Like many people, I view any classic with an ultra-low mileage claim with some suspicion. That is especially true with five-digit odometers because it is easy for owners to be less than 100% honest. However, I don’t believe that’s the case with this 1978 Datsun 280Z. It is a one-owner classic that has been garage-kept its entire life. With no history of rust or accident damage, its overall condition makes the claim plausible. After forty-four years of motoring pleasure, the owner feels the time is right for the 280Z to find a new home. They have listed it here on Craigslist in Aurora, Colorado. They set their price at $19,000, and I must thank Barn Finder T.J. for spotting this stunning survivor.

Datsun offered buyers the 280Z in a two-seat or 2+2 configuration, with this car being the former. It presents exceptionally well for its age, with the Sparkling Burgundy paint shining as nicely as it did the day the owner drove it off the showroom floor. There are no visible flaws or defects, and while it isn’t specifically stated, the seller leaves the impression the paint is original. The panels are laser-straight, while the trim and glass are flawless. Z-Cars from this era developed a reputation for rust, with the floors, rockers, and the area around the rear hatch opening particularly prone. Potential buyers need not worry because not only is this classic clean, it is a garage-kept survivor with no history of problems. The wire wheels are a later addition that suits the Datsun’s character. If they don’t appeal to potential buyers, it is a subject worth raising with the seller. Since it is a one-owner vehicle, they may hold the original wheels and hubcaps for those seeking a factory appearance.

Disappointingly, the seller supplies no engine shots. Lifting the enormous hood should reveal a 2,753cc OHC six-cylinder engine producing 170hp. Buyers could order these beauties with a manual transmission, but this owner selected the optional three-speed automatic. That choice will negatively impact performance potential, but this Datsun should still romp through the ¼ mile in 17.1 seconds. Had they opted for a stickshift, that would have slashed the figure to 16.2 seconds. I’ve had a long history involved with the company’s L-Series engines, and while they aren’t the most potent on the planet, they are as tough as old shoe leather. Dual-row timing chains and double valve springs are standard features, and I’ve seen them remain untouched for more than 400,000 miles without raising a sweat. The odometer of this 280Z is a long way from hitting six digits, with 25,000 miles on the clock. I generally view such claims with cynicism, but I am prepared to believe it due to the overall condition and the fact it is a one-owner classic. The seller recently changed the fuel pump, fuel filter, battery, and oil. They say it runs and drives well, making it a turnkey classic that the buyer could drive home.

Initial impressions of this Datsun’s interior are positive. Nobody has hacked things around to fit an aftermarket stereo, and there’s no evidence of abuse or neglect. The factory radio is intact, and the Black vinyl upholstery and trim show no signs of wear or stains. However, it isn’t all a bed of roses because this interior has one flaw that could cost some cash to address. Z-Cars from this era have a reputation for cracked dash pads, and this is no exception. It isn’t bad, but the problem has struck in the typical spot above the auxiliary gauge cluster. There are several options for potential buyers to consider, depending on the thickness of their wallet. The cheapest is a cover for $150, while a reproduction pad retails for $800. If the buyer craves total originality, a genuine pad is an eye-watering $2,000. That’s a tough call to make, but the condition of the rest of this classic would probably force me to bite the bullet and select the most expensive option. Otherwise, this interior appears to need nothing.

The Z-Car range was a groundbreaking one for Datsun. Japanese manufacturers had built more technically advanced models, but cars like the 280Z demonstrated that the company could volume-produce something that wasn’t a fuel-efficient econobox. Although the company initially denied it, the Z-Car drew inspiration from classics like the Jaguar E-Type to create a genuine sports car that rewarded drivers willing to put in some effort behind the wheel. After spending decades in the wilderness, values climbed dramatically from around 2000. The trend is now tapering, but it continues heading in the direction preferred by those seeking an investment-grade classic. The automatic transmission does undermine this car’s potential value, but its overall condition and ownership history offset that. It has only been on the market a short time, and I believe interested parties may have to act fast to secure this beauty.