Datsun 280Z 2.8 Liter 1977
General description :
SAME OWNER SINCE '79, WELL-MAINTAINED, ONE RESPRAY, REBUILT 2.8L I6, 5-SPEED, AC
There's no question that the Datsun 280Z changed the way we look at sports cars in America. Affordable sports cars had all but vanished by the time this 1977 example was built, and despite those dark years of emissions controls, they still managed to deliver sparkling performance.
This is one of those Z-cars that was treated like something special from the very beginning. Whether it was a visionary who recognized that someday this car would be a collector's item or merely a fellow who loved his new Z, someone made sure this car stayed fresh over the years. The bronze paint job is back in fashion after all these years, and you'll probably find that out on the road, folk will stop at lights just to ask you what color it is. There's a golden glow underneath that shows up in the right light, and it highlights things like the hood bulge and the gentle curve of the rear fender as it comes together with the roof. Along the way, someone added a deep chin spoiler, a ducktail spoiler out back, and a set of smooth headlight covers, but there's no mistaking this car's DNA. It's got some signs of use and age, but it still generates a ton of attention, particularly for the money. It's been retrofitted with a smaller chrome front bumper from an earlier model, which is a great choice, and the blacked-out tail panel looks racy.
The black interior is definitely 1970s fashion, but it's remarkably well preserved and after you embrace the coolness that is the disco era, you'll find a very stylish and functional cockpit inside. The buckets are supportive, and thanks to that durable upholstery, show only a few splits and scuffs that are a natural product of age. Door panels and carpets are well preserved for being 40 years old, with the cargo bay showing no ill effects from UV rays or dirty cargo. The dash was the same in all the first-generation Z-cars, and the round auxiliary gauge pods in the center are a design statement that can still be found in today's 370Z. A leather-wrapped wheel and stubby shifter with a matching knob reinforce the performance feel that was so carefully engineered by Nissan designers. This Z also features things like working factory A/C and an AM/FM/CD stereo with an amp and a pair of bazooka subwoofers in the trunk.
The silky smooth inline-six featured a single overhead camshaft, and was enlarged to 2.8 liters to bolster low-end torque for American tastes. Combined with the svelte curb weight, the 280Z is generally regarded as the best-performing of the first-generation cars. The engine is smooth and feels like it can pull forever, and makes a brawny six-cylinder bellow through the single exhaust pipe. It looks like there's a lot going on under the forward-canted hood, but in reality these are reliable, durable cars that are surprisingly easy to work on, so have no fears about that. The cam cover was painted to match the bodywork, but otherwise it remains quite stock and runs superbly. The chassis offers lively handling thanks to a fully independent setup fore and aft, as well as powerful braking that's better than most cars of the era. The chassis is very clean and solid, although not detailed for show, but with no problem areas, either. And as a child of the '70s, nothing looks more appropriate than a set of "kidney bean" aluminum wheels, which sit on 215/60/14 blackwall radials.
The Z-car changed the automotive landscape, and collectors are now starting to realize its special place in history. Relive one of the '70s greatest hits and call today!
Features : Seatbelts, Rear Defogger, Power Brakes, Fuel Injection, Front Disc Brakes, Vinyl Interior, Heat, Air Conditioning, Defrost, CD Player, AM/FM Radio
http://www.streetsideclassics.com/vehicles/4058-atl/1977-datsun-280z
1977 Datsun 280Z 2.8 Liter is listed sold on ClassicDigest in Lithia Springs by Streetside Classics for $15995.
Car Facts
Car type : Car Make : Datsun Model : 280Z Model Version : 2.8 Liter Engine size : 0.0 Model Year : 1977 Sub type : Coupé Location : Atlanta
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About Datsun
Once upon a time in the mystical land of Japan, there was a small, unassuming car company called Datsun. Legend has it that the name "Datsun" was created when someone dropped a bunch of Scrabble tiles and thought, "Sure, that'll do!" Datsun started with small, quirky cars that made you wonder if they were more suited for a toy store than a car dealership.In the 1950s, Datsun had a brilliant idea: "Let's try our luck in the American market!" They shipped over the Datsun 1000, a car so tiny that even a clown could drive it comfortably. Americans scratched their heads but soon fell in love with its compact cuteness. It was like adopting a small, four-wheeled puppy.
As the '60s rolled in, Datsun unveiled the 240Z, a sports car that could outrun a samurai in flip-flops. It had the speed of a cheetah and a design that turned heads faster than a ninja on roller skates. The 240Z became an instant classic and showed that Datsun was more than just quirky little cars.
In the '70s, Datsun dropped the 510, a sedan with the agility of a ninja and a suspension so smooth, it could make you believe you were floating on a cloud. Families across America hailed it as the car that could carry everything – from groceries to grandmas – without breaking a sweat.
But the real magic happened when Datsun revealed the Datsun 510 wagon. It was like Mary Poppins' bag, fitting more stuff than seemed humanly possible. This wagon was an enigma, a mystery, and America couldn't get enough.
Then, in the '80s, Datsun pulled a fast one and changed their name to Nissan, leaving us all a bit befuddled. But they continued making fantastic cars that were zippier than a sushi chef on a Saturday night.
And that's the whimsical tale of how Datsun – or should I say, Nissan – took over the American market, one quirky yet lovable car at a time.
As for the most influential Datsun models and their specs:
Datsun 240Z: The 240Z was a sports car sensation. It featured a 2.4-liter inline-six engine, producing around 150 horsepower. With rear-wheel drive and a sleek design, it was a blast to drive and a style icon of its time.
Datsun 510: The Datsun 510, available as a sedan and wagon, was loved for its handling and durability. It typically came with a four-cylinder engine, producing around 96 horsepower, and was known for its agile suspension.
Datsun 510 Wagon: The Datsun 510 Wagon was like a Tardis, with a deceptively spacious interior. It shared the same engine as the sedan and provided exceptional versatility for families on the go.
These Datsun models left an enduring legacy with their quirky charm, performance, and practicality, making them cherished classics in the hearts of car enthusiasts and families alike.
Oh, one more thing...years after BMW made a copy or the 510 and decided to call it e30. Strange world!