Vehicle Description
Vehicle to be offered for Auction sale WITHOUT RESERVE and SOLD to the highest bidder January 19th - 22nd 2017 at Russo and Steeles 17th Annual Scottsdale Arizona Auction at the Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. Please contact us for more information.
Launched in 1969 and available in the United States from 1970, the Datsun 240 Z was the image leader from Japan's Nissan Corporation and it completely revolutionized the sports-car world with its performance, comfort, reliability, and surprising affordability. Featuring sleek body lines reminiscent of Jaguar's E-Type, the 240 Z was a revelation to drive with its SOHC six-cylinder engine, 5-speed gearbox, all-independent suspension, comfortable interior, and 125-mph top speed. Developed through 260 Z and 280 Z iterations, the first-generation Z-cars were built through 1978 numbering some 540,000 in all.
Encouraged by the success of the first-generation models, Nissan launched the new 280 ZX for 1979. Completely new with the exception of the engine and gearbox, the 280 ZX continued the winning styling of its predecessors. As with the 260/280 Z, the new ZX was available as a two-seater Type HSL 130 in the U.S. and 2+2 Type HGLS130. Launched in the Japanese home market in the summer of 1978 and available from November 1979, the 280 ZX was based upon a new all-steel anybody structure offering greater passenger space and versatility than before. Styling was performed entirely in-house at Nissan, with the 280 ZX the company's first to benefit from wind-tunnel testing. The former U.S.-only 2.8-liter engine was now standard worldwide, with American models initially rated at 135 horsepower SAE net and European models rated at 140 bhp; a 10-hp boost was applied to American cars by 1981.
Handling improved with adoption of proven chassis components borrowed from the upscale 810-series sedans and braking now included four-wheel discs standard. A huge success on the road, the 280 ZX was also a winner on the track, with Bob Sharp Racing winning the 1979 SCCA C-Production title and the Electramotive team taking the 1979 and 1980 IMSA GTU championships and the IMSA GTO title for 1982 and 1983. Screen legend and skilled Bob Sharp team driver Paul Newman was most closely associated with the racing 280 ZX and provided high-profile endorsements. A huge success, the 280 ZX was sold through 1983.
This 1981 Datsun 280 ZX maintains its original feel with the vehicle stripped to bare metal, primed, and painted in the model's original two-tone blue and silver paint scheme with a light blue hand painted pin stripe separating the colors on the hood. The interior has been fully reupholstered in leather and vinyl while retaining the original color scheme. Other highlights of this well equipped 280 ZX include T-tops, a 5-speed manual transmission, power steering, AM/FM radio with Kenwood rear speakers, and new Michelin tires. All vacuum tubing has been replaced, all chrome is polished, and has upgrade Bosch fuel injectors. The original 2.8-litre L28 inline 6-cylinder engine powers this 280 ZX. Major service work has been performed, including boiling of the radiator, replacement of the brake master cylinder and clutch slave cylinder, all brake lines have been bled, and the engine bay was degreased and washed. Sound deadener has been installed under the driver and passenger seats. A new windshield was also installed, as were new rubber seals along the rear and side windows. With unmistakable looks and a true Grand Touring driving experience, this 1981 Datsun 280 ZX is a great example of these increasingly collectible modern classics and ready to enjoy.
