Vehicle Description
1984 Datsun 300ZX 2+2 Coupe
The long and storied history of Nissan, and why "Datsun" was used
for the U.S. market is as interesting as it is complex. It makes
for a fascinating read but suffice it to say that in part, Nissan's
heavy involvement in the Japanese military industry had something
to do with cars imported to the United States branded as
Datsun.
For consignment, the last Z-car to be branded as a Datsun! The
third generation Z-car, a six-cylinder powered wedge stuck
somewhere between grand touring car and sports car. It was more
refined than any previous generation. Our very clean example
presents with just 30,402 title verified actual miles and two extra
seats! The previous owners have pampered this car and probably
spent more time cleaning it than driving it, but that saved it for
you!
Exterior
Like a fine merlot, this vintage car is bathed in a coat of Wine
paint, a shade of red that is cool enough to be sporty but not so
bright as to attract law enforcement, the shapehowever may. The
low, long nose and raked windshield are striking. The small bit of
extension on the 2+2 adds to the wheelbase and in some Z-cars
circled is preferred for claims of better handling that the shorter
wheelbase of the 2 seater. Long doors and that angular rear quarter
window create a dramatic profile. The headlights are a unique
combination of exposed lenses and flip up and give the car its
distinct face. The rear taillights are joined by a center reflector
piece with 300ZX printed on it. During this transitional period,
both the Datsun badge and the Nissan badge appear on the rear hatch
lid. A gold double pinstripe shoots down the side of the car and
the T-tops provide for open air driving or a bright, enclosed
cabin. The paint and body are near immaculate, and we note one
scratch on the rocker panel. The 4-lug vented wheels are original
and are one of those design features that just work!
Interior
There's an 80's vibe in here but damn those seats are nice and
that's where our eyes are drawn. Brown and burgundy leather in
mixed panels and pads create a dramatic presentation. The sport
stitched inserts are flanked by lumbar supports in a smooth
leather. The gold 300ZX crest is embroidered into the seat backs
and an adjustable headrest rises above it. The electric seat
controls are housed in a stunning dark wood applique and have 8 way
adjustments. The simple door panels contain a pleated leather
insert and a long armrest with integrated door pull and window
controls. The carpeted door bottoms include speakers. Lest we
forget, the back seats are firm leather buckets and look brand new.
The burgundy leather wrapped steering wheel has a pure 80's plastic
center that connects at the bottom only. The dash looks like an
arcade game from the era, awash in green digital readouts and red
and orange idiot lights. Pods to each side of the gauge cluster
contain various controls and in pure Z-car fashion, the center
gauges for direction, acceleration and MPG's, are canted towards
the driver and backlit in green. Below them are the climate
controls with more green digital numbers and the integrated radio
with more silver buttons than the tin man's jacket. The automatic
shifter is the typical T-shape for the period and housed in the
center console, where more faux dark wood leans towards the grand
touring aspirations of the car. The red carpet and headliner around
the T-tops and rear are in wonderful condition.
Drivetrain
A 3.0 liter inline 6 cylinder VG series engine occupies the engine
bay which is very clean and shows just a touch of patina more from
age than wear. The power plant has electronic fuel injection and a
3-speed automatic transmission, the Jatco L3N. The Z is rear wheel
drive and geared at 3.54. This car represents the early iteration
of a venerable engine that would be used in auto racing and even
dominate IMSA for a time. Every hear of Paul Newman? Yeah, he ran a
few of these. Anyway, our pedestrian car is equipped with power
disc brakes on four corners.
Undercarriage
All very clean underneath and we love how the essentials are tucked
up into a tunnel, leaving aerodynamic wide floors on either side.
The condition here is a testament to the low mileage. A few spots
of surface rust are noted, but nothing that would keep us up at
night. We note some seepage on the rear differential on the cover
side. The car is equipped with a single exhaust and muffler,
exiting out the left side rear with a single tailpipe. McPherson
struts in front and coil springs in back dampen the independent
suspension at both ends.
Drive-Ability
It turns out, the seats not only look good but are pretty dang
comfortable too. A turn of the key and six cans fire right up with
a civilized exhaust roar. With 168 horsepower under the wedge
shaped nose, this car is no slouch and the low center of gravity
provides the true sports car experience. The Z handles turns well,
and visibility is surprisingly good. A few notable issues crept up
during our tenure behind the wheel: the power antenna did not work,
a sensor light on the dash is illuminated, and the car pulled to
the right and the steering wheel was not centered so an alignment
is likely inevitable. Also, the A/C is not working, and our
consignor states the cruise control is also inoperative.
You're in the Napa Valley in your wine colored Z, T-tops off,
kiddos in the back seats, and the Silverado Trail route is
highlighting the grand touring qualities of the car. A quick turn
onto route 128 and you find yourself on the twisties near Mitchell
Canyon. Now you're in sports car mode. The kids get restless, so
you pull over for a snack and take some time to appreciate the fine
machine that brought you up the mountain. It's right here waiting
for you, a nicely preserved 300ZX with low, low miles.
JN1HZ16SXEX022533
JN1-Nissan Passenger Car
H-3.0 Liter VG30DE I6
Z-300ZX
1-2+2
S-Standard Restraints
X-Check Digit
E-1984
X-Hiratsuka Japan Assy Plant
022533-Sequential Unit Number
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