The Datsun Z-Car remains one of the more attainable classics out there, and with strong parts supply and a reasonably modern driving experience, it’s a great choice for a starter project. Fortunately, this low mileage 1983 Datsun 280ZX GL listed here on eBay looks a bit better than a project car, and with under 70,000 original miles and mostly original paint, it has clearly been loved. The seller reports that it has the preferred 5-speed manual shifter and it looks sharp sitting on those OEM factory alloy wheels. The asking price is $20,500 or best offer, so hopefully, there’s some room for negotiation.

The S130 Z-car was a dramatic overhaul of the original 240Z. Really, all that was left was the inline-six engine that had become a Z car signature by this point. The shape was heavily massaged into more of a grand tourer-style look with a long hood and short rear overhang. The interior was luxurious with thick carpeting and lots of technology, not to mention a look and feel that leaned heavily on the luxury side versus being raw and sporting. In my opinion, the Z could never shake that identify after the S130; it became more of a Japanese GT than a true sports car, and the malaise era years didn’t help with this image.

Thankfully, the Datsun (and eventually, Nissan) never lost the hearty inline-six powerplant that made every generation a blast to drive with three pedals. The later turbocharged variants showed just how robust these engines were, and plenty of owners of earlier Z cars would swap these motors in not only for their reliability but also for their plentiful torque. The seller reports that this 280ZX runs as it should with no smoking or hesitation, and that it tracks straight down the road. The listing promises that this is a turnkey driver, and while certain issues with inevitably arise, the listing photos do show what appears to be an honest car.

The L28E engine found under the clamshell hood of this Datsun was good for 145 horsepower and 156 lb-ft of torque. Not crazy, but also not terrible, and likely plenty sporting with the manual gearbox. Now, you might ask about the asking price: well, this was the final year of the S130, which was arguably one of the more classic Z car body styles. In addition, the L28E engine featured fuel injection and made smooth, dependable power, making it a fine driver. Finally, Nissan listened to prior complaints and stiffened up the suspension this go-round, making it a better-handling car, too. Overall, if you have to buy an S130, a 1983 model may be the way to go – and especially if you can find one as original as this car is.