Reader Holly S. has decided it’s time to sell the 1979 Datsun 280ZX that her late father purchased new. It’s located in Hayward, California and reflects her father’s love for the car. While the car is not a perfect example, it’s in remarkably original condition and reflects her father’s love for the car. Holly is asking a reasonable $5,000 or best offer for the car, she really wants to see it go to a good home and is willing to hear any offer! So if you are interested you can contact Holly through the form below.
From Holly: This car belonged to my father. He passed away last year at the age of 97. He loved this car so much and drove it up until he passed. My hope is to find a buyer who will carry-on the love my dad had for his Z. He purchased it new from Hayward Datsun in August of 1979 and has been the sole owner. It is all original and has a clean title (in hand), bill of sale, as well as all maintenance records. The car has been garaged and has no signs of rust and has never been in an accident. Everything is current including the vehicle smog check in 2016 (passed).
The car has some minor body damage to the right quarter panel; a cracked taillight, and the back bumper is askew. There is also a crack in the dashboard. Holly sent us plenty of clear pictures — take a look near the bottom of the post for some close-ups.
My mom drove manual transmission sports cars for most of her life; I appreciate that Holly’s dad was still driving a manual at 97! While the carpet is a little faded in places, you can re-dye it if you choose to do so.
It’s even a practical hatchback — right? Holly also tells us that while the white is the original color, “the car was repainted its original color due to many sap/pitch stains that occurred from years of parking it under the trees in the parking lot at his work.”
Holly tells us that the engine block assembly was replaced in 1992 by The Z Surgeon, Inc. in San Leandro, CA. The car received a pre-sale inspection from Sal’s Foreign Car Service in Hayward in March 2018:
Mileage:
187,984
Last Service:
May 2018
-battery replaced
-changed oil and filter
-check brake lining and hoses for wear
-inspect axle shafts, joints and boots for wear
-inspect suspension parts, wipers, lighting and exhaust system
-check and correct all fluid levels
-check and correct all tire pressure
-road test
Mechanics Report:
-differential leaks oil
-car needs front and rear brake pads and rotors
-steering rack dust boots are broken
-car needs front sway bar bushings and torque rod bushings
Our thanks to Holly for listing this Z with us! It looks like it could be a fun driver and with minimal work could be a great car for years to come. If you have a classic driver that is in need of a good home, please consider listing it here on Barn Finds!
Location: Haywood, California
Asking Price: $5,000 OBO
Mileage: 187,984
Title: Clean
This is a very good ad both in photos and remarkably honest description of its seemingly small problems. Bet it is snatched up quick if not already gone.
Sweet looking car. I did look at one back in 79 but it was simpler to get a Cutlass instead. Ironically most of the ones on the road in the salt belt after a few years had major rust issues which this one looks to be clean of that.
Good luck on the sale, good looking car there.
Many thanks for your kind comments! ❤️
Thank you very much for your kind comments! ❤️
That’s nice and it sure seems like a good deal to me.
I’d say the same. It’s a genuine ‘warts-‘n’-all’ example that someone would enjoy owning and driving. Parts are still available for the model and both engine and chassis respond to mods.
However, I would recommend (with tongue-very-firmly-in-cheek) that the next owner avoids trying to drive the Z-car at speed on Mulholland Drive. This generation of the Nissan sports car was under-damped and had a propensity for turning turtle, and were known as ‘Flippers’ by the guys and gals that used to participate in late-night street races on The Hill.
Many thanks for your kind comments! ❤️
bought one new, one of the best cars i have ever owned. it loved to cruise.
❤️
I’ve always wanted a Z car. This would be almost perfect, but I need something with a back seat. The person who gets this will be one fortunate enthusiast.
What a kind reply! Thank you. ❤️