As the last of the Datsun-branded Z-cars, the S130 chassis is regularly subjected to mixed opinions from enthusiasts. For those who enjoy the model, this 1983 Datsun 280ZX GL project is available here on eBay in Alachua, Florida with no reserve.
This Z has not been driven since 2007 when the owner parked it due to a frozen air conditioning compressor and a leaky exhaust manifold gasket. Unfortunately, the owner moved onto other vehicles and let the sports car sit. While fixing those two issues shouldn’t be a problem, the seller acknowledges that other issues have likely developed in the past 12 years of inactivity.
Wheels from a 280ZX Turbo are the only change to the exterior. Personally, these are one of my favorite OEM wheel designs from Datsun/Nissan, so I think they look great on here.
During its time on the road, the sports car drove 156,788 miles. The interior of this Z looks all together and complete, but it will definitely need a thorough cleaning.
Under the hood, you’ll find the L28E 2.8-liter 6-cylinder engine, which pairs to a 5-speed manual transmission to drive the rear wheels. As you can observe, this engine bay has seen better days.
The seller of this 280ZX includes plenty of pictures in the advertisement, many detailing the serious rust issues that have developed.
At the time of this article being written, bidding for this classic Datsun is at $152.50. Unfortunately, the owner admits that “this Z is probably best suited for parts use,” also noting that “Nothing has been tested nor will it be.” Do you see any merit in reviving this crusty sports car for some cheap fun, or would you immediately part it out?
Wow, an owner who is realistic. Bidding started at $1.00. He wants it gone, and is honest about what it is, and what it needed when parked. To me, that is worth a few extra dollars – because I know why he parked it. That doesn’t always happen with a flipper, impound auction, or a ‘donated to charity ‘ auction piece.
If the selling money stays reasonable why not take a chance on getting this one back on the road? A person with a few skills might find out that this still viable and it could make a nice driver.
Why the mixed reviews? These were everywhere once upon a time. I don’t know a whole lot about them. I like the 300zx that replaced it much more.
For a few hundred dollars this might be worth trying to save it just for fun. You’ll never make money at it. It’s not the best era for the z, and Florida breeds rust almost as much as it does alligators, but this one’s in central Florida away from the coast which may have saved it from even worse rust than it has. Get your sander and your welder ready for a few weekends of pain, then just drive it.
Looks like it was baked pretty good by that Florida sun. Brings back memories of my ’80 ZX, also silver, but with black interior. And NOT the GL. The “plainest jane” that they made. Dealer very happy that I “took it off their hands”, as it must have been on their showroom floor long enough that they began to “cannibalize” it for parts to go on OTHER ZXs, rather than order parts. I.E. dome and glove box lights were gone, as were a few other interior trim pieces (all replaced before or shortly after I took delivery). I loved mine…amazingly strong straight 6, and quite fast/nimble due to no power robbing accessories or extra weight. Perhaps someone will give this one some love, or make their project “whole” with the parts !
As a master tech(mechanic in those days! )I kinda made Z cars my speciality.I could assemble one from a pile of parts and know where every bolt and nut belongs. All the way to 1996 twin turbo,( which is still my favorite, 78z is second).Iff anybody needs any tech help I’ d be more than happy to try to remember the finer tips and tricksJust contact me here Joe