1979 Datsun 280ZX
Although the old guard won't enjoy hearing it, Japanese cars are becoming collectable. We're already seeing spikes in prices of cars like the Datsun 2000 Roadster, the Toyota 2000GT, and the early Mazda Cosmo, so there's no sense in fighting it. The Datsun/Nissan Z-car now has a history that's nearly as old as some of our beloved American iron such as the Camaro, Firebird, and Dodge Challenger. And for a generation that grew up in the 70s, the Nissan 280ZX was something we eagerly read about in the pages of our favorite car magazines.
The American iron muscle had plenty of power which is indisputable, but Datsun (soon to be Nissan) with their Z series, had descent power for their size, but has a one up on the Americans...handling! This was nowhere more evident in the class ranks of the SCCA, where the Z's were in the same class as the ponies. Down the straight it was the Americans, however they were quickly caught in the curves and out handled which made for interesting racing on all configurations of tracks.
Exterior
A two tone of Metallic Gold highlights over Light Brown Metallic which is a respray covers this exterior. It appears that the Light Brown metallic has had a reaction to whatever was underneath it, and shows some minor dimpling, and minute fisheyes. Overall this is a slight distraction though, with the car presenting very nicely sporting straight panels, good gaps, and no rust. All brite work, and badging is excellent. Chromed 6 spoke alloy wheels are wrapped by Goodyear Eagles on all 4 corners.
Interior
A swing of the door to leap inside to an inviting very good condition interior, reveals 2 beige colored cloth covered bucket seats all original. Comfortably seated, one can reach out to the original steering wheel, gearshift and gaze upon the clean original dash. The dash being a brown, which shows a crack underneath the carpeted cover which is directly above the speedometer area. Carpeting covering the floor is gold tone and has a few areas of minor soiling. Gauges are like new, and odometer shows 23,800+ miles which is documented as original miles from this 3rd owner via a title examination. Headliner is very nice, and rear hatchback cargo area carpeting is very clean and has nice thick pile. Also noted on the convenience side are power windows, remote controlled mirrors, an AM/FM radio and a Cassette which consigner states is not working. Air-conditioning blows cold, and cruise control is noted and working.
Drivetrain
Flipping the long, long hood forward reveals an original unrestored engine bay which presents very clean. Shoehorned into this space is the L28E inline 6-cylinder engine with fuel injection. This will produce 140HP with 149LB torque. Bolted on back is a 5-speed manual transmission that not only provides great acceleration in lower gears, but great gas mileage in overdrive.
Undercarriage
Shades of a 23,800+ mile car show here with little to no surface rust, (although it has been recently re sprayed with undercoating), a solid frame, good mechanicals, and overall very clean condition.
Prior to Nissan-this Datsun 280ZX BY NISSAN...has bells and whistles that the regularZ did not have. It is also a slightly larger car, fuel injected, and has overdrive. Overall this is a very nice car, with super low documented mileage. Well maintained with diligent replacement of any parts that were not up to complete perfect snuff (fuel pump, etc.) An original car for consignment here at Classic Auto Mall will have you tearing down the road, making lots of zzzzzzzzz's!
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 300 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.