For Sale: 1971 Nissan 280ZX in Seekonk, Massachusetts

Vehicle Description

**THIS VEHICLE WILL BE SELLING ON AN UPCOMING BRING-A-TRAILER ONLINE AUCTION. ONCE THE DATES HAVE BEEN PROVIDED IT WILL BE UPDATED HERE. IF YOU'RE INTERESTED IN PURCHASING PLEASE REGISTER TO BID DIRECTLY WITH BRING-A-TRAILER. IT'S A QUICK AND SIMPLE PROCESS. PLEASE CALL WITH ANY QUESTIONS.**
 

This stunning 1971 Nissan Fairlady Z (RHD) was restored to show quality standards by well renowned Tsuguya “Jay” Ataka of JDM Car Parts and Restoration Service located in Torrance, CA. It was featured twice on Jay Leno's Garage twice in 2022 including the episode with Brie Larson. Photos and videos of both episodes are presented in the gallery. The Nissan Fairlady Z is a model series of sports cars manufactured by Nissan since 1969. The name was chosen by Nissan's president to evoke the beauty of the musical “My Fair Lady”. The car was sold as the Datsun 240Z in the American market where it was a big success. The Fairlady Z is known for its performance, classic styling and connection to the legacy of the original Z-car. From the information gathered this example was imported from Japan in the 1980's. It was featured as the Enkei Wheel show car at the SEMA Show in 2010 which is documented with photos presented in the gallery. It was purchased by Tsuguya “Jay” Ataka the owner of JDM Car Parts and Restoration in 2015. The car was the product of a comprehensive restoration that was completed in 2022. Photos of the restoration are presented in the gallery. This car is in show quality condition throughout. Since completion it's won multiple awards including “1st Place” at the Japanese Classic Car Show and “Best of Show” at the Peterson Automotive Museum Car Show. Photos of these awards are presented in the gallery but not included because Jay is keeping them for recognition. MS CLASSIC CARS purchased this car directly from Jay in May of 2025 and September of 2025 is the first time it's been listed for sale. An original Japanese dealership brochure, custom license plates and a flash drive with photos are included. The Japanese Nissan Fairlady Z (RHD) models are seldom-seen especially in show quality condition. Don't miss this opportunity to purchase a true star car with a clean California title!
 

The exterior of this car is in beautiful condition throughout. During the refurbishment process the car was completely disassembled and the body was stripped to a bare metal shell. The bottom of the rear quarters were replaced with new metal. It was outfitted with new rocker panels and floor pans. Countless hours were invested in prepping the body to be straight with excellent panel fitment. It was refinished in the original color of White which is code #904. The show quality paint work was recently detailed by the team at MS CLASSIC CARS. The paint on this car is virtually flawless and has a brilliant shine. The front windshield was replaced new and the rear hatch glass was also replaced new with the correct vertical rear defroster lines. Everything on the exterior was restored or replaced new such as the glass trim, wiper arms, black fender mirrors, framed Z mesh grille, early type headlight cover frames with new lenses, headlights, turn signals, front bumper, door handles, tail lights, rear tail lights and all rubber seals. It also has correct new Fairlady Z emblems on the hood, fenders, quarter panels and rear hatch. The car was outfitted with 14” steel wheels that were powder coated black and decorated with chrome lug nuts on new wheel studs. The wheels are mounted to new Accelera Eco Plush 185-70-14 tires. As point of reference the base model didn't come equipped with bumper moldings or hub caps.
 

The interior of this car is also in beautiful condition throughout. The entire cabin was stripped, prepped and painted white. It was outfitted with new black interior including such items as the headliner, door panels and bucket seats. The dash was refinished by Just Dashes and looks amazing. It's equipped with a Datsun competition (NISMO) steering wheel and shift knob. It's equipped with a JDM Fairlady Z optional clock and footrest. It also has genuine Nissan NOS optional Fairlady Z rubber floor mats. Everything else in the interior was restored or replaced new such as the rear view mirror, gauges, vents, steering column and levers, center console and trim, door sill plates and hardware, seat belts, pedals and carpeting. The fuse box was also replaced new. It's equipped with the early type choke and throttle lever knobs. The rear cargo area was also stripped, prepped and painted white. It's equipped with full spare and necessary tools which are accessed under carpeting with insulation and wood cover.
 

The engine compartment is highly detailed throughout with many new parts. The engine bay was stripped, prepped and painted white. The new L20, designated L20A was introduced in 1970 to replace the original L20 and was based on the design of the L16. The car is powered by the original L20A engine which is a 2.0L (1998cc) single overhead camshaft (SOHC) straight-six. This engine was completely rebuilt and runs excellent. It has the original head with correct 4 fin fan blades. This engine produced around 130hp. The correct SU-type Hitachi side draught carburetors were rebuilt by Z Therapy. The orange painted air cleaner is also correct for the L20A engine. The engine has the correct intake and exhaust manifold with new down pipe and NOS JDM Fairlady Z type exhaust system with dual tips. The engine is cooled by a new Nihon OF radiator with fan. The engine is coupled to a later B-type 5-speed manual transmission that was completely rebuild and shifts smooth. Everything in the engine compartment has been restored or replaced new such as the hood prop rod, service light, plastic containers, hoses, wiring, nuts, fasteners, starter, coil, distributor, spark plug wires, alternator, belts, fuel filter, etc. It's equipped with a Nissan Group 24 battery 575 cold cranking amps.
 

The undercarriage is very clean throughout with many new parts. The new floor pans and underside was painted black. Everything underneath was restored or replaced new such as the steering system, suspension components, braking system and fuel system including the fuel tank. It's equipped with coil over suspension including Eibach Springs and Tokico shocks. The bushings, tie rods and ball joints were replaced new. The brake master cylinder, booster, hoses, front calipers and pads, rear wheel cylinders, drums and shoes were replaced new.

Vehicle Details

  • 1971 Nissan 280ZX
  • Listing ID: CC-2003544
  • Price: Best Offer
  • Location:Seekonk, Massachusetts
  • Year:1971
  • Make:Nissan
  • Model:280ZX
  • Exterior Color:White
  • Interior Color:Black
  • Transmission:Manual
  • Engine Size:Inline 6
  • Odometer:0
  • Stock Number:912
  • Trim Level:RHD. Featured on Jay Leno's Garage
  • Title Status:Clear
  • Restoration History:Fully Restored
  • Exterior Condition:Excellent
  • Seat Material:Leather
  • Engine History:Original
  • Engine Condition:Running
  • Drive Train:Rear-wheel drive
Listed By:
MS Classic Cars
1865 Fall River Avenue
Seekonk, MA 02771

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