American classics aren’t the only cars to garner plenty of attention when they hit the market. Take this 1979 Datsun 280ZX as an example. It has attracted nineteen bids since the seller listed it here on eBay in Orlando, Florida. Maybe it is the fact that it is rust-free, or it could be because it is an unmolested survivor. Of course, the seller’s decision to offer it with No Reserve won’t have hurt its cause. The auction action has pushed the price to $9,200 with time remaining for interested parties to throw their hat into the ring.
Datsun launched the 280ZX in 1978 as a replacement for its iconic 280Z. It represented a seismic shift in marketing and engineering as the company focused on a more refined and luxurious vehicle. The 280ZX may have carried many of its predecessor’s styling cues like the long hood and rear hatch, but the reality was that the entire platform and every body component was new. The first owner ordered this Datsun in Polar White, and the impression provided by the seller is that it is a genuine survivor. The overall presentation is impressive if that is the case because there are no significant paint or panel shortcomings. However, it is the subject of structural integrity that provides the best news. The first owner’s decision to opt for dealer rustproofing and its garage-kept history have left this Datsun devoid of the rust problems that often plague these vehicles. The trim and glass look acceptable for a survivor-grade classic, and nobody has burdened this beauty with aftermarket wheels.
This Datsun’s interior is a sea of Red, with occasional splashes of Black for contrast. This aspect of Japanese classics from this era can be a weak point. Vinyl and plastic sometimes don’t age well, and it is common to see interiors looking pretty shabby. This Datsun has avoided that fate. The vinyl looks excellent, there is no appreciable carpet wear, and the dash and pad haven’t waved the white flag. Another slice of welcome news is the lack of aftermarket additions. This beauty retains its factory AM/FM stereo radio, although the air conditioning was recently updated to R134a refrigerant. However, many readers will consider the shifter sticking out of the console as a highlight.
While almost everything visible was new when Datsun launched the 280ZX, the company utilized most of the proven mechanical components from its predecessor. This included the fuel-injected 2.8-liter L-Series six producing 135hp and 144 ft/lbs of torque. This car benefits from a desirable five-speed manual transmission and four-wheel power disc brakes. The 280ZX suffered a double whammy, because not only did its engine produce less power and torque than when it saw service in the 280Z, but curb weight jumped slightly. The result was lost performance because while a 1978 280Z could cover the ¼-mile in 16.2 seconds, the same journey in our feature car will take 17.2 seconds. We don’t want to go down the path of the optional three-speed automatic, because that adds a further second to that time. This Datsun may not be ready to melt rubber, but cruising at 70 on the open road should be pretty effortless. Purists will not only welcome the news that this classic is unmolested, but the engine bay retains such small but crucial components as the original hose clamps and other items. It is a turnkey proposition where the winning bidder could fly in and drive it home.
When the conversation turns to the subject of Datsun’s iconic Z-Car range, the 280ZX typically fares poorly. The car had lost the performance edge enjoyed by its predecessors, morphing from a sporting model to a Grand Tourer. This 1979 example redeems itself, courtesy of the first owner’s decision to order it with a manual transmission. Is that enough to tempt you, or would an earlier Z-Car be more to your liking?
Great looking ZX. I wish I still had my 78Z and my 83ZX.
This was a $2500 car as recently 2010. It actually deserves the bump for the refinement Datsun invested into the model. Even the unlamented 2+2 had acceptable lines, kind of. Easy to repair, inexpensive to add 40hp and wide availability even had my late 1980’s wife wanting one, provided it had power steering. Should’ve hung on to the car and called “All-Z’s-West” to send the flatbed for the wife.
In Florida and rust free is kinda hard to believe you will definitely want to get it inspected before pulling the trigger on this one looks good in the pictures
I first owned a 72 240Z in 1979, it was a great car but rusted away before my eyes. Then owned a 78 280Z in 2001, fun car ended up selling it few years later for too much $ to turn down. Finally in 2020 I purchased a one owner 80 280ZX 2+2. I love this car. Sure it’s not the true sports car like the others I’ve owned, but it fits this 73 year old senior perfectly. AC, PS, PB, Automatic, leather, electric windows, and a more relaxed driving style. Everywhere I go, people come up and want to ask about it, then tell me their story with a Z in their past. I’m enjoying it and that’s what cars are all about.
I loved the 79 thu 83 ZX even the 2+2 models and one this nice is a great find.Good luck and happy motoring to the new owner.
The seller either invested a lot of $$ in a great detail job, or expended a lot of elbow grease.