1979 280ZX 2+2
1979 Datsun Z-Series
About This Awesome 1979 280ZX 2+2
Great driver with show car potential. Fun to drive with a real backseat. Real attention getter. Every trip to the gas station turns into a conversation!
This is a clean, straight, rust-free, non-smoker with a solid service history and a blast to drive.
Too many 280ZXs have been hacked up, trashed or become rust buckets of neglect - Here is your chance to own an exceptional 280ZX that needs nothing to be enjoyed daily and with a little bit of effort could easily be a show winner.
As a 2+2, this car has lots of power and convenience options, and the original high-end audio system is still installed.
Ownership & Service History
The original owner was an Atlanta area dentist who traded it for a new car about 10 years ago. The salesman bought it for himself. Too many kids eventually made it impractical. We purchased it about 6 years ago.
If you are picky about originality, here are the exceptions I know of:
·A/C Converted to 134A (Still works!)
·Aftermarket Shift Knob
·Dealer Installed Door Guards
·Headlight Covers
·Dealer Installed Sunroof
· Maybe other little things (I'm not a 1979 280ZX expert)
If you are concerned about originality, look at the pictures, inspect it, and I'm happy to answer any questions.
In the six years we have owned the car, the following changes have been made:
·Rear Glass Louvers Removed (Still have them. Let me know if you are interested.)
·16-inch Wheels (Still have the originals - see photo. Let me know if you are interested.)
oTires are newer and have maybe 10K
·Aftermarket Muffler
·A buzzard flew into a headlight, while going ~40 mph. (Can't make this stuff up.) Dented the fender and terminated the buzzard! Fender and bucket were repaired. Paint color match is OK for a driver but not a show car.
·Starter Replaced
·Alternator Replaced
· Battery Replaced
·Clutch: Disk, Bearing, Master and Slave All Replaced
·Power Steering Replaced
·Fuel Pump Replaced (Actual problem was collapsed fuel line. Still have original.)
·Belt Pulley Bearings Replaced
·All regular tune-up and service items.
What does it need?
·To be a great daily driver, nothing but a new owner.
oThe A/C blows cold but I'd like it to blow colder.
·To be a show car
o Paint: Body panels are in great shape. Finish is better than most Z-cars, but not show quality.
oThe rear carpet is sun damaged. About $100.
oA few dash cracks. Currently has a high quality dash cover.
oWant 14-inch factory wheels? I have them but they should be refinished.
oStock Exhaust?
o Original audio system powers up, but needs attention.
o Other small cosmetics and detailing (I'm no expert.)
·To be raced: How fast do you want to go?
A Little Info About Nissan's 280ZX
The Nissan S130 was produced by Nissan in Japan from 1978 to 1983 to replace the original Z-series 240Z-280Z. It was sold as the Datsun 280ZX, Nissan Fairlady Z and Nissan Fairlady 280Z, depending on the market. In Japan, it was exclusive to Nissan Bluebird Store locations. It was the second generation Z-car, replacing the Nissan S30 in late 1978. The 280ZX was Motor Trend's import car of the year for 1979.
Design
The 280ZX was a complete redesign, retaining only the L28 inline-six engine and driveline components from the 280Z. Both two-seat and four-seat (2+2) designs were offered. Compared to the earlier models, the 280ZX was more focused on driver comfort and refinement. Better sound insulation, more comfortable seats, power equipment, high-end audio systems and better safety features defined the new ZX.
Engineering
The 280ZX suspension is similar to the Bluebird 910, with MacPherson struts in front and semi-trailing arm independent suspension in the rear.
The 280ZX's is more aerodynamic (20% lower drag than earlier models), and lift at high speed is reduced by 65%. The new design had a lower center-of-gravity and nearly 50/50 weight distribution. The result is better fuel economy and high-speed stability.
Two trim levels were offered in North America, with a no-frills two-seater and a fully equipped 2+2 GL. The GL package was also available for the two-seater, carrying the full equipment list.
L28E Engine
The L28E is the 2,753cc (2.8L) engine produced from 1975 to 1984. The E stands for electronic multiport fuel injection, using the Bosch L-Jetronic system, and is one of the first Japanese produced vehicles to use the technology. While the motor in this car is completely stock, it is highly tunable with many aftermarket parts available. In full race trim, the 280ZX won the 1979 and 1980 IMSA GTU championships making about 700HP.
Racing
The 280ZX was a race winner, particularly in the US. Significant results include:
·1979 SCCA C Production Champion (Bob Sharp)
· 1979 & 1980 IMSA GTU Champion (Electromotive Datsun)
| Nissan S130 Specs | |
| Alsocalled | Datsun 280ZX, Nissan Fairlady Z |
| Production | 1978-1983 |
| Assembly | Japan: Hiratsuka, Kanagawa - Shatai |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 2.8L L28E I6 (see below) |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,520mm (99.2in) 2+2 |
| Length | 4,620mm (181.9in) 2+2 |
| Width | 1,690mm (66.5in) 2+2 |
| Height | 1,305mm (51.4in) 2+2 |
| Curbweight | 1,356kg (2,989lb) 2+2(Only 6% more than the coupe) |
1979 Datsun 280ZX - Value Range For Typical Cars From NADA
| Original MSRP Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price" v > Original | Low Retail Value This vehicle would be in mechanically functional condition, needing only minor reconditioning. The exterior paint, trim and interior would show normal wear, needing only minor reconditioning. May also be a deteriorated restoration or a very poor amateur restoration. Most usable 'as-is'. This column does not represent a 'parts car' or a non-running vehicle. Note: Some of the vehicles in this publication could be considered 'Daily Drivers' and are not valued as a classic vehicle. When determining a value for a daily driver, it is recommended that the subscriber use the low retail value. " v > Low | Average Retail Value This vehicle would be in good condition overall. It could be an older restoration or a well-maintained original vehicle. Completely operable. The exterior paint, trim and mechanics are presentable and serviceable inside and out. A "20-footerâ€." v > Average | High Retail Value This vehicle would be in excellent condition overall. It could be a completely restored or an extremely well-maintained original vehicle showing very minimal wear. The exterior paint, trim and mechanics are not in need of reconditioning. The interior would be in excellent condition. Some vehicles may be considered "matching numbers" vehicles. Note: This column does not represent a "100 Point" or "# 1" vehicle*. * A "100 Point" or "# 1" vehicle is not driven. It would generally be in a museum or transported in an enclosed trailer to concours judging and car shows. This type of car would be stored in a climate regulated facility." v > High | |
| Base | $9,899 | $4,650 | $11,750 | $23,500 |
Warranties & Guarantees - Selling "As Is"
This 1979 280ZX is a great 40-year-old car that you can enjoy on the road from day-one! For the last two years, it has seen very little use, but I have driven it about 400 miles in the last few weeks with no issues. To the best of my knowledge it needs nothing, beyond normal maintenance, to be driven on a regular basis. As a 40-year-old car, it is being sold as-is with no warranties, guarantees or promises. I encourage you to inspect and ask questions before bidding.
People often ask "Can I drive it home?". I think you can drive this anywhere, but I don't have a crystal ball. The last vintage car I sold was a 1974 Porsche. A Delta pilot and his wife picked it up at Atlanta airport and did a two-day road trip back to Dallas. Can this do the same? Probably.
This car is listed for sale through other channels.
This car is listed for sale through other channels and may be sold at any time. We will do our best to update the eBay ad as soon as it sells.
Final Comments
1) Let me know if you want the original wheels, fuel pump and aftermarket rear window louvers. I'll make them available first to the buyer. If they are not taken, I'll put them up on eBay.
2) Inspect and test drive before you buy. Placing a winning bid is an agreement to purchase, not to inspect.
3) You have 24 hours from the time of purchase to make a down payment via PayPal.
4) If you don't have an established, favorable rating on eBay, you must contact me before bidding.
5) You are responsible for collecting and transporting the car. I will cooperate with you and your shipper, but you are 100% responsible for all costs and arrangements.
6) I will not ship the car before total payment has cleared my bank account.
- Make: Datsun
- Model: Z-Series
- Type: Coupe
- Year: 1979
- Mileage: 119000
- VIN: HGS130-110908
- Color: Blue
- Engine size: 2.8L
- Number of cylinders: 6
- Power options: Air Conditioning, Cruise Control, Power Windows
- Fuel: Gasoline
- Transmission: Manual
- Drive type: RWD
- Interior color: Blue
- Drive side: Left-hand drive
- Options: Cassette Player, Sunroof
- Vehicle Title: Clear Want to buy? Contact seller!
