1976 Datsun 280Z, 5 Speed, Original Color, Excellent Mechanically / Cosmetically

I'll start with what I know of the history of the car. I bought the car in February 2005 just a month after I retired. I had been looking for a Z car in original condition. and this one was in my favorite color. The odometer showed about 71. 00 miles. The car was located in Florida and had been sitting in a garage for the past 10+ years. The car started and ran. but not well enough to drive to Atlanta. so I had the car shipped.

The gas tank was cleaned and the radiator replaced. Then a complete tune up including spark plugs. spark plug wires. distributor cap. fuel injector electrical plugs. all vacuum hoses and an oil and filter change. The engine was not modified except for a K & N cold air intake. The car then ran great and continues to do so.

Then I decided to convert the car to a 5 speed gear box which I sourced from a Datsun 280ZX. During the conversion I installed a new clutch disc. pressure plate. release bearing. pilot shaft bushing and had the flywheel resurfaced. I also replaced the rear crankshaft seal on the engine. I installed new clutch slave and master cylinders and the flexible hose to the slave cylinder. The transmission dust boot and shift boot were replaced. The mount for the differential was replaced.

Then I turned my attention to the cosmetics. I did not like the original heavy bumpers. so I removed them and added the MSA body kit that is on the car today. I later added the fender flares. The flares are attached with stainless steel screws with no modification to the sheet metal underneath. I finished the area where the body kit joins the sheet metal with black trim. rather than filling the joints with body filler. Based on past experience. I know that filler eventually develops cracks. The rear louvers are the original factory option louvers that are aluminum. not plastic. I did not find any rust anywhere on the car. There is no rust or rot in the battery area of the engine compartment. I did my best with the underneath pictures of the car. but the pics are not great. The underside is solid with no rust or rot.

The original hood was not damaged. but I replaced it with a hood from a 1978 Z that has louvers for better cooling - and I like the look. The car was then painted the original color. The color is Persimmon Red. Datsun code 110. The front fender emblems were replaced with JDM Fairlady Z emblems. The Datsun emblem on the hood was removed and the Z emblem attached to the custom mesh grill. The sealed beam headlights were replaced with H4 units including new wiring and relays.

The wheels are 16" Panasports with 225/50 X 16 Falken Ziex SE 912 tires with at least 75% tread remaining. The diameter is almost exactly the same as original so the speedometer is accurate. The suspension was getting a little soft. so I installed Tokico springs and strut cartridges on all four corners. That lowered the car about 1 1/2" and greatly improved the handling. I replaced the front brake pads and the rear wheel cylinders and shoes.

The interior is excellent. Take note of the seats. They look very similar to the originals. but they are Recaro seats from a 911 Porsche. They are real leather. not vinyl like the originals. The leather is soft with no cracks. The seats are much more comfortable and supportive than the originals. They are mounted on the original slides and adjust fore and aft and the seat back angle is adjustable. The dash has a full cap. The carpet was replaced and is not faded or worn. The door panels are excellent with no cuts for speakers. The car has a Sony radio / CD player with Pioneer Speakers mounted on the rear deck.

The only issue with the car is that recently the dash lights stopped working. The headlights. tail lights. brake lights and turn signals all work. but the dash lights do not. I rarely drive the car at night. so this has not been a problem for me. All the gauges except the clock do work.

The car was built in 06/76 and was equipped with factory air conditioning. I never used the car for a daily driver. It has always been a "fun" car. and I do not drive it in stop and go traffic or when the weather is very hot. The AC worked but was low on Freon. Instead of having it repaired. I removed the compressor and the evaporator. I have those which will go with the car. So the buyer will have all the parts to re-install the AC. if wanted.

I've driven the car about 15. 00 miles since I've owned it. I cannot document the mileage since the odometer has only five digits. Based on the condition of the car when I bought it. and that it had been in storage for 10+ years. I don't think the odometer had rolled over 100. 00 miles. But I have to state that the actual mileage is unknown.

I've been driving for 50+ years and have been a "car nut" since I was a teenager. I switched to Datsun from British cars about 20 years ago. In addition to this 280Z. I also owned a Datsun Roadster which I recently sold. I decided that one "fun" car was enough and that I would sell the two Datsuns and replace them with one car. I mostly drove the Roadster in the summer with the top always off and the Z in cooler weather. I wanted a year around car. but with a top off option. So I found a low mileage. two owner 1994 Nissan 300ZX with T-Tops and recently bought it. Now it's time to reluctantly part with the 280Z.

I've tried to cover info about the car as completely as possible. but I know I have left out some info that some prospective buyers want to know. so ask questions. I'll be happy to talk with prospective buyers and arrange an inspection and a test drive.

The only known issue with the car is the dash lights. That being said. the car is 37 years old and is being sold AS IS. WHERE IS with out any warranty stated or implied. The buyer is responsible for picking up the car or having it transported. I will assist in any way possible. but the expense is the buyers responsibility.

Also published at eBay.com

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