Make An Offer: 1983 Datsun 280ZX 2+2 Turbo 5-Speed

• Seller: Steven W hite
• Location: Taylors Falls, Minnesota
• Mileage: 145,000 Shown
• Chassis #: JN1CZ06S3DX703541
• Title Status: Clean
• Engine: 2.8-liter Turbocharged Inline-6
• Transmission: 5-Speed Manual

The original Datsun 240Z was an icon of its era, with excellent handling and strong performance from its inline-6 engine. Unfortunately, emission regulations killed horsepower numbers, so Datsun began enlarging the engine to offset these regulations. This gave birth to the 260Z and 280Z, but making the engine bigger could only do so much, so when the company introduced the updated S130, they decided to throw a turbocharger into the mix! This gave the engine a healthy boost in power and made the 280ZX Turbo one of the fastest cars on the market. This 2+2 example is well-optioned with T-tops and the 5-speed manual transmission. It’s being offered here as a BF Exclusive, so be sure to make the seller an offer!

While the S130 was a complete redesign rather than an update to the aging S30, it retained some of the old Z-car’s styling elements and its L28 engine and drivetrain. Car designers had started to embrace a more boxy look heading into the ’80s, so the 280ZX lost its smooth curves, but parked next to a 240Z, you can see the heritage.

The L28ET in this ZX is equipped with a Garrett TB03 turbocharger, which puts out just under 7 psi of boost. The engine could have handled more boost, but limiting it reduced turbo lag and increased the drivetrain’s longevity. Horsepower was rated at 180, and magazines at the time reported a 0-60 time of just over 7 seconds. The seller recently installed new brakes, a new clutch, a new clutch master, and a slave cylinder. The tires are said to be nearly new, and a set of new front and rear shocks and new high-performance fuel injectors are included with the car. The seller states that it drives and rides nicely as is, but is including the new parts for when they eventually need to be done.

Inside, we find a nice interior, especially considering the mileage. The seller notes that it needs a few things to be perfect. It could use a new headliner and strut tower covers. Replacement headliners are being reproduced, but strut tower covers are a bit harder to come by. Used replacements are available, though.

Based on the underside photos, some oil leaks might need to be addressed. While these later cars are more complicated than early Z-cars, they are still easy to work on. We would rather address oil leaks than fix rust, and it looks like this one is very solid underneath.

If you’ve never driven a turbocharged ZX, they really are fun. There’s a dedicated and passionate community of ZX-car owners for a reason! This one has a lot going for it, and you don’t find 2+2 Turbo 5-speed examples often. So, if you’d love to give this Datsun a good home, be sure to make the seller an offer. And leave any questions you might have in the comment section.