980s. The gauges are all big, round, and
legible, with auxiliary gauges in their own separate round pods in
the middle of the dash, a Z-car hallmark that continues to this
day, and even the original quartz clock all the way to the right is
still fully functional. Surprisingly, the original AM/FM/Cassette
is still in place and powers all the original speakers inside the
cabin, so when the T-Tops are off, open-air cruising with tunes
dialed-up is definitely on the menu. Options include factory A/C,
power windows/locks/mirrors/antenna, cruise control, and the T-tops
complete with original covers and sunscreens are a very desirable
feature on these cars. And you'll also note that this 280ZX Turbo
remains a true 2-seater, and not the less desirable 2+2 that was
part of the same 1979 redesign, so you get loads of storage space
under the hatch.
The engine is a smooth-revving and great-sounding turbocharged 2.8
liter L28ET inline-six that is directly descended from the engines
that powered the famous early Z cars. The horsepower wars were
apparently back in a modest way, so Nissan engineers bolted a
turbocharger to the silky smooth six to boost horsepower to 180,
with 203 lb-ft of asphalt-chewing torque that makes this
lightweight coupe delight to drive. Performance for the time was
impressive, as only the Porsche 911 and BMW M1 were faster that
year, and surprisingly enough there's very little turbo lag to
account for. The engine bay shows signs of regular maintenance
throughout, but is otherwise highly original and untouched. There
are no questionable modifications, no signs of damage or previous
abuse, and everything is in place as the factory intended. The same
holds true underneath, where it's clean and solid, with no signs of
structural rust or damage thanks to an easy life spent in the warm
American South. The 3-speed Jatco automatic transmission shifts
easily, while the all-independent suspension, responsive power
steering, and power 4-wheel disc brakes deliver high performance
without a penalty. It rides on a set of stock Z 'snowflake' alloy
wheels wearing 205/60/15 radial tires that finish off the factory
look.
Rising values have shown us that the day of the Z car as a
legitimate collectable is upon us, and the ZX is the next big thing
that's ready to skyrocket in value. With a stack of maintenance
receipts, original title documentation, and the original owner's
manual, this gorgeous 280ZX offers the ideal combination of
excellent preservation and ready usability, and the result is a car
you can drive without guilt and show with pride. Call today!
