1978 280z Black Pearl Edition Coupe, 5 speed, A/C works, Awesome 280 Z-car

1978 Datsun Z-Series Description

In 1978, Datsun made their first black 280z and it was called the "Black Pearl" Edition. They made between 1000-1400 of them, sending at least 1 to every dealership. From the research I have seen, half of them were automatics and manual transmissions (about 700). There was also a rare option on some 78 280's to have a 5 speed. I have been told that there were around 80-100 5 speed transmission cars made in the Black Pearl Edition and only a few of those had air conditioning.
I am not sure how many 78 Black Pearl 280z cars with a 5 speed and factory A/C were made or how many still exist, but this is one of them!
I got this awesome car about a year ago and I drive it a few times a week. I am a Master ASE certified auto technician, that now works at home as a diagnostic consultant. So I can't say I drive it every day, but it is my only car, outside of my wife's vehicle.
I am the 3rd home for the Z. I used to work with the previous owner. His Father bought the car from the original Father/Son that bought it new, or something like that. The previous owner hung on to most of the receipts for the last 8 years.
I will state as much as I can think of about the car and my opinions.I believe in Karma, so I don't want to mislead anyone.
The car is fantastic. I seldom have a trip where someone doesn't ask me about it, where I got it, or how awesome it is.
A few things about it:
It is a "638" Black color code exterior from the factory, with the plate still under the hood that states the same.The interior is black as well.I was told it is the original engine and with 103,000 original miles on it, it is more than likely original.
It has air conditioning (A/C) and it still works. I haven't had to add any refrigerant to it and as far as we know, it still has the old style R-12 in it. (I still have a few cans of R-12 and am licensed to use it but just haven't needed to).
This is a true Coupe. It is not the 2+2 or a conversion from the 2+2.
The back has a board in it that has two speakers installed on each side and a 12" sub in the middle. I can see speakers under the rear window in the trim, but they are no longer hooked up. There are also speakers in the door panel, which were put in before I got it.
The radio is a joke and it would be the first thing to go if I drove it a lot or if I decided to keep the Z long-term.
I have new upholstery for the seats in a box. These are not seat covers. In my opinion, when the seats get recovered, the cushion should be replaced at the same time and I have not bought that yet.
ALL OF THE INTERIOR PICTURES, ENGINE BAY, AND THE RUST SPOTS WERE TAKEN AT NIGHT. I CAN UPDATE THESE DURING THE DAY, IF NEEDED.
The rest of the interior looks like it is original factory installed. I am sure that not everything is and some items have been changed over the years.
I have the original steering wheel still and will reinstall it if the new owner would prefer.
The car is from the South. It is in Alabama but not near the Gulf of Mexico. There are typical small spots of rust but nothing major. I am trying to think of where the rust spots are and I am not sure, so I will have to look during the day soon. The 1st closeup of a rust spot (around 17th picture). It is on the driver's fender, spread over about 8". I will have to get a ruler during the day. The other rust spot picture is below the radiator hose on the firewall. The 3rd is a spot about 1-2", at the bottom of the door level (really low).
Waxing it a while back to see if the paint could be brightened up, I found that the driver's door was a slightly different color. It is black, but some different shade of black.
I hate to say this, but the pictures make the paint look better than what it really is, in my opinion. I am not a detailer so I was afraid to start wet-sanding, although that might be the ticket to really bringing the paint back to life. I honestly am not sure.
If I were to keep the car, I would look into the wet-sanding idea from a detailer before getting it repainted. I would get the seats upholstered, and for sure another radio for sure.
Fyi, since it only has 2 seats, I am not able to take my family anywhere. This is the only reason I am putting it up for sale.
Things that I know have been changed in the last few years:Clutch kitfront rotors and padsrear shoesa made to order dash cover was glued over the old dash since it was crackingplugswirescap & rotorFuel pump and filterair flow meterhoses and beltstires
I am sure a lot of things have been changed in 40 years. I have the original service manual and a Chiltons manual as well.
I will say this, I believe in the car and its ability to travel. My son and I talked about going to a monthly show in Atlanta which wold be about a 500 mile round trip. I have driven the car a lot locally but I haven't needed to go further than 100 miles total from home. It does pull to the right but not enough for me to say I wouldnt drive it to Atlanta one Sunday for Caffeine and Octane.
Now, the details.It is hard to know what the price should be for such a tough car to find. I have seen 1 for that is restored for $35k, but it hasn't sold. I have also had the same guy make me low ball offers for the last year. I have been watching the going rates here on ebay but every car is unique. My Z is not restored, nor has it ever been. But my car is a 5 speed, not an automatic, and it has A/C.I am going to put a buy it now price with the option to make an offer.Please tell me what you think.Email me with any questions you have.I really want this to be a fair deal for both parties.
I think a $500 within 24 hours via Paypal is appropriate and unless we set up something different, the rest of the payment is due within 4 days after the close of the auction. I can help with shipping part, but I am not a shipper. I am in the middle of Alabama, so plan on the shipping cost from near Birmingham.
The car is registered to me and insured. I am willing to set up inspections and assist you to make sure you know whatyou are getting.
Please email me with any questions. Include a number where I can text you and I am happy to get back with you ASAP.
Alabama doesn't use a title on vehicles over 35 years old. I still have the title from the previous owner, only because it was not needed to transfer ownership. I personally don't like not having a title, but it is my car and the state has acknowledged it as well as allowed me to carry an active registration to drive it daily.
I sold a car on ebay years ago and let me clarify that I am not interested in shipping to another country, for your fake Fed-Ex overnight check that you accidentally wrote for 8,000 dollars more then what we agreed on. Maybe you did inherit all that money from a long lost uncle, and if so, you should buy the $35,000 restored one I found for sale.I am not playing those types of games so don't waste your time.