Vehicle Description
1983 Datsun 280ZX Coupe
You may remember the 280ZX as a common car, readily used as daily
commuter cars in the 80's. 55,011 of them were produced in 1983,
including turbo versions which were introduced in 1981. They were
designed with more driver comfort and refinement in mind rather
than maintaining the pure sportiness of the previous generation.
With the addition of a completely new and modern interior, the
280's became grand touring cars.
For consignment, a 1983 Datsun 280ZX couple with a title verified
78,796 actual miles. The ZX's retained the reliable and capable L28
inline 6 cylinder engines of the 280Z's and even in normally
aspirated form, as our car is, they can provide a spirited ride in
a wonderful long nosed, rear wheel drive configuration.
Exterior
Cadet Blue over Silver was one of the two tone colorations
available in 1983 and proved to be popular. The blue sandwiches the
silver which dominates the side panels and rear of the car. The
silver headlight coves are obscured by tinted light covers which
provide a more streamlined nose. T-tops are the roof of the car
after which it slopes downward meeting a large rear window on a
hatch that terminates abruptly on the vertical flat tail. The
taillights are unmistakable on the Z and twin tips exit on the left
side. 14-inch six spoke wheels were standard and have the iconic Z
logo on the center cap. The hood has an asymmetrical intake scoop
and louvered vents on both sides. Overall, the paint is good
condition with imperfections mostly saved for the lower edges in
the form of some bubbling in the chip guard along with scratches
and scuffs and one ding in the silver.
Interior
Smooth silver door panels are met with a blue carpeted base and is
in keeping with the two tone theme of the car. The silver leather
seats are wide and flat, more relaxing than racing, and are in very
good condition. The steering wheel and its angular spokes speak to
the times and this is magnified by the leaning boxes that make up
the gauge cluster. Digital readouts replace analog dials and are
reminiscent of arcade games of the day. Three round gauges in the
center dash are canted sharply to the driver and indicate oil
pressure, volts, and clock via digital numbers. A more modern
AM/FM/CD player is found in the center stack surrounded by a filler
panel. This is where we find the stick shifter in a plastic base
and rubberized accordion style boot. Low pile plush blue carpet
covers the floor and ZX carpeted mats cover that. In the rear
hatch, blue carpet makes another appearance in a space that has a
lot of room. We note the inner and back walls of the hatch will
need restoration.
Drivetrain
Datsun's 2.8 liter SOHC inline 6 cylinder engine is under the long
hood and is rated at 145 horsepower. It's fuel injected and put
into motion via a 5-speed manual transmission which sends rotations
back to the rear axle and 3.90 gears. Power disc brakes are front
and rear. We would classify the engine bay as driver quality but
generally clean.
Undercarriage
Driver quality underneath as well with surface rust in the usual
places along with a few areas of invasive rust in the flooring,
rockers and pinch welds. The single exhaust makes its way from the
engine, down the length of the car, and into a stock style muffler
before exiting under the bumper. Independent suspension is found
front and rear. We note some residual oil on the oil pan, but
otherwise, nothing of concern underneath.
Drive-Ability
A comfortable seat and sitting position greet you as we turn the
key and set the six pistons moving. The car is quiet, somewhat
quick, and as intended provides a smooth ride without the harshness
of sport suspension. Adequate power here, good braking, and
excellent handling make this a not so sporty sports car we can live
with! We would however fix the A/C and heater blower that we find
inoperable.
When I was in high school, (class of '83!), my friend's parents had
this exact car. They were the cool parents, bar none. Because this
car was cool then and it's cool now. Gauges pointing to the driver?
Boss! The Z profile is iconic and now somewhat rare, thus,
desirable. Get back to the digital age and get a closer look at
this '80's car for the cool kids.
JN1HZ04S0DX556491
J-Japan
N-Nissan
1-Passenger Car
H-L28E Non Turbo
Z0-S130
4-280Z Coupe
S-2 Seater
0-Check Digit
D-1983
X-Nissha Plant
556491-Sequential Unit Number
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