The Datsun Z-car has gone through many iterations in its life, from game-changing sports car to luxury coupe to a turbocharged GT that combined impressive technology and speed. In the late 1970s, Datsun was reading the tea leaves that the Z car was being outclassed by vehicles like the Mazda RX-7 and Porsche 924, and it wasn’t planning to overhaul the model to compete with pure sports models. Therefore, with an existing reputation for already being a bit of a grand tourer, Datsun doubled down and made the 280ZX a bit softer and more luxurious. The example shown here on eBay is a 1979 model that has been with the same owner since 1985.
The 280ZX definitely was more of a Buick than it was a raw performance model, but that suited the Z car’s personality just fine. The torque-rich inline-six was comfortable with either manual or automatic transmission behind it, and rear-wheel drive preserved some level of sportiness. The interior accommodations became even more plush and Datsun didn’t concern itself too much with curb weight, knowing it was never going to threaten the likes of a strung-out, rotary-powered RX-7. The recipe seemed to work well, as the 280ZX found homes with plenty of happy owners. Given how many are still on the road in unrestored condition, that speaks volumes about its reliability as well.
Since it was well-suited as a softly-sprung GT car, plenty of these 280ZXs are outfitted with the optional automatic transmission. This one is a bit of a rarity with a manual gearbox, and on top of that, the surrounding cabin is in outstanding shape. The carpets, seats, and crack-free dash all look far newer than the mileage would suggest. The listing makes no mention of recent upholstery work but given how long it was with one owner, it’s certainly likely some attempt at restoration was made in the years since that individual took the Z car home. It looks like it has the plugs in the door jam for rust prevention, but I still see some surface-level rust in the corner of the sill.
The 280ZX was down 14 horsepower from the original Z car, thanks to changes made to the catalytic converter and re-calibration of the fuel injection system, pushing out a somewhat tepid 135 b.h.p. Road test reviews at the time did not find the ZX particularly fun to hustle, with concerns ranging from running out of steam as the revs climbed and handling feeling somewhat unbalanced and unpredictable. Thus, it was confirmed that this car would be happiest just chewing up the miles with the occasional fast sweeper allowable under most circumstances. The seller has set a reserve on this 280ZX, which is currently bid to $3,050.
I have owned a 72 240Z and a 77 280Z, both manuals and fun to drive. Both owned a long time ago. Now that I am in my 70’s (where did the time go), I have a 1980 280ZX 2+2 automatic. Can’t really handle the clutch operation well anymore, thus the automatic. But I still love my Z, it suits me as we are both getting older.
I’ve had those three in addition to a 300ZX, all fantastic cars. For some reason Nissan seems to have been left in the dust by Toyota and Honda lately.
I was 24 and married in 79. We had one, a 79, Champagne Gold with the stick. It was the ticket for the two of us. We loved it.
I had a 78, 280. Loved that car, very reliable. Had to sell it because I was moving out of State. I actually was able to fit a stove in the hatch, kinda hanging out the back with straps.
Where is this car? Asking for a friend.
Apparently this is located outside of Rockford IL. I like these a little better now than when they came out. Nice that it has a manual and it’s not a 2+2– always thought the stretched roofline on those ruined the car’s side-veiw. Had a friend with a 280ZX and he liked it just fine. To each their own–I had a 240 as my daily driver for several years and now drive a 370. Fun cars! Long live Datsun.
My Aunt Laura bought a brand new 280ZX is a really pretty root beer brown color. I think it was the first car I’d ever seen with so many buttons for the sound system.