I don’t know about your neck of the woods, but the early Datsun “Z” cars were all over the place in the 70s and 80s where I grew up. Nowadays, I can’t remember the last time I saw one cruising around, and I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a drop-top model in person. In the U.S. market, the first generation of the Z Car began with the 1970 model 240Z, with the name changing to 260Z for the 1974 model, and in 1975 it became the 280Z which lasted the rest of the run through 1978. Well preserved first-gen examples are becoming more difficult to find, and if you’ve been on the hunt for one of these cars and like the idea of a rare convertible, this 1977 Datsun 280Z might be a good match for you. It’s located all the way in The Netherlands, in the city of Waalwijk, and can be seen here on E&R Classics at a price of 69,950 euros.
Barn Finds would like to thank reader PRA4SNW for another great tip on this one! If I performed the conversion correctly, 69,950 euros equals about 76,081 US dollars, so this is not an inexpensive Z. But given its rarity and overall nice condition, this particular example may justify the cost for an interested buyer. The story goes that Datsun never produced the 280Z from the factory as a convertible, and could only be made to order by Griffith Custom Coach in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. These were quite a Limited Edition, with the 1977 Z being offered here bearing the serial number of 12.
While the car is stated to be a one-owner vehicle with just 12,770 miles, the seller also says it has been extensively restored in the past, yet no details are given about what kind of work has been performed. It’s also referred to as a time capsule that takes you back to the 70s, and although the car presents well, I wish the seller had provided more information about the Zs history and exactly what all was addressed during the extensive restoration. There’s also a video provided, and the interior looks like it may have some wear on and around the accelerator pedal.
Not one word is mentioned about the drivetrain, or how well the car runs and drives. That’s a 2.8 liter inline 6 cylinder engine, known as the L28, connected to a manual transmission. Things under the hood seem to look OK, but I’d want some more information about the entire car before getting too interested, especially considering that the Z is located in The Netherlands. The good news is the seller says they are able to help with transport. What are your thoughts on this 1977 Datsun 280Z Cabriolet?
This car sold at Mecum Kissimmee in 2020 for 34,100 looks like a nice profit if they get that but seems like wishful thinking.
The rag top looks terrible and I wonder how the chassis was reinforced after losing the roof.
The top does look funny/ill-fitting.
But from what I see, when in open roadster mode, the car has a pleasing appearance. Certainly unique, and if well-done and structurally sound, fun in the sun.
So there is no trunk lid? The top needs a complete re-think. Other than that, it’s a very cool car.
Most corvette convertibles didn’t get a trunk lid either – & they were factory built.
I think you are mistaken , i can see what looks like very small hinges where you would expect to see them. The photo is not a good one . Why would you do such a nice job and seal off the trunk????
A better looking 79 ZX was a no sale at $4900 0n BaT a few weeks ago.The overwhelming consensus was that it was beautiful car that Datsun should have built.My opinion is that it looks like a 450 SL ,the standard of the day,only sleeker.The 79 did have some rust and needed some work for sure,but still makes this featured car look mighty pricey.
One way to ruin a classic car. Give it a needless haircut.
Nothing worse than a needless haircut.
Exterior Wise – Looks like a Fiat Spider wannabe
Stjohnsdr
My thoughts exactly from front 3/4 angles and side view looks a lot like a fist Pinnafarina spider nice car but that a LOT of coin they are askin
Between 1982 and 1988 I worked for now defunct Anaheim Nissan and can say without fear of informed opinion, that the Nissans – ALL of them were outstanding cars. The -Z- cars were an absolute gas and were in a class by themselves.
I think it looks amazing, and would look even better in my garage next to my other Ragtops … who needs roofs!!!
Nuthin’ like cruisin with the roof down!
The convertible top is just laid on the car. Snap it down, leave it in the sun, maybe have an upholstery guy fiddle with it, and it should look much better. I thinks it is a cool car. I just wish for a brighter color for such a sunshine day car.
It’s a great looking car until the top is put up.
Very good workmanship making this a desirable collector Z car!
Not that good a job on the droptop. Finish is lousy and the odd angle to the windshield looks like it was done in Uncle Freds back yard! Certainly not worth the money they’re asking!
That top needs a little more arch front to rear and side to side, would have looked better and given a little more headroom.
I don’t remember seeing any Zs in that color.
Well it does look better than the T/A from the other day, and very low miles.
I always thought a Z car convertible with a GTO kit on it would make a cool looking car. I settled for the next best thing, 1990 944 S2 3.0L Cabriolet ;) Get one before the price goes up.
IMO not a good look. It renders the car anonymous, or worse, similar to a TR7.
there is untold story–the 280Z was not sold in Europe–the 260 continued until the ZX came along.
Wow. Love the non-fed bumper treatment (assuming it was a U.S. model) but I couldn’t possibly hate the hack job more. Yes it appears to be a decent job, but a decent job based on a terrible idea.
Great lines with or without the top. But seeing snaps on the edges of the roof does make it look — as others have said — like a “hack job” and not up to the usual Datsun/Nissan standard. Price is optimistic and certainly there must be others in the United States one could buy for reasonable USD.
To me a rare classic means low numbered production model not custom shop modification which if that’s the case then any car can be made rare. All that said my first 3 cars were Datsun Z’s to include a 74 Fairlady Z and the unique lines that made these cars stand out from the others of that era are no longer present. Looks more like a Z crossed with a Fiat spider. Not very appealing especially for that price but that’s just my opinion.
i’m w/the “Looks Italian” guys and therefore thumbs up (I believe the Japanese were still on the GB/England kick tho).
Never thought it’d look good topless but that’s just from looking at others that were bared. I DO like this model (all Zcars) more w/the top on…
There are no visible panel gaps, the trunk is sealed off!
I think you have a good point , Maybe it’s done for the strength and integrity of the body shell. The comment about corvette doing the same with their trunk lid seems to indicate this .