1977 Datsun 280Z

Description

The Datsun Z cars put Japan on the performance car map, and this 1977 Datsun 280Z 2+2 tells you all you need to know about why these are such special vehicles. With an unusual copper metallic paint job, a beautifully preserved interior, and long-term ownership history, this is exactly the kind of car that you can enjoy today and let it appreciate tomorrow.

The long nose styling of the Z car never seems to go out of fashion, and when combined with a sophisticated and elegant color like this, it creates a unique blend of performance and luxury that was found on cars like the Jaguar E-Type. The paint is original, and with that in mind it's in fantastic shape. Not perfect, mind you, but for being 40 years old, it's pretty impressive with a soft shine that is exactly what you'd expect. Typical of the Japanese, the fit and alignment of the body panels are excellent, and for a car from the '70s, this one fits together amazingly well. Details like the chrome bumpers are in original condition, and their shiny surface suggests that this car has always been properly maintained. Badges, the front grille, the rear valence with distinctive Z taillights, all of it looks far younger than the car's age would suggest.

The two-tone 2+2 interior gives the Z a lot more space, and while you won't want to put two adults in back for a cross-country trip, it greatly expanded the Z's practicality. The front buckets are well preserved, with no cracks or splits, and showing virtually zero wear even on the lighter surfaces. With its distinctive dashboard design, with speedo and tach in front of the driver and three auxiliary gauges mounted up high in the center, the Z's interior has been the prototype for all Japanese sports cars for decades. In this car, the dash pad, the door panels, and even the rear hatch area are exemplary, showing no signs of sun damage which is so common on these cars. A/C (needs to be serviced) and an AM/FM/cassette stereo are included, so there's no reason not to get in and have fun.

Power comes from an upgraded 2.8 liter inline-six, which makes wonderful sounds akin to the great British roadsters of yore, not to mention all that turbine-smooth torque. The 280Z uses fuel injection, which looks complicated but is extremely reliable and delivers improved performance and economy. Showing signs of proper maintenance throughout its life, this Z fires up the first time every time and pulls cleanly, with a long list of recent maintenance items including the fuel pump, fuel injectors, hoses, clutch master and slave cylinder, a new muffler, and a re-sealed gas tank. The 4-speed manual transmission is wonderful to row through the gears, making this Z a fantastic car to run down your favorite twisty road. The all-independent suspension is agile, and none of its handling prowess is diminished by the added length of the 2+2 body. The original alloys are in very good condition, with no curb rash or corrosion, and they wear a set of 195/60/14 performance radials.

In the same family since 1980, this very well preserved survivor is an affordable way to enjoy a vintage sports car that's also surprisingly practical. The Z's day is fast approaching, and clean examples like this one will continue to be in demand. Call today!