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Skeleton Car? 1978 Datsun 280Z

As some of you know, I’ve been helping to clear out a stash of vehicles from a property in Georgia. One the models we have several of (and that has proven popular in terms of how many we’ve sold) is the classic Nissan Z car, usually in 260Z or 280Z form. Of course, like any time you sell something, I’ve heard plenty from the peanut gallery about how the prices aren’t realistic (they are, I just bake some negotiation into the asking price), but I’m afraid this seller on craigslist has confirmed I’m still not asking enough for my remaining 260Zs. This 1978 Datsun 280Z here on craigslist in Maine is listed for a heady $1,200, which gets you an engine, transmission, some suspension parts, and a wiring harness that’s been cut.

And, since it’s located way up in Maine, the floors are pretty much rotted out, too. The seller notes that the Datsun was running when parked, and maybe it even still ran while every body panel was carved off of it! You’ll also get a driveshaft, rear end, brake pedal and clutch pedal assembly, and the pride of knowing you saved this Z car from the shredder. The only thing I can figure is these cars are practically extinct here in the Northeast, and this seller is located in the extreme coast of Maine, making it unlikely that there’s a better option sitting around if you’re in need of a 5-speed swap for your Z car project.

Shameless plug time: I’ve still got one more 260Z left for the same price as this seller – and you’ll get all the body panels, a great interior, and an uncut engine harness! Of course, here’s the rub: it’s an automatic. Perhaps this seller in Maine and I could team up to offer an enterprising Z car fan a package deal, but the logistical challenges of bringing both cars together seems too great (if you haven’t detected my sarcasm, it is laid on quite heavily at the moment.) Check out the original post about the Georgia Zs here, but remember – some of them have already found new homes.

Comments

  1. Avatar Bluetec320 Member

    If this were a Mopar or Gen 1 Bronco, the opening bid on Ebay would be $12000.00, not $1200.00.

    Like 11
  2. Avatar Steve R

    The best thing about this ad is the seller including “ran when parked”. That should help potential buyers who are sitting on the fence into taking action before this beauty gets away.

    Steve R

    Like 25
  3. Avatar AMFMSW

    In this case, I can understand why there are only two pitcures in the ad. Were I the owner, I’d strip it of its good parts and consign the rest to the crusher.

    Like 3
    • Avatar JMB#7

      Only two pictures required. You can see through to the other side in each picture!

      Like 0
  4. bobhess bobhess Member

    There are good parts?

    Like 15
  5. Avatar sir_mike

    Seems like early Z owners are getting like early Porsche owners thinking their total junk is still worth a small fortune

    Like 6
  6. Avatar michael streuly

    Junk

    Like 8
  7. Avatar JMB#7

    Better get it out of the way quick. According to the map on Craigslist, it is sitting in the middle of two runways at the airport! Seriously, the engine & transmission would sell quicker sitting on a pallet. But of course that would require an investment of effort. I guess he wants it gone, and is seeing what he can get for it.

    Like 5
    • Avatar OldSalty

      Interestingly I got it from a guy who used to design and repair aircraft.. but no, I set the map marker to the end of the local breakwater.

      Like 1
    • Avatar OldSalty

      Other projects, mate. Figured Id list it and see what happens. I got on barnfinds. wew!

      Like 1
  8. Avatar Mark

    This so called car and its price is an insult to the intelligence of the common man. Either crush it, or at a minimum if purchased, please keep it up in the far corner of the country out of sight from the rest of us.

    Like 6
  9. Avatar PairsNPaint

    It’ll buff out.

    Like 4
  10. Avatar fran

    One 800 JUNKYARD. PLEASE, this should make craigs list’s top 10 ads.

    Like 1
  11. Avatar JagManBill

    Well, the good thing is he doesn’t say it has a clean title in hand. Which should keep VIN flipper’s out of the action

    Like 1
    • Avatar OldSalty

      I actually do have a clean title for it somewhere xD

      Like 1
    • Avatar OldSalty

      I actually do have a clean title for it somewhere o.o

      Like 1
  12. Avatar AMCFAN

    Jeff, I have been a peanut on some of your listings. I’ll admit. How ever the 260 you have may be a good deal provided the padding is in your ask.

    Get it off the hill. Put rollers on it and hit it with a power washer! That will quickly find a home for more. The early Z cars are finally reaching their potential. You should get a lot more for it.

    Like 1
  13. Avatar Maverick

    Put a shirtless old man in the ad. Say it’s a one owner car. It will sell considering it ran when parked. Lol

    Like 2
    • Avatar bone

      Lol !

      Like 0
  14. Avatar Andrew

    Whenever there’s a vehicle that looks THAT bad, I always run a betting pool in my head as to which will be the first “classic” comment :) in this case, “Ran when parked” was beaten by “It’ll buff out.” lol

    Like 2
  15. Avatar OldSalty

    100% the name of the game is ‘5 speed swap with some spare parts’.. but hey, if this thing made it from craigslist to here it ain’t doin so bad. That said, best offer for this was $500 by someone who wanted the rear end.
    Oh and to the guy who thought it was 2 runways – funny story, I got it from a guy who designed and repaired aircraft.. but no, I set the map marker at the end of the local breakwater.

    Like 1
  16. Avatar OldSalty

    100% the name of the game is ‘5 speed swap with spare parts’ but hey if this made it onto here from craigslist it ain’t doin too bad for itself. Got an offer of $500 on the rear end and ‘ran when parked’ means ‘engine not blown’, Do try to keep up.

    Like 1

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