Datsun 280Z 2.8 I6 1976
General description :
LOW OWNERSHIP, WARM CLIMATE, REBUILT 2.8 W/CAM & HEADERS, 4SPEED, PWR DISC, A/C
This handsome gunmetal gray 1976 Datsun 280Z represents the best of the Z-cars that totally transformed the automotive landscape in the 1970s. As the latest models prove, the Z will always have a place in our garages and in our hearts, and this early 280Z is a fantastic way to enjoy the ride.
Looking at the shape, it's clear that there's a little bit of E-Type Jag in there, maybe a hint of Corvette, and plenty of MG, too. Fast, light, agile, and affordable, even today, this Z is a great car if you like to drive. It comes from a long-term owner and seems to have been well-maintained all its life, with a well-done repaint and decent trim that gives the 40-year-old sports car a familiar look. Cars like this were often put away as sunny-day drivers, and as a result, this one shows none of the bumps and bruises of the daily grind and it certainly appears that it lived most of its life someplace warm and dry. Chrome was going out of fashion in 1976, but there are still a few bright pieces, including both bumpers and the stainless around the windows, all of which remains in very good shape, although the rubber bumper fillers are showing their age. There are no stripes or spoilers, letting the clean, sleek Z-car shape speak for itself, and that's what enthusiasts seem to appreciate.
One of the Z-car's biggest successes is the interior, which is both sporting and functional. The black bucket seats were designed by guys who knew the car would be used to its potential, and this one obviously has been. Fortunately, reproduction seat covers are easy to find and inexpensive and would really add value to this cool Z. The dash is full of easy-to-read instruments, each housed in its own pod, including a row of auxiliary gauges in the center, a look that is still evident today in the latest Nissan GT-R. These cars were top-of-the-line machines by 1976, and this one comes with working factory A/C, a 4-speed manual transmission, and an updated AM/FM/cassette stereo. There's a good-sized trunk area under the rear hatch, complete with hold-downs for the sunroof, which has been recently re-sealed.
The L28E 2.8 liter inline-six is a fantastic motor. Torquey, yet eager to rev, it was enlarged to better suit American driving tastes and keep the Z competitive with the likes of the Chevy Corvette. Rebuilt 15,000 mils ago with an upgraded cam and exhaust header, it still has that same baritone wail that epitomizes big horsepower inline-sixes, and because it's a Nissan, it's also reliable and smooth. The engine bay is tidy and original-looking, and that tangle of hoses is how the factory did it, but don't worry, it's all ready to go and maintenance is surprisingly easy. It's fairly clean underneath, showing proper care and maintenance and the rear half of the exhaust system is fairly recent. The 4-speed manual transmission shifts as it should, the suspension is supple yet athletic, and the brakes are surprisingly powerful thanks to its light weight. The only non-stock parts are those handsome aluminum wheels, which carry 215/70/14 white-letter radials.
Today, as when it was new, this 280Z is a whole lot of performance for the money. A nice combination of restored and solid original components, it's the Z you always wanted when you were a kid. Call today!
Features : Seatbelts, Power Brakes, Fuel Injection, Front Disc Brakes, Vinyl Interior, Heat, Air Conditioning, Sunroof, Defrost, Cassette Player, AM/FM Radio
https://www.streetsideclassics.com/vehicles/4247-atl/1976-datsun-280z
1976 Datsun 280Z 2.8 I6 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 I6 Engine size : 2.8 Model Year : 1976 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!