Vehicle Description
1977 Datsun 280Z
The legendary Z-car lineup has a history spanning more than 50
years. No fewer than six distinct Z-car models have been introduced
and made their way to North America during that time, but when you
take into account all of Nissan's sports cars, the brand has over
40 models available. The Nissan Z-car is one of the most legendary
and celebrated sports car brands in the world, with a long history
of ups and downs-but mostly ups. Previously sold as the Nissan
Bluebird, the Z-car would come roaring onto the scene in 1969, in
Japan, with the introduction of the Nissan Fairlady Z.
For consignment, a 1977 version of the 280Z. It's looking sharp in
red, holding its clean lines, accordion edged chromed crash
bumpers, long pony car hood and hatchback styling bringing up the
rear. An original drivetrain is under the hood (2.8L I-6), and the
interior is looking good...almost as if new.
Exterior
Rust free steel is put together with nicely minded gaps, and we can
note a respray at some time in the past that is still showing well.
Overall chrome and trimmings as well as most of the panels are
looking terrific, and nice and shiny. Badging is all good and
correct from 1977, and glass is clear. The NTSB federally mandated
safety bumpers are on, with the front being a flat faced stainless
style with black rubber bumperettes, the optional upper bedrail
bumper, and accordian style black rubber wrap around sides. Fog
lamps hang under this bumper and accentuate the lower roll pan.
Moving rearward, reddish orange paint covers the sleek steel of
this long nose short deck pony car from across the Pacific with
only a few minor scratches being notable. Leading the way are
deeply inset headlights under plexiglass bubble covers which flank
the slightly bulged hood complete with functional black heat
extraction louvers. A black striped 280Z decal runs just above the
rockers between the front and rear wheels and up top we note
louvers on both the quarter glass and sloping hatch. Inset
taillights reside within a satin black rear panel and just below is
another crash bumper with more accordion black rubber and another
chrome upper bedrail. Grounding all of this are 14" Hayashi Racing
wheels wrapped in 235/60R14 blackwall rubber. The original wheels
and front valance come with the purchase of the car
Interior
Opening the doors, we note some nicely done vinyl door panels in
black. This flirts with a center panel in black textured tuck and
roll vinyl and smooth black vinyl for the edges. Delineating the
tuck and roll from the smooth panels is a thin piece of wood
applique adding a nice warm highlight to the otherwise black doors.
Black high back buckets float in a sea of black carpeting and have
a nice black center console racing forward from the rear back
carpeted hatchback storage area. Up front, the nice black padded
dash uses a deeply embedded circular motif as its central design,
which forms the housing for all the gauges including some peppering
the very center of the dash on top. The dash continues to flow down
to meet the console and holds within the slides for the heat and
air conditioning, an AM/FM/Cassette stereo, courtesy lights and air
duct outlets. An original steering wheel fronts this dash. In the
back we note a fully carpeted storage area complete with luggage
straps and aftermarket speakers.
Drivetrain
Under the long long hood nested within a gaggle of wiring and hoses
is the 2.8 Liter inline 6-cylinder power plant. This mill is fed
the proper air and fuel mixture via a modified form of Bosch
L-Jetronic fuel injection. It's looking in good condition from its
exterior appearance with supple hoses and a light coating of
patina. There is the optional 5-speed manual transmission on the
back, and a 3.54 rear axle. All is the original drivetrain to this
vehicle.
Undercarriage
Some surface rust on the suspension gives way to the rust free
undercoated unibody and flooring, all structurally sound and
cosmetically looking original. Independent MacPherson strut
suspension is on all 4 corners, and power disc brakes are on the
front as power drum brakes adorn the rear. A stock style exhaust
system with a new intermediate pipe and muffler is now
installed.
Drive-Ability
This sports car started easily, and it was off to the test track
where it had nice acceleration, rail-like handling, and bias free
panic stopping. The interior is very comfortable and surprisingly
roomy and our only frown to note was the brake pedal being rock
hard for a split second when applied then giving way and providing
normal stopping resistance.
Presenting as a rust free, turnkey car, this highly original
example shows with the original drivetrain and luxurious, (for a
sports car), interior. A Japanese pony car which gave all others
here in the USA a run for their money, now classic and becoming
collectable, right here in our Hallowed Halls of Classic Auto
Mall!
VIN DECODE
HLS30359399
H-L28E Engine
L-LHD
S30-Model Number
359399-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.
