1979 Datsun 280ZXAlthough the old guard won't enjoy hearing it, Japanese cars are becoming collectable. We're already seeing spikes in prices of cars like the Datsun 2000...
1979 Datsun 280ZX
Although the old guard won't enjoy hearing it, Japanese cars are becoming collectable. We're already 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.
The American iron muscle had plenty of power which is indisputable, but Datsun (soon to be Nissan) with their Z series, had descent power for their size, but has a one up on the Americans..handling! This was nowhere more evident in the class ranks of the SCCA, where the Z's were in the same class as the ponies. Down the straight it was the Americans, however they were quickly caught in the curves and out handled which made for interesting racing on all configurations of tracks.
Exterior
All bathed in brown paint which covers the exterior it also shows some tan moldings and trimmings along with extra black highlighting on the bumpers. The car presenting very nicely sporting straight panels, good gaps, and no rust. All brite work, and badging is excellent. A large greenhouse glass hatchback is covering the rear of this car and with the long hood is the definition of the Japanese version of the pony car. Chromed snowflake spoke alloy wheels are wrapped by Cooper Cobra raised white letter radial G/T's on all 4 corners.
Interior
A swing of the door to leap inside to an inviting very good condition interior, reveals 2 tan colored vinyl covered bucket seats all original. Comfortably seated, one can reach out to the original steering wheel, gearshift and gaze upon the clean original dash. The dash being a brown molded plastic shows no cracks or errors. Carpeting covering the floor is gold tone and has a few areas of minor soiling. Gauges are like new, and odometer shows 70,509 miles which is documented as original miles. Headliner is very nice, and rear hatchback cargo area carpeting is very clean and has nice thick pile. Also noted on the convenience side are power windows, remote controlled mirrors, an AM/FM radio and a Cassette. Air-conditioning blows cold, and cruise control is noted and working.
Drivetrain
Flipping the long, long hood forward reveals an original and clean engine bay which presents as well maintained. Shoehorned into this space is the L28E inline 6-cylinder engine with Bosch Jetronic fuel injection. This setup produces 132HP with 149LB torque. Bolted on back is a 5-speed manual transmission that not only provides great acceleration in lower gears, but great gas mileage in overdrive when working with the 3.36 rear axle.
Undercarriage
Shades of a 70,000 mile car show here with little to no surface rust, and lots of patina black metal surfaces which are sound and coated with a fresh coating of rustproofing, as well as a solid frame, good mechanicals, and overall very clean condition. All independent suspension, and power disc brakes all around and the green flag is waving somewhere.
Drive Ability
A quick starter, good handling and braking and a nice comfy cruiser.
Prior to Nissan—this Datsun 280ZX BY NISSAN…has bells and whistles that the regular Z did not have. It is also a slightly larger car, fuel injected, and has overdrive. Overall, this is a very nice car, original documented mileage. Well maintained with diligent replacement of any parts that were not up to complete perfect snuff (fuel pump, etc). An original car for consignment here at Classic Auto Mall will have you tearing down the road, making lots of zzzzzzzzz's!
VIN DECODE
HS130147352
H-L28 Engine
S130-ZX
147352-Sequential Unit Number