Unbeknownst to me, there was a major car auction back in October held on a sprawling ranch property in New Mexico. Known as the Dorsey Mansion Ranch Hoard, the collection featured 500 cars and trucks spread across the property, in barns and under tarps. This 1977 Datsun 280Z apparently came from this property, and the seller has decided it’s not the right time to start a project. Fortunately, he didn’t have to pay much for transport, since the Z car is still located in New Mexico. It looks to be in mostly rust-free condition, and more or less complete. Find it here on eBay with bids to $1,351 and no reserve.
Sandra Henning and Dr. Roger Akers apparently collected the vehicles over several decades, and after passing away, Dr. Akers’ partner chose to sell the vehicles off. I truly wasn’t aware that this collection existed, but when looking through the various news and social media results, it appears that several bidders were simply car scrappers that crushed vehicles on site. What a tragedy – especially if it was predominantly clean New Mexico tin. While I’m sure more cars escaped while than were crushed, it still goes to show you that having a plan for your collection before leaving it in the hands of family members who could care less is essential. The 280Z was certainly too good for that fate, and besides the cheap respray being burnt off by the sun, it looks incredibly sound.
Now, I will say, there are plenty of people who will say they want to go rescue a vehicle, but far fewer who actually follow through. I’m guessing the scrappers showed up with both the cash and the equipment to carry out their deed, and the number of enthusiasts willing to make the drive was far lower. Regardless, sellers like this one who were nearby, it made sense to see what you could get. The 1977 280Z made around 150 horsepower with its L28E 2.8L inline six engine, which was respectable for the era. While a bit of a farm implement in terms of personality, the Z car was known for its respectable performance in an era of limited options for sports cars.
The seller claims notes it comes with no key and no title, so he hasn’t attempted to get it running. The lack of title is going to be a deal breaker for many potential buyers, and it may relegate this Z car to parts car status in its next life. Interestingly, the seller claims to have used a magnet to sniff out prior body repairs, and didn’t find anything to report. That alone could keep this 280Z alive, and the only spot of rust he notes in the passenger floor is likely due to a window that failed and let water creep in. A massive project, but bidding seems to suggest it’s worthy of rescue. What do you think – should this 280Z get another shot at living?
“it still goes to show you that having a plan for your collection before leaving it in the hands of family members who could care less is essential.”
We saw that happen with Harrah’s Automobile Collection when Bill Harrah died-though all were obviously in far better condition, the warehouse was emptied by the heirs and scattered to the wind. Fortunately the National Automobile Museum in Reno has significantly interesting cars from the original group at Harrah’s.
This 280 will need a whole lot of love and money to bring it back to any semblance of decent, but like you said Jeff at least it’s not obviously rusted to nothingness.
Makes me sad to see a Z being neglected. But if rust isn’t hiding in the typical places, this one can be save. Price isn’t too high yet. “US $2,226.00
60 bidsEnds in 6d 8hSunday, 07:28 PM”
All too common a story about these big “collections”!
They were desirable cars, but too many to keep up–and just let go to junk after the owner passed.
I know of a collection in Alabama that 95% will be headed to the crusher–heirs just want them gone!
Sad, but be careful–there’s a fine line between collectoe and hoarder!