EXCLUSIVE: 1980 Datsun 280ZX 10th Anniversary

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of their Z car, Datsun built a limited number of special edition 280ZXs. In total, they built just 3,000 of these cars, either in gold and black or red and black. Mechanically, they are identical to their non-anniversary edition siblings, but they came with some special features that make them really stand out. This one is car #1931 and has been parked in this barn since 1998. It’s covered just 58k miles and looks to be in great condition. Cara W needs to find a new home for it, so be sure to send her a message via the form below with any questions or to make an offer!

From Cara – As #1931/3000, this 1980 Datsun 280ZX 10th Anniversary edition, gleams in two-tone black over gold exterior paint. Under the hood is the 2.8-liter inline-six (L28 straight-six) which is paired with a five-speed manual transmission. This car was purchased in 1998 from a private buyer in Nevada and has been stored in a temperature-controlled barn since that time. The total original mileage is 58,593. The car comes completely period-correct. This limited-edition 280ZX is available near Rochester, Indiana with a clean title, documents/photos verifying the history, and some additional accessories.

The exterior paint is original and has not been touched-up or altered. There are few imperfections in the paint and the clear coat remains secure. One area of faint paint bubbling is noted on the vehicle including near the hood/windshield on the driver’s side. This color scheme is one of two exterior options for the limited-edition car, the other being red over black. Commemorative 10th Anniversary wreath decals are found behind the front wheel wells on both sides. The removable t-top panel, rims, and interior remain in-place and absolutely flawless. The original 14″ wheels are included, as are two extra ZX rims. All of the wheels have the correct Z-Logo with the red accent on the center caps.

The seats are wearing their original tan leather and the brown dashboard is in good shape. The interior also features cruise control, the automatic climate control system, and a numbered plaque that shows that this is number 1931 out of 3,000 special-edition cars built.

Having driven every model of Z from the 240 to the 300ZX, I’ve never understood the complaints about these 280ZXs. While earlier Zs are lighter and more agile, there’s nothing wrong with having a few creature comforts. For a car that is going to spend most, if not all, of its life on the street, adding a little weight for air conditioning and sound deadening is probably a worthwhile trade.

This Datsun is going to need a good cleaning and I’m sure there will be some work to make it an exceptional driver again, but it looks to be a really nice survivor. While 280ZXs haven’t quite reached the same level of desirability as the 240Z, they are definitely going up in value as well. Between the condition and the fact that it’s a special edition, this one is only going to go up in value. Hopefully, the next owner will drive it and enjoy it though, as these really are great cars to drive!

  • Asking Price: $22,000
  • Location: Rochester, IN
  • Mileage: 58,593
  • Title Status: Clean

Contact The Seller

List your car here on Barn Finds for only $50!

Comments

  1. Avatar Chebby Member

    Black Gold!

    Like 3
  2. Avatar markp

    Nice car, but I want to see better pictures of the two 68 Torinos.

    Like 1
    • Avatar Cara Wagner

      Hey Mark!

      I have an offer on the Torinos but could talk to you about a counter offer. Give me a call if you’d like to discuss.

      Like 0
  3. Avatar bog

    Nice car Josh (and Cara), but I went the opposite route when I bought my new 1980 ZX. It was in the dealers showroom and was as stripped down a model as Datsun made. I’m sure the dealership was angry as all get-out to have it “dumped” on them. Mine was silver with black interior and had no power ANYthing. Nor did have A/C, aluminum wheels, T-Tops or any other weight adding or power robbing accessories. I totally tricked the dealer. Had a friend go in and show interest and walk out, few days later I went with a very good looking female friend and had her do all the talking. Salesman thought I was her sugar-daddy and that I was buying it for HER. She got an immense discount (thanks, Susan) and I got a car that regularly embarrassed Corvettes etc. Darn did it go through rear tires ! Loved that 2.8 straight six…

    Like 1

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