For Sale: 1983 Datsun 280Z in Morgantown, Pennsylvania

1983 Datsun 280ZX Turbo 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 turbo coupe showing 60,917 miles, but the true miles are unknown. While the 2+2 turbo coupes are more rare, the regular turbo coupes are more desirable and less than 8,000 were produced in 1983.

Exterior
Cadet Blue over Fox Silver Metallic 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 smoked 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 tail lights are unmistakable on the Z and twin tips exit on the left side. 15-inch turbo wheels have the iconic Z logo on the center cap, each wrapped in 205/60R15 tires. The hood has an offset NACA duct with louvered vents on both sides and a slight bulge in the center. Coveted Turbo emblems are present on the front fender and rear decklid. Overall, the exterior is in great shape, with imperfections noted as some clear coat issues on the wheels and some minor bubbling on the front spoiler behind the fog lights.

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 with some typical compression and wrinkles on the pilot's side. 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 and the digital readouts replace analog dials, 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 while an AM/FM/Cassette player is found in the center. We find the shifter in a plastic base just behind a turbo plate and ahead of a change cup that shows some patina. The rest is in good condition and a low pile plush blue carpet covers the floor with carpeted mats on top that have seen some shoe time. In the rear hatch, blue carpet makes another appearance in a space that has a lot of room, showing some exposure but intact and the plastic walls show some slight patina but are presentable.

Drivetrain
Datsun's 2.8 liter SOHC turbocharged inline 6 cylinder engine is under the long hood and is rated at 197 horsepower, about 50 more than the naturally aspirated version. It's fuel injected and put into motion via a 3-speed automatic transmission which sends rotations back to the rear axle and 3.54 gears. We would classify the busy engine bay as clean.

Undercarriage
Driver quality underneath with not much surface rust to talk about but some residual oil throughout, with some of it drifting to the rear on one side and on the rear differential. 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 in front with Macpherson struts and in back with semi trailing arms and coil springs. Four wheel power disc brakes are supplied.

Drive-Ability
If you're not a fan, you just haven't experienced one. Even sitting in the cabin elicits some excitement. Start the inline six and she comes to life with a healthy sound, but far different from the gaggle of muscle cars we have on hand. Quieter, we dare say, more refined. Anyway, the car has good power and tracks straight, but we do note some very soft suspension, so put that on your list. Beyond that, all functions on this well made car operated as they should and we zip this Z back to the mall to find a good spot for it. 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.

If you were a child of the 80's,(Class of '83, perhaps?), and your friend's parents had one of these, they were the cool parents, bar none. Because this car was cool then and it's cool now. The Z profile is iconic and now rare and desirable. Get back to the digital age and get a closer look at this '80's car for the cool kids. Now available for cool adults!

JN1CZ04S8DX755637

J-Japan
N-Nissan
1-Passenger Car
C-L28ET Turbo
Z0-S130
4-280Z Coupe
S-2 Seater
8-Check Digit
D-1983
X-Nissha Plant
755637-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!