While it was initially introduced into the American market to compete head-to-head with the MGB-GT, the original Datsun Z-Car range drew more comparisons with the original Jaguar E-Type. It is easy to see why, because it shared many of its styling cues with the significantly more expensive British classic. This 1977 Datsun 280Z is one of the tidiest that I’ve seen for a while, and it is set to go to a new home. It is located in Huntington, New York, and has been listed for sale here on Craigslist. The owner is asking $15,999 for the 280Z. I have to say thank you to Barn Finder Mitchell G for spotting this lovely little Datsun for us.
The presentation of the Sky Blue Metallic 280Z is hard to fault. It appears that it has received some form of cosmetic restoration, but the owner doesn’t elaborate on when this occurred. He also doesn’t tell us how extensive the work was. There are plenty of positives to be drawn from the supplied photos. The first of these is the fact that the panels appear to be laser-straight, while the gaps are consistent. The paint has a beautiful shine to it, and there are no signs of any rust issues with the vehicle. Of course, I would always recommend a personal inspection, because there are some rust-prone areas that we don’t get to see in the photos. This includes the inner rockers, floors, and under the seals around the rear harch. If these are clean, then a potential buyer could be onto a real winner. The trim and chrome seem to be in good condition, while the same would appear to be true of the glass. It is refreshing to see a 280Z wearing its original wheels and hubcaps. Quite often, these make way for aftermarket alloys, so for those who thrive on originality, this is a definite plus.
The “L-Series” Datsun engines, in both 4 & 6-cylinder form, are quite legendary. This wasn’t so much because they produced heaps of power in standard form. It was more to do with the fact that they could withstand years of abuse and neglect, and would keep coming back for more. I have seen examples of the L24 that have accrued 400,000 miles with little more than standard servicing, and that still run well and pull strongly. This L28 should have plenty of life left in it because the owner claims that the Datsun has accumulated a genuine 27,000 miles in its lifetime. He doesn’t indicate whether he holds any evidence to verify this claim. This is a fuel-injected engine that produces 170hp, which finds its way to the independent rear end via the optional 5-speed manual transmission. The owner states that the 280Z runs and drives like new, and if the cleanliness of the engine bay is any indication, this is a claim that I find easy to believe. As far as weaknesses are concerned, there aren’t that many with an L28. The timing chain can stretch over time, and the engine will rattle like a diesel when this happens. However, I’ve never seen a chain actually fail. I have seen a few blow head gaskets, and valve seals can begin to leak on some examples. All of these issues are cheap and easy to address…if they ever occur.
The early Z-Cars were prone to significant deterioration of interior trim, but things had improved markedly by the time that the 280Z went into production. Some of the more vulnerable pieces like the quilted vinyl had been consigned to the pages of history. However, we are still talking about 1970s plastic, so that still meant that issues occurred. In the case of this car, it looks to be quite positive. The big-ticket item is the dash, and it isn’t unusual to see them crack so that they look like the San Andreas Fault. Unfortunately, this one does appear to have a relatively small crack in the center. I have seen these successfully restored, but there are some other options to consider. A high-quality cover can be sourced for $120. A reproduction pad is also available, but these do sell for around $900. The lid on the console is showing some discoloring, and the door trims have been cut to fit aftermarket speakers. If originality is the ultimate goal for a buyer, then a set of door trims will cost $340, while a replacement console lid can be purchased for $70. That would have the interior presenting at its best because the remaining upholstery and the carpet look good. There is an aftermarket radio/cassette fitted to enhance comfort, but an even better score is the fact that the Datsun is equipped with factory air conditioning.
The owner of this 1977 Datsun 280Z makes the bold claim that the first person to see it will buy it. If a personal inspection confirms that this car is as good as the listing and photos suggest, then it is a claim that I find easy to believe. It isn’t the cheapest example available in the market today, but it is a very long way from being the most expensive. The fact that it has remained relatively original and that it features a 5-speed transmission makes it more desirable than your average 1977 model. Even with those couple of interior trim issues, I would have expected an asking price of somewhere just over $18,000. That makes this a Japanese classic that could be worth a closer look.
Nice car. Minus the bumpers.
27,000 miles divided by 43 years works out to 628 miles per year.
Not very likely. If this car was truly a 27,000 mile car, it wouldn’t have needed a cosmetic restoration, and would look basically showroom new. It doesn’t. It looks to me like a very well-maintained 127,000 mile car. If nothing else, the brake pedal gives it away; it did not get that wear in 27,000 miles.
Barn Finds falls for this way too often.
I’ve seen what a twelve year old Cadillac with 19,000 miles looked like that had spent its life parked in a driveway on Shelter Island, not for from this car’s home. It would have needed a full restoration to avoid its fate as scrap.
If only Nissan had retained the muse that created this gem,and not spent a boat load of cash convincing us they weren’t DATSUN,where would they be today?
Google “1977 Fairlady Z” and see what this car would look like without those tacked-on 5 mph bumpers. Worth the effort of a conversion.
I like these cars. Fast and great handling.
Although I like the looks, anyone can see they ripped off the Ferarri Daytona.
Obviously, not a 27 k miles car.
I have a customer THAT had a Real 26 k car and it required absutely No cosmetic Restoration
And recently won the SCCA stock class. Mint condition car.
I would love to bring this home. Really nice car!
I have owned two ’72 Datsun 240z, and a 1974 Datusn 260z. I have always wanted to own a nice original 280z. I agree on the brake pedal comment, and I also saw the the center glove box top appears to be worn from arm resting. Another thing I saw was many of the original hose clamps are gone. Unless the seller can provide receipts and documents to support the “original” miles, I am thinking that the odometer turned over 100,000 miles.
Called the poor man’s Vette back in the day, it’s now worth more than a typical Vette from the same year.
Mike Adams, thanks for the last sentence in your comments. My thoughts exactly, and frequently.
370zzp said just what I was going to say!! The earlier Z’s were so much better looking than the later ones with the bumpers so far away from the car!! Still a nice car!! A little hard to believe the mileage claim!!
This car does not have factory A/C. If you look next to the fusible link covers there would be a solenoid bolted to the inner fender well where you see the clean blue painted tabs. Another clue is the HVAC panel: on factory A/C cars there would be 4 fan speed selections and not 3 as depicted in this car.
A word of warning–those stainless steel braided lines look to be cheap imitation lines and more than likely are covering non-fuel injection hose.
The mileage claim may be accurate as those fusible link covers still have their original stickers and anyone that has ever owned a ’77 or ’78 280z will attest that these covers never last for more than a handful of years even when stored indoors. The good news is you can still obtain them new from Nissan.
Not sure why someone would paint the steel wheels under those hubcaps as the wheels were painted flat black from the factory.
Overall a nice car and from what I recall this was recently offered for sale on FB marketplace so this might be a quick flip.
The Opel GT was the poor mans vette.