1978 Datsun 280z Sun Yellow/black **77,500 Original Miles** on 2040-cars
Encinitas, California, United States
Body Type:Coupe
Vehicle Title:Clear
Engine:2.8L, I-6 (L28)
Fuel Type:Gasoline
For Sale By:Private Seller
Make: DATSUN
Model: Z-Series
Trim: 2+2
Options: CD Player
Power Options: Air Conditioning
Drive Type: Rear Wheel Drive
Mileage: 77,350
Exterior Color: Yellow
Disability Equipped: No
Interior Color: Black
Number of Doors: 2
Number of Cylinders: 6
Warranty: Vehicle does NOT have an existing warranty
This is it. The classic California 280Z. ALL original save for the PanaSport Wheels. This is a 3-owner Z and has been in California its entire life. It is very well documented as well, including the original window sticker showing it was sold new at Nevada Valley Imports in Grass Valley, CA and stating its $9,177 price in 1978. This is probably the most original 280Z for sale on eBay.
It starts and drives great, and I have to keep reminding myself that it is a 35 year old car. The transmission shifts smooth and doesn't grind or have any problems at all.
Specifics:
- VIN/Chassis #: GHLS30110599
- "Sun Yellow" over Black Vinyl (which is in as-new condition with no signs of wear)
- 77,300 original and accident-free miles
- Original L28-198504 2.8L 6-cylinder Motor Mated to a 4-Speed MANUAL Transmission
- 2 + 2 Seating
- 16" PanaSport FZ Wheels (no rash or chunks missing) Wrapped in Yokohama YK520 255/50-16 Tires
- New Fuel Injectors Installed 1 Year Ago (idles smooth)
- Original Period Correct Blue/Yellow California Plates
- Original Spare Tire with Jack, Datsun Tire Sealant and Even The Original Took Kit!
This Z is a pleasure to drive as-is, and gets many looks and nods of approval. You could leave it as it is, or if I were keeping it, I personally would budget about $3,000-$6,000 to make it look like it did the day it left the factory in Japan.
If I were keeping, I would recommend tending to the following:
- Take care of the 3 small rust spots that are on the car as you can see in the pictures. One is just after the drivers-side door sill, and the other 2 are on the passenger side in front of the rear wheel and the patch behind the rear wheel near the bumper.
- New Front Steering/Suspension bushings (which come with it, i just never got around to installing them). It drives fine, but I am really picky and like direct feel and input from the car especially as far as steering is concerned.
- New tires in the next 5,000 miles. The Yokohama's have good tread left (atleast 60%), but they are getting dry and could be replaced.
- A/C Compressor needs a recharge to blow ice.
- Dash has 2 small cracks in the center above the 3 gauges.
- And of course, if you REALLY want it to pop, a new paint job. Preferably its original Sun Yellow. On a side note, I still get compliments on the color, even thought it's 35 years old. The lady service manager at a Mobil 1 station where I was filling up this morning actually came out and said, "what a cool Z, I love the yellow paint." And her station services Ferrari's, Lamborghini's and Porsche's on the regular, so I was pretty surprised when she said that!
Well, that's about it. I think I have been as forthcoming as possible. It is a great daily driver, and although it's not perfect, it is original, and i think that's what is part of the allure. Not many cars of this era are still driving around with their original paint and interiors and look good enough to give a second look. It passed California Smog 2 days ago perfect.
Feel free to e-mail me with any questions or concerns and I will get back to you as soon as possible. Also, if you live in the Southern California area, you are welcome to come and inspect it in person.
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