This 1980 Datsun 280ZX is one of a very small batch of 10th Anniversary Models not painted in the more widely seen black and gold editions, making it one of 500 sporting a red and black color combo. This car is one of those rare models that may be hard to find but isn’t necessarily valuable, especially when its found after not running for years and sporting some mild body damage. Still, if you’re a fan of Nissan’s S130 lineup, this is definitely one of the harder limited editions to find. The 280ZX is listed here on Facebook Marketplace with 79,000 miles and an asking price of $9,000.
The S130 Nissans are among the least valuable platform of Z cars out there, undoubtedly tainted by the overall stench of the malaise era. Heavier curb weights and less power combined to make even the sexiest sports cars dead on arrival, and models like the once-sporty Z car made do with a paltry 132 horsepower. What an insult for a nameplate that just ten years prior was considered one of the most foremost sports cars of the era, and today remains at the top of heap of collectible Japanese classics. The seller notes this forgotten Z car was put away one winter after the owner’s wife was done driving it.
The 10th Anniversary models came with a T-top roof, special 10th anniversary “wreath” badges, console-mounted plaque, the aforementioned paint scheme, and leather seating. The interior of this example is in fair shape, with the seats not showing any signs of cracking, and better than I expected if the 80,000 reported miles is accurate. The carpets look good and match nicely with the dash, but the steering wheel does look cosmetically tired. The seller doesn’t report as to whether the stereo or interior lighting still works, but fortunately, the cabin doesn’t look like the kind that’s been sitting with a T-top panel leaking for six months – so fingers crossed electronic faults are minimal.
If you need to own an S130, the turbocharged model with the L28ET engine is the way to go. Of course, if you want to own one of the more limited production models, then it’s hard to beat a red-on-black 10th Anniversary Model. It seems to me, perhaps, that finding the turbo motor and swapping that into a car like this could be the answer for building the ultimate S130 collector car. Find the same wheels from the turbocharged model and add some plexiglass headlight covers and you’ve got a Z-car I would personally love to own. Would you rescue this forgotten 280ZX on the basis of its color combo alone?
I apologize to to anyone I offended on the last Z post, with the Weber carbs, you want to do that, by all means, be my guest. These here were the epitome of the original Z cars. I have a friend, had one of the black and gold ones, shifting into 5th at 100 mph was mighty interesting. While the spaghetti bowl fuel injection worked well when new, sitting is the kiss of death, and in this case, Webers might be the way to go, IDK, these just don’t have the zing of the original 240’s, and where they went after this, was not for me. It’s a cool find, however, I certainly wouldn’t pay $9g’s for this money pit.
say what you will, this engine you couldn’t kill one. They weren’t a 396-350 but smooth and reliable they were. Good braking system also. The sun just ate them up. As a daily commuter that drove one for 3 years, 5 days a week, 120 miles round trip, in 2010 and enjoyed the 5-speed beauty. I still shift in my dreams………
I agree Howard, good to hear from you.
what a dam shame to do this to this car… so sick of lazy azz people that dont take care of their cars… and then want to ask a fortune for it…. idiots
Had #732 of 3000 in gold luved that car had it for 20 years !
Since this is just a two owner car presuming the current owner/seller is flipping it, someone serious about buying it could probably get the history on the car from the original owner.