The Datsun 280ZX received mixed reviews upon its 1979 release. Some people expressed disappointment that it was no longer what they considered to be a sports car, while others appreciated the increased comfort that transformed the car into a genuine Grand Tourer. Out feature 280ZX is from the first production year, and has occupied this spot for over four years. It requires restoration, but its rust-free status and odometer reading of 54,000 original miles make the auction action understandable. It is worth taking a close look to determine whether you would make a play for this classic.
Datsun released the 280ZX in 1979, with its latest offering slightly longer than its predecessor. However, the two-seat variant was marginally lighter than the 280Z, which helped overall performance. The seller purchased this classic around four years ago, and it has occupied this spot in their shed ever since. They admit it requires total restoration, but it does have solid bones. The Silver Mist paint looks tired beneath a layer of dust, and there are a few minor panel bumps and bruises. What this Datsun lacks is any appreciable rust issues. It could be a problem with these classics, but the seller assures potential buyers that this 280ZX is rust-free. The glass appears to be free from chips and imperfections, but the original alloy wheels probably require professional attention to return to their former glory.
I have long rated Nissan/Datsun’s L-Series range of engines some of the best to emerge from Japan. They don’t possess quite the firepower of twin-cam engines from the same country. They are as tough as nails and will clock hundreds of thousands of miles with little attention beyond routine maintenance. I have seen the timing chains stretch to the point where they rattle enough to create the illusion of an older diesel engine, but I have only ever seen one fail. The acknowledged weak points are the cylinder head gasket and valve stem seals. However, rectifying faults with either is typically easy and inexpensive. Datsun bolted the 2.8-liter six-cylinder version under the hood of the 280ZX, and with the aid of fuel injection, it generated 135hp and 144 ft/lbs of torque in its prime. This was fed to the road via a five-speed manual transmission, and although the 280 wasn’t as fast as earlier versions of the venerable Z-Car, it was still considered acceptable when these cars rolled off the line. The seller holds evidence verifying that this Japanese classic has a genuine 54,000 miles on its odometer. It isn’t roadworthy, but they have worked towards that goal before losing interest in the project. Many of the fuel system components were replaced, along with the clutch master cylinder, and unspecified other parts. The brakes are inoperative, and the engine runs rough on start-up. None of the problems sound insurmountable, and it may not take much time or effort to return this classic to a roadworthy state.
The seller shortchanges potential buyers with their supplied photos, making it challenging to accurately assess the overall interior condition. A cover conceals the crack-prone pad, while it appears the seatcovers might be ripped. The factory radio made way for an aftermarket radio/cassette player, and apart from some unidentifiable switches, there are no visible aftermarket additions. The first owner ordered the Datsun with air conditioning, although it appears the engine bay components may be missing. One bonus for potential buyers is the load of additional genuine parts and accessories occupying the cargo area.
The seller listed this 1979 Datsun 280ZX here on eBay in Wichita, Kansas. It has generated interest, although this hasn’t translated into a high figure at this time. Fifteen bids have pushed the price to $2,025, which is below the reserve. I would be surprised if the price crawls far past $6,000 before the auction concludes, although this classic could still spring a surprise. Values have climbed faster than the market average during the past year for pristine vehicles, suggesting that a meticulous approach to this car’s restoration could yield an excellent long-term investment. Is that thought enough to tempt you to pursue this Datsun further?
Parts pictures stuffed into a barn. Not much excitement here.
Not having the car professionally detailed, or at the very least washed and photographed outdoors, boggles the mind.
I think it was the 2+2 version the reviewers were moaning about at that time. It did look rather ungainly and large.
I had one of these in the late 80’s early 90’s.
Mine was the 2 seater with the little storage boxes behind the seats.
15″ Enke mesh wheels and a header / Ansa exhaust.
was a bullet on the freeway
the spare tire well rusted out of it, sigh
so a friend in the sheetmetal biz made me a less deep tray which i welded in and used to store a compressor and fixaflat / tool roll
fun car for sure
Had one but it got a 355 SBC and a turbo 350. That’s exactly what this needs . Easy swap the small block fits right in and looks factory. 500 HP and the stock rearend didn’t last long .
That’s a hard looking 54k miles.