UPDATE – The seller has just lowered his asking price to $16,500! So be sure to take another look at this beautiful Datsun.
Datsun’s Z-Car range is one of the most iconic selections of production cars to emerge from Japan, and tidy examples can fetch impressive prices in the classic market. They demonstrated to the world that manufacturers from the Asian region could produce something apart from the small commuter vehicles that were their bread-and-butter. This 1976 Datsun 280Z is a prime example of the breed. It is a tidy and clean vehicle with no rust issues. It needs a new home, so the owner has listed it here on Barn Finds Classifieds in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It could be yours for a very competitive $19,000.
The owner is candid about this Datun’s condition, and while it isn’t perfect, its presentation is above average for a vehicle of this vintage. They admit it received a prior repaint in its original Code 110 Red, and this retains an impressive shine. There are a few minor nicks and marks, but none are severe enough to warrant a further repaint. The panels are extremely straight, with gaps that are tight and consistent. The owner added front and rear spoilers, but removing these wouldn’t be challenging for a potential buyer seeking a more “factory” appearance. Perhaps the best news is this classic’s rust-free status. That can be an issue with these little cars, but this one has avoided that fate. Its cause has been helped by the owner’s decision to place the vehicle in heated storage during winter to protect it from moisture, snow, and salt. One task the buyer will probably choose to tackle is replacing the door and hatch rubber seals. This will quiet any potential wind noise while ensuring moisture can’t find its way in. The owner installed the 15″ x 8″ Rota RB wheels and BF Goodrich tires last fall, and these add an aggressive look to the exterior. They cost a cool $2,000 and have clocked a mere 500 miles since. The trim looks excellent, and the glass shows no evidence of flaws or defects.
Datsun released the 280Z for the 1975 model year. Not only did it feature a slight engine capacity increase over its predecessor, but the inclusion of Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection improved driveability while reducing emissions. The 2,753cc OHC “L28” engine pumped out 170hp, promising spirited performance from a car tipping the scales at a mere 2,870lbs. That power feeds to the rear wheels via a three-speed automatic transmission, making this Datsun the ideal weapon for commuting in heavy traffic and relaxed cruising on the open road. The owner performed a few mechanical upgrades that should improve performance without compromising the character of this classic. They added an MSD Racing ignition, a Weber C-Series aluminum intake, Pacesetter ceramic headers, and a custom exhaust with a resonator. Other maintenance and upgrades include replacing the computer, battery, starter, the starter relay and rebuilding the transmission. This Datsun runs and drives well and is a turnkey proposition for its buyer.
The surprise packet with this Datsun is its interior condition. It is common for 280Z interior trim to look tired and sun-ravaged, but this classic has avoided that fate. The Black upholstered surfaces show no evidence of wear, while the dash is one of the best I’ve seen. There is no wear on the wheel, and the gauges feature clear lenses and crisp markings. I can’t spot any crumbling plastic or appreciable wear on the carpet. Comfort and convenience features include intermittent wipers, a rear defogger, and a JVC CD player.
While the 1976 Datsun 280Z is not a firebreathing muscle car, its low curb weight and excellent suspension system combine to make it a satisfying and rewarding driver’s car. It wasn’t many years ago that the 280Z was largely forgotten, but they have become one of the best performers in the current market. This one is a real gem that is ready to be enjoyed by its lucky new owner. After all, isn’t enjoyment what the classic car ownership experience is supposed to be about? If you agree, this Datsun deserves a closer look.
Nice car. The black wheels do nothing for the appearance and don’t compliment the dark red color. You might bemoan the lack of carbs but the fuel injection really put a kick into the torque and horsepower.
My thoughts Exactly.
Neither does the orange valve cover.
The fuel injection really improved the performance of these inline engines, (as long as the Air Flow meter didn’t experience more than a minor back fire.)
The 2+2 body style was gauche.
Hi Bob. Apologies for the wheels and tires, they were a design choice and I stand by them. There’s something about a blackout car or truck I’ve always liked, and this was my first opportunity to do it.
Much like probably everyone on this site, I’ve owned a number of classics over the years (1950 Chevy 3600, 1968 Mustang Convertible, 1979 Toyota 4×4, a few others) and at some point you get tired of finishing with chrome every single time. To me the wheel and tire package, combined with the added black body effects and the jet black interior, compliment each other pretty well. But I respect your take, we all have our own style. Take care.
Hey Bart…. You did a great job on this car. I also agree that if you put a lot of time and money and come up with a good looking car that is the result of your vision and taste you are the only one who has to be completely satisfied with the end product. Been a wheel lover since I was a little kid and every car I’ve built or bought had wheels that peaked my interest. That’s the way it goes with this hobby we all love so much. What’s your next project?
@bobhess When I was in High School in the late 1980s I had a 1979 Toyota 4×4, first year Toyota made a 4WD pickup. Didn’t know what I had, sold it in college and always wanted it back. Pulled a 1982 off of a farm here locally, drove it home without exhaust and didn’t get pulled over one single time. Going to tackle that next, ground up. But this Z is mostly original, minus some cosmetic decisions and mechanical work it’s barely been touched. I got lucky with this one, it’s been in daily driver shape since the day I bought it. Sometimes it works out in your favor.
Lose the rims. Replaced the computer? What computer?
Did a 76 Z have a “computer”?
I thought computers were children of the 80s (but could be wrong).
Electronic Fuel Injection. “inclusion of Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection”. Yes it had a computer, and I assume that the upgrade means the equivalent of “re-flashing the chip”.
Not sure about 76 but I had a 75 that had mechanical fuel injection.
Hi. In the interest of full visibility, I am the owner of this car.
The computer is technically called the ECM / ECU module (Engine Control Unit or Engine Control Module). It looks like a cross between an Atari cartridge and a 3.5″ external floppy drive, for anyone on this thread old enough to remember either of these things. They’re unfortunately between $300 and $400 remanufactured.
The ECM / ECU has pinouts for all kinds of stuff, but most people refer to them as the “fuel injection brain.”
Nice looking car. Agree about the previous comment about the black wheels. Too bad it’s an automatic.
Although the big money is in the 240Z, especially the series 1, the 280’s had a lot of worthwhile improvements. The federally mandated basher-bumpers are pretty ugly, but this owner has done a nice job of reverting to the slim early style rear bumper (can’t see the front in these pictures). I don’t like automatics, but we’ve converted several to manuals – not difficult. This would be a nice car.
I couldn’t disagree more regarding the black wheels. I like the look, it’s all about personal choice. For the purist a stock set of wheels could be found relatively easy if desired. Seems like a bargain for this Z, of course the manual tranny would be much more fun!
You had me until “automatic”.
We had a ‘77 280Z – still ran on leaded gas and ran like a banchee.
I like the slim bumpers and spoilers. Not so keen on the black wheels and louvres. 280s had a black-rimmed steering wheel didn’t they? I think this one (nice as it is) is a backdate from a 240Z. Good candidate for a manual transmission swap, the automatic really lets it down. GLWS!
Was on the fence for years on rear louvers before we bought our ’86 Shelby Z with the factory louvers. Black on black in Oklahoma where 90 plus degrees are the norm in the summer.
I had (still in the barn) rear window louvers on my 82 RX7. I thought they looked great. Had to remove them after a tree branch fell and shattered the rear glass. I then discovered that even that tiny bit of weight effected the neutral handling of the car. They shall stay off.
If it were cheaper I’d jump on it.not that it isn’t worth what your asking,it’s a personal budget thing. P.s. black wheels rock!!
I’m surprised this hasn’t moved. As for the wheels and tires, personally, I really like the look.