In some instances as car models age, sort of like people, they become larger, heavier, and technologically more adept. A case in point is this 1976 Datsun 280Z. It still looks basically like the original Z car incarnation, the 240 which was introduced in 1970, but there’s a bit more to it. Let’s look in detail at this Datsun two-seater; it’s located in Silver Springs, Nevada and available, here on craigslist for $7,000. Thanks to Matt H. for this tip!

Datsun’s first Z car was introduced in America in late ’69 as a ’70 model. Designated as the 240Z, it was succeeded by the 260Z in 1974 and then the 280Z in 1975. It continued through 1978 and then morphed into the 280ZX. Let’s compare:

• 240Z (1970-1973) – 163 inches in length, 2,300 lbs., 2.4-liter engine
• 260Z (1974) – 163 inches in length (175 for 2+2), 2,425 lbs. (2,645 for 2+2), 2.6-liter engine
• 280Z (1975-1978) – 173 inches in length (185 for 2+2), 2,692 lbs. (2,875 for 2+2), 2.8-liter engine

According to Zhome.com, the increased size and weight of the Z car didn’t work against itself as 1976, with its 59K copies (both standard and 2+2 body styles), was its best sales year.

This example has been sitting for a spell. The seller dismantled it, repainted it in what was considered a rush job, and is now in the process of reassembling it for sale since he’s decided to move. The seller adds that the rushed paint job isn’t great but the listing images aren’t that discernable – it actually looks pretty good. One very unusual feature is the sunroof, it was one of those glass flip-up types that were all the rage in the early ’80s but it has been replaced with a sliding canvas affair. Hopefully, it’s leak-free. Considered to be rust-free, this Datsun “needs to be finished” but it sounds like that task will be up to the next owner.

Power is provided by a 170 net HP, 2.8 liter, in-line, six-cylinder engine working through a four-speed manual transmission. It is stated that “The gas is old and needs to be drained and the car hasn’t been started in years“. Being partially covered in plastic, it’s not evident if the engine is complete or not.

Moving on to the interior, we are advised, “It has all new weatherstripping, carpet, dash, seat upholstery, etc.“. What can be seen presents pretty well, it’s just not complete as door panels and trim are missing and it appears as if the work just stopped and the tools were dropped to lie where they are. It’s a work in progress but should present itself well when completed. The question to consider is what’s there and what’s missing?

The odometer reflects a reading of 2,304 so it’s likely been once around and that means the integrity of the mechanicals of this non-running Datsun aren’t really known. All-in-all, this seems like a solid start to a worthwhile project and will ultimately make for a nicely restored example of a very popular ’70s Japanese sports car. What do you think, priced right or not quite?