For Sale: 1982 Datsun 280ZX in Morgantown, Pennsylvania

1982 Datsun 280ZX Coupe

"Nissan hit the nail on the head with the new, softer touring Z, and Motor Trend named it "Import Car of the Year" when it debuted in 1979. It was a harbinger of things to come, being the first car sold as a "Datsun by Nissan." By 1986, the Datsun name would be completely phased out. The 280ZX was a fresh design; the only thing remaining from the preceding 280Z was the excellent 145hp inline six." Oldcarsweekly.com, March 2020

For consignment, a 1982 Datsun 280ZX coupe with 117,536 actual miles. Owned by our consignor for an astounding thirty-eight years, the car currently cranks but will not start, the clutch pedal does not spring back up and there are spots of rust, making this an ideal project for the Z enthusiast.

Exterior
There it is, the iconic wedge shape that turned the consumer grade sports car world on its end, here in Jade Gray Metallic. In profile, you can see some add-ons that increase the sport factor including body cladding, a deeper chin spoiler, louvers on the rear quarter windows, and the 15-inch Prime wheels. There's one original wheel on the car and it will come to you with two complete sets; one original, one Prime. Out back, a rear wing hovers over the iconic light panel and quad exhaust is added, albeit uneven, for a more symmetrical exit of spent gas. Covered headlights and a NACA duct along with vents are unmistakable and fog light have been added to the expanded chin piece. This is where we first note some rust through on the edge of the hood, which also suffers from a dent. Other imperfections include some faded and oxidized paint, chips in a side stripe, rust by the gas cap, chips, scratches, a crack in the acrylic headlight cover, gash in front bumper, blistering and surface rust on lower panels, paint runs, and some orange peel.

Interior
Black door panels join gray carpeted lowers to make attractive inner doors that present in good condition and since it's the 80's, the silver leather bucket seats come as no surprise, sporty and luxurious as the same time, showing some patina especially on the driver's side where there is discoloration and a hole. Up front, the Z-car's touted ergonomics shine through in a palette of black and gray with everything driver focused and the AM/FM/Cassette radio and equalizer are accessible by both occupants. The shifter is the star of the show with its accordion rubber boot and tall profile. Gray carpet below shows some age and is protected by Z-branded carpeted mats while the rear cargo area has fitted mat in good shape, along with T-top covers and Pioneer speakers.

Drivetrain
Under the hood, a driver quality 2.8 liter SOHC inline six cylinder with 145 horsepower, mated to a T5 5-speed manual transmission that routes power to the rear axle with 3.54 gears.

Undercarriage
Driver quality here as well with some typical patina and surface rust but a solid structure overall. We note some dampness at the rear differential and some rust forming at the bottom of the doors. A single exhaust runs through a Monza style system that splits after the muffler and exits through dual pipes with twin tips on each side. Power disc brakes are at all four wheels, and the fully independent suspension includes Macpherson struts up front and coil springs in back with semitrailing arms.

Drive-Ability
The car cranks but would not start. The clutch has to manually be pulled off the floor after compressing. With the battery on, we can test other functions and everything works with the exception of the heater blower.

Here's a classic 280ZX that presents a bit of a project but one well worth saving. Once done, you'll have one of Japan's finest touring sports cars, the values of which have gone in one direction over the past twenty years.

JN1HZ04S1CX458939

J-Japan
N-Nissan
1-Passenger Car
H-2.8 Liter Non Turbo I6
Z0-280zx
4-Coupe
S-?
1-Check Digit
C-1982
X-Nissha Assy Plant
458939-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. All prices are before state, city and county tax, tag, title and license fees. Out of state buyers are responsible for all state, county, city taxes and fees, as well as title/registration fees in the state that the vehicle will be registered. Classic Auto Mall is not responsible for errors and omissions. Please verify listings with dealer. Vehicles may require VIN verification and/or safety and emissions inspections to transfer ownership and register the vehicle in the declared state of residence. Please check with your local DMV office to ensure compliance with your states titling and registration process.

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!