Vehicle Description
1981 Nissan 280ZX
Although the old guard won't enjoy hearing it, Japanese cars are
increasing in collectability. We're seeing spikes in prices of cars
like the Datsun 2000 roadster, the Toyota 2000GT, and the early
Mazda Cosmo, so there's no sense in fighting it. The Datsun/Nissan
Z-car now has a history that's nearly as old as some of our beloved
American iron such as the Camaro, Firebird, and Dodge Challenger.
And for a generation that grew up in the 70s, the Nissan 280ZX was
something we eagerly read about in the pages of our favorite car
magazines.
For consignment, a 1981 Nissan 280ZX with a title verified 60,296
actual miles. With its long pointed nose, short sloping rear, long
wheelbase, and flat rear fascia, the shape is undeniably
distinctive, ever present on the roads in the 70's and 80's as
daily drivers, they are now highly desirable collectibles. This one
presents in original condition with areas that will need some TLC,
and other parts that will need nothing.
Exterior
Brown was still quite popular in the early 80's, evidenced by the
Light Brown Metallic on our car which even colors the covers of the
inset headlights, a key field mark that adds to its uniqueness. A
ribbed rocker panel trim piece adds some contrast as does the
polished B-pillar trim and 14-inch wheels. The long hood is
enhanced by a center bulge flanked by black vents matching the
plastic cowl grille. From behind, there's no mistaking the 3 color
tail lights over a straight bumper and at the base of the flat
hatch window. Side body molding is a remnant of the 70's and 80's
and prevented door dings, but also cut through the smooth panels of
the midline. And the panels on this car are straight, the paint is
nice, and the metalwork is in good shape. Where it shows its age is
on black painted parts such as the door handle surrounds, the
emblems, and the front window trim. There's also clear coat and
oxidation issues on the wheels, but from 20 feet, you couldn't
tell.
Interior
Beige and tan door panels are nice compliments to the exterior
brown are in decent condition with some light, general patina. The
bucket seats have aftermarket covers and so do the 2+2 seats in
back. The brown steering wheel is in great shape and wears a "Z"
emblem, all leading to a sizable instrument cluster with essential
gauges and idiot lights in a symmetrical descending pattern. More
toward the middle, we find additional gauges, (and digital clock),
coved and canted towards the driver in a race car inspired design.
Below that, the standard A/C panel and a nickel backed
AM/FM/Cassette radio panel, framed in brown plastic. On the dash
itself, a fitted cover protects the sun exposed surface that has
some telltale cracks. In the center console the shifter takes its
place and once again, it's metal over plastic. The beige carpet is
nice in the footwells outside of the brown rubber mats, but in the
cargo areas it's a bit soiled. But this cargo area also has loose
and cracked material on its walls and some staining of the plastic,
along with some wear on the weatherstripping. The headline on this
solid roof car is in good condition.
Drivetrain
With a body matched cam cover in the engine bay, we find the driver
quality 2.8 liter SOHC inline 6 cylinder rated at 145 horsepower.
Fuel is regulated by the Bosch L-Jetronic EFI system and a Jatco
L3N 3-speed automatic transmission is behind it, sending power to
the rear wheels and 3.54 gears. Power brakes are onboard as front
discs and rear drums.
Undercarriage
Aged and dirty, but we've seen worse. We note some oil on the oil
pan, some dampness near a brake line, general grime on the knuckles
and rear diff, and both boots of the rack and pinion system are
torn and detached. A single exhaust carries a stock style muffler
before wrapping behind the gas tank and finding a chrome tip.
Independent MacPherson strut suspension is supplied front and
rear.
Drive-Ability
It was the daily driver that felt like a race car, and it still
does! The low seating position, the long nose ahead, and that rear
wheel drive is a recipe for good times. The car is a quick starter
and the automatic does a good job at putting the power down,
propelling our Z through its pace where it tracks straight and
handles great, even with 70 series tires. All functions work as
they should and we steer this aerodynamic classic back to the
showroom. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions
were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee
these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
She's not perfect, but she's got fantastic bones and can be driven
while being restored, or simply enjoyed as is for years to come.
Personally, we would not hesitate to take this to shows, cruise
ins, or cars and coffee, it's that uncommon and that special. Seems
like yesterday that they were "just another car" on the road. But
they have bloomed, like Cinderella, and are the belle of the
Japanese ball! Do you have the glass slipper that takes it
home?
JN1HZ06S7BX193357
J-Japan
N-Nissan
1-Passenger Car
H-L28E Non Turbo
Z0-S130
6-280Z Coupe
S-2+2
7-Check Digit
B-1981
X-Nissha Plant
193357-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
