Barn Finds reader Michael has located this 1978 Datsun for us and I owe him a huge thanks for that. Not only do I really love these (and have always wanted one) but it brings back memories of the time I spent as a member of a Datsun owners club. This particular 280Z is listed for sale here on Craigslist. Located in Troy, Alabama, this delightful Datsun is being offered with a clean title and a $39,000 asking price.
Over the years I have owned a number of Datsuns of various persuasions. Some have been quite delightful, while others have seemed to be spiteful and vindictive. It has never quenched my desire for them. I’ve always loved the Zed cars. The biggest issue that plagued the Datsuns of this era was rust. In fact some of them seemed to be positively biodegradable! That shouldn’t be an issue with this particular car as when the original owner purchased this 280Z from the dealership in Finley Park, Illinois he specified two options. The first was the dealer-fitted Appliance slotted wheels that grace the car to this day. The second thing was that the car underwent a full Zeibart rust-proofing, so that should keep the tin worm at bay.
This is one of a series of photos that the owner has provided to verify the lack of rust or rot. The owner also claims an original 13,100 miles on the clock. He provides quite a comprehensive history of ownership of this little Datsun that makes the claim quite plausible. The seller is only the fourth owner of the car. The original owner purchased it new in 1978 and it was sold out of his estate after he passed away in 2009 with only 11,739 miles on it.
The interior truly is a time machine. All of the interior plastic and trim looks first rate, with only a small amount of discoloration on the driver’s seat to show for the last 40 years. As well as suffering from rust issues Datsuns of this era were prone to problems with plastic as it would both wear and become incredibly brittle over time. The fact that everything appears to be so good augers well for the care that this car has received. The seller also states that everything in the cabin operates exactly as new including the map light and the clock. The clocks on the Zed cars were a known weak point, so to have one working perfectly gets a big thumbs up from me.
The photos of the engine bay are quite specific so we don’t actually get a full shot of the engine. The engine bay itself looks remarkably clean and everything appears to be in order. That wonderful L28 engine is backed by a fantastic little 5-speed transmission. The seller claims that everything works exactly as it is supposed to, and the transmission shifts smoothly and easily. The L28 was essentially relatively bullet-proof. The only real issues that tended to afflict them was valve stem seals which would wear and cause the engine to blow some smoke, and occasionally they would suffer head-gasket failure due to the cylinder head warping. Having said that, I’ve seen L28 engines abused for in excess of 400,000 miles and they’ve kept coming back for more!
Right at this moment I am not even bothering to check my bank balance for the simple reason that I know that I can’t afford this 280Z…unfortunately. When the Zed cars first hit the market one of the big attractions of them was that they were an affordable sports car. Over the years a combination of modifiers and that insidious rust has seen the number of decent original examples dwindle away. To me this seems to be as close to a new 280Z as you will ever find. The price is quite high. In fact, the price of this 280Z puts it right up in the same territory as a new Miata. Is it worth that sort of money? I have no doubt whatsoever that someone will buy it. I just wish that it was me.
With JDM cars escalating in price, this 280Z is probably not a bad deal if you compare the price against the cost of finding a decent one and then restoring it. Even though the wheels look great, the hubcaps would be my choice. While I understand that in certain parts of this country it was a pretty standard thing to do, I just would not want to own a Zeibarted vehicle where I was greeted by those bright yellow body plugs every time I opened the doors.
Not a JDM car…most obvious hint is the left hand drive. With new cars, there are other differences to meet Japanese, UK, Australian etc road specs. No clue why so many people think that JDM means anything Japanese. I’ve had potato chips mailed to me that are more JDM than this car.
40k, nah, I’d rather have a 95 supra, 35k all day, way faster, way cooler car
Faster, safer, not cooler.
Nice car but silly price for the 280Z series. 1970-72 still are most desirable and demand strong prices in nice condition. The 280 became a cumbersome bloated car but will eventually climb in value after the early cars do. Of course it only takes one buyer who loves the car.
If he really can document the mileage on the car, you can throw away the price guides. This is a sweet find and it will bring serious money if it’s real. The 280 was really the nicest iteration of the early Z, in my book. Yes, I know the early 240’s bring better money right now, but give it time. The reliably-fuel-injected 280 was a better car in nearly every way, and I think it’s over-the-top hyperbole to label it bloated or cumbersome.That didn’t really happen until 1979.
My opinion, worth what you paid.
It looks like this guy is single handedly trying to set the price for the 280s.
I had a ‘78 just like this but in yellow. Um, faded yellow..even back in ‘95, I picked mine up for $800. And yes, or was a great (fuel-injected) little car. Wasn’t big or bloaty, just reliable and quick. Now the 2+2, yea, a bit bloaty.
The 280 was last of the line before the ZX took the series to Boogie Wonderland and turned it into a glitter-bound disco princess. I can see this bringing something close to ask, while providing more real driving enjoyment than the original 240 everyone seems to idolize.
What are you talking about? These cars get considerably less disco through time. That’s why I love the funky 280 and earlier. I have a 300zx. I love it but I’d prefer the older, funkier cars. I just wanted some crash safety so I have a 95′ Z
Look at the 280ZX compared to the lines on this car. Nissan lost the plot and didn’t really get it back until 1990 or so. The intervening years were mainly disco flash and awkwardness.
The first 300zx was lame. It basically copied the RX7 body and the Supra was similar too. There was no disco there. That Z was less flashy than any Z ever made other than the digital dash. I can’t see any disco there…
13,100 Original Miles and four owners. Anyone find that perplexing?
Yes only “4 OWNERS” !!!! and with each one the story grew along with the price. LOL
I bought the exact car new in 78′ but with factory hubs. Paid ten five for it. Loved it!!! Alas, I got married and started a restaurant in 79′. Couldn’t drive my wife and could’t sleep with the car…so, bye, bye Z!!! SIGH…
Drive her crazy, sleep with/in the car. Best of both worlds.
Looks like somebody slapped chromed ET slots on it. LOL. Mine was a champaigne brown metallic 78 Z. I paid 5K for it used and sold it to my sister for 2800. Then she got T-boned a year later. This car might be the nicest 78, 280Z out there which should bring a premium just for that. If it is legit all the way around. Sans the mags. I am thinking 25K max for this one. Maybe a tick more.
Old Car Report price guide shows a ’78 Z in #1 condition at $16,000.00. Given the appearance of the undercarriage, this car would not rate a #1 at a car show or auction. I am sending a picture of the ’76 280Z I restored. It won multiple awards, including best in class at the Houston Autorama. It sold at a Worldwide auction for $8000. I have since seen similar results at other auctions.
In the late 90’s when Nissan was not making Z cars, they bought 240Zs and restored them to factory new condition and sold them for $25,000. If this was one of those cars, I would pay that price.
Her’s the exterior.
As is the case with a very nice 40 year old car, you’ll never build one like this for the asking price.
Zed? Zed? Oh, right. In Amerikaaner it’s Zee.
Those bumpers. Ick. Just, ick.
A green/black ’78 280Z with (from memory) 80K miles on it sold for about $16K (including premium) at the Greensboro (NC) classic car auction about three weeks ago. It had a mediocre but serviceable repaint and a very, very nice interior. Original Datsun wheels and hubcaps. I would rate it 2- or 3+. I thought it was a pretty good deal for the buyer.
Beautiful car, I don’t know if could bring myself to hand over that kind of money for it tho! I am sure it will sell for every penny he’s asking for it!
I have owned a 1977 280 Z for 40 years, I bought it when it was less than a yr old. A few yrs after I got married it was put in storage for 20 yrs and then mechanically restored, with new body rails and floor pans welded in as well. It’s a 5 speed fuel injected straight 6 that rides and handles the twisting 2 lane black tops of Northern Michigan with ease and comfort, it tracks down the expressway at 80+ like it’s on rails. Over the years I have watched as the Z car values have inched upwards but over the last 5 yrs the prices have risen dramatically with the 240s leading the way. Hagerty Insurance 5 yrs ago identified the Z car as a solid investment for appreciation in value and it would appear they were correct. On our drives we continually get lots of interest and great comments from males and females of all ages. Just today I have seen 240s and 280s at auction going for up to $35,000+. In good condition however they can be found for around $15,000+ and for those who appreciate driving a great machine you will be very satisfied with the car.
Wow too much! Several cars would be better for that price. If I wanted one I would just buy a nice dry climate car for 10k. All day long!
Owned two Z’s over the years. A ’73 (orange) back in Virginia and a ’76 (brown) in Kansas. Loved them both. The only way to start the ’73 in winter was to give the air intake a shot of starting fluid. Once it kicked over the choke did the rest. The ’76 EFI was much more livable in winter weather.
Well guys, it’s mine now. I searched all over for the perfect survivor, this was as close to perfect as I could find. I know a restored car would be much nicer underneath and maybe overall with better paint technology available these days, but there is something about “just as it left the dealership” that appeals to me. I bought it after it had been listed for quite some time, so no, it didn’t bring the money it was listed for, not even close. But, it was way above any price you could find published for this car in excellent condition. As they say, “go find another one”. It is getting a thorough checkup and tuneup and will probably receive an undercarriage freshen up as well. Otherwise it will get regular and limited exercise and keep the American cars company in the garage.