Survivors are typically cars that have managed to get through life without any modifications or restoration. However, this 1976 Datsun 280Z wears that title for a different reason. Years ago, it suffered an engine bay fire that could have burned it to the ground. It emerged from the experience as a rock-solid classic that is a turnkey proposition for its next owner. It has a few minor needs, but none require immediate attention.

Potential buyers typically look favorably upon a classic with a known history, and this 280Z ticks that box. The seller purchased the car in 1983, enjoying all it offered until parting with it in 1989. Its lure proved too attractive to resist, motivating them to repurchase it in 2006. It has remained their pride and joy ever since, spending its downtime safely stored in a warm and dry garage away from rain and other weather extremes. It presents nicely, with the previous owner treating it to a professional repaint in its original Code 901 Silver Metallic in 2001. It retains a healthy shine, with no evidence of patchiness or matte areas that sometimes plague this paint shade. The panels are arrow-straight, and the only issue for the buyer to tackle is minor rust on the inner doors. However, prone areas like the floors, rockers, lower rear quarter panels, and the hatch opening are all clean. The trim and glass are in good condition, and the Datsun sits on its original alloy wheels.

This Datsun’s interior carries the hallmarks of careful ownership, with no signs of abuse or mistreatment. The factory radio made way for an aftermarket stereo at some point, but that is the only apparent modification. The Black vinyl trim is in good order, and the matching carpet is surprisingly free of wear and fading for its age. The console and plastic components haven’t cracked or broken, and the new owner will undoubtedly welcome the ice-cold factory air conditioning. The only unknown is the state of the dashpad. These often crack above the center gauge cluster, but the photos don’t provide a clear look at that area. The seller doesn’t mention problems, so it is a case of crossed fingers on that front.

We’ve now reached the point where this Datsun’s story reveals itself and why I consider it a genuine survivor. A fuel injection issue caused an engine bay fire in 1982, and with raw fuel sloshing around, the car could have burned to the ground. However, good fortune smiled on it, and the 280Z emerged with a cooked hood, engine bay, and wiring harness. After an engine bay repaint, the owner replaced the damaged items and coaxed the car back to life. It is none the worst for the experience and has shown no signs of lingering problems in the forty-two years since the blaze occurred. The seller treated the engine to a valve job in 2006, and it has only clocked around 6,000 miles since. Its 2.8-liter L-Series OHC six should send 170hp and 177 ft/lbs of torque to the independent rear end via a four-speed manual transmission. The power and torque make it a competent performer, but the suspension allows these cars to come alive when pointed at twisting tarmac. They are wonderfully engaging and reward drivers who put in some effort behind the wheel. The seller indicates the car is in excellent mechanical health, with the engine running as smooth as silk and no identified mechanical issues. Potential buyers can consider it a turnkey proposition.

The seller listed this 1976 Datsun 280Z here on eBay in Springfield, Illinois. Its history hasn’t discouraged potential buyers, with twenty-five bids pushing the price to $4,800. Unsurprisingly, that figure is below the reserve. There is time for the situation to change, and I believe it will. Z-Cars are inherently desirable, but there is something even more attractive about owning one that has triumphed in the face of adversity. Do you agree?