Survivor-grade classics sometimes leave potential buyers torn. What is the most appropriate course of action? Should such cars be treated to a faithful restoration, or is preservation a better option? Those are the questions facing the new owner of this 1976 Datusn 280Z. These are highly sought-after Japanese sports cars that enjoy a strong following. This one is a survivor with 77,000 miles on the clock. Its presentation is acceptable, although lifting it to a higher level shouldn’t be difficult or expensive. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Mitchell G. for spotting this fantastic classic.
Datsun released the 280Z in 1975 as an evolution of its existing Z-Car range. It shared its styling and dimensions with its predecessor, with the company’s focus on increased engine capacity and power. Buyers could order a two-seater or 2+2 variant, with the former gaining greater traction in the current classic market. Our feature two-seater is a survivor wearing Red paint. It shows its age in a few locations, although the overall shine means it still presents quite well. The panels have accumulated small bumps and bruises, but none are severe enough to justify steel replacement. However, with no known rust, performing a cosmetic refresh would be pretty easy and worthwhile. The trim is in good order, with the seller stating that new bumper rubber would lift the appearance. The wheels and tires are new, and the seller includes a spare set of alloys.
The biggest difference between the 280Z and its predecessor could be found under the hood. The company stretched the capacity of its existing OHC L-Series six to 2,753cc. It produces 170hp and 177 ft/lbs of torque, which feeds to the independent rear end via a four-speed manual transmission. The power and torque from this engine provide respectable performance, although it is the four-wheel independent suspension that is the star of the show. It gives occupants a surprisingly supple ride for a vehicle of this type while gripping tenaciously in the turns. The seller believes that this classic is numbers-matching, claiming that it has a genuine 77,000 miles on its odometer. They don’t mention verifying evidence. Therefore, that statement must be taken at face value. The Datsun runs and drives well, with no identified vices or shortcomings.
The seller purchased this Datsun approximately two years ago, planning a restoration to recapture its youthful good looks. This never happened, although it appears they started work on the interior. They don’t provide any shots giving an overview, but the seatcovers and carpet look new. The passenger door trim seems to show slight edge wear, and it is impossible to determine whether the dash has developed the typical cracks above the gauge cluster. However, with no evidence of cracked or broken plastic, the signs are promising.
It will be fascinating to gauge your feedback to discover what percentage of our readers would preserve this 1976 Datsun 280Z. The seller listed it here on Craigslist in Bloomfield, New Jersey, with an asking price of $21,500. That would seem, on the face of it, to be slightly above the market average. However, it is worth noting that the two-seat variant typically commands higher prices than the 2+2. With values rising steadily, it may not be many years before these Japanese sports cars are beyond the reach of mere mortals, which might justify splashing the cash on one now. If you’ve ever owned a 280Z, was the experience enjoyable enough to contemplate a repeat performance?
Sell for 21.5…..No A/C so I smell sushi here.
The 280Z is the last of this series of Z-cars (Fair Ladys?), and arguably the best version (exclude the 2+2). It looks nice in the ad. Too bad it’s clear across the country otherwise I’d look at it. I would expect to talk turkey on the price however.
If my garage wasn’t full already I’d be checking into this.
Having owned both a ’73 240 and a ’76 280 I can validate these cars ROCK! Personally I preferred the 280. It seemed much more refined and the fuel injection made a world of difference.
With a history in PA and NJ, I’d want to go over this car very carefully with a paint thickness tester. The east coast is terribly hard on vintage Japanese tin because they spread salt at even the suggestion of winter weather and they spread it thick. But maybe that explains the pricing: the seller could be asking for a premium just because it’s a survivor where so few survived.
I lived in NJ most of my life. Unless this was a fair weather car hidden rust should be investigated. I owned a 260Z…nice car but yes….rust crept in.
The cool thing about the Z cars is that many of the engine parts, like the carbs, can be swapped from the early 70’s to about ’78.
The interior plastic parts, especially in the rear tend to rub together and make noise so the trick was to replace the plastic grommets with sheet metal screws and paint the heads to match.
I wrenched on a number of these back in the early 80s. They were great cars and this one looks to have avoided the tin worm. I don’t think the asking price is over the top, but it’s likely negotiable.
Love the rear window slats. Got them on my 80 280ZX.
3185 lbs with no back seat . The FairladyZ was losing its girlish figure.
Had a 1976 Silver, 4 speed,A/C (a must in the deep South) and rear window slats in the mid to late 80s.
What blast to drive ! Windy back roads or inter-state.Later rust began to appear .
Wish I had it now !