All it takes is the mention of one letter from the alphabet to bring on a wave of nostalgia for many Japanese car collectors. The Z sports coupe has been a motoring icon since the late 1960s and has now evolved into its seventh generation. As Nissan enthusiasts eagerly await the on-sale date of the recently debuted 2023 model year Z, the car’s Datsun predecessors deserve their time in the limelight, too.
The Pick of the Day is a low-mileage 1980 Datsun 280ZX listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Miami, Florida. At only 54,000 miles, it’s described as being stock and original, with the exception of reupholstered seats.
![datsun](https://journal.classiccars.com/media/2021/11/27143830-1980-nissan-280zx-std-1.jpg)
“Garage-kept and meticulously maintained since new,” the ad says. “Adult-owned, Florida car, unrestored almost-new showroom condition.”
Relatively few four-decade-old classic cars are still wearing original coats of paint, but this Datsun Z is one of them. Its 41-year-old body is dressed in a rare Gold Mist Metallic finish in “superb condition” per the seller, and the car comes with such features as removable T-top roof panels, machined aluminum wheels, and color-keyed side mirrors.
The Datsun 280ZX, known otherwise as the Fairlady Z in overseas markets, launched in 1978 on the S130 chassis. Toyota introduced its rival Supra at the same time, and the increasing marketplace competition brought a need for additional content and better performance.
![datsun](https://journal.classiccars.com/media/2021/11/27143850-1980-nissan-280zx-std.jpg)
The 280ZX received T-tops in 1980 and upgrades to the drivetrain, including the availability of a turbocharged model beginning in 1981. Datsun’s marketing promoted the car as more of a grand tourer than an all-out sports car.
While the listing omits photos of the engine compartment, this Datsun 280’s L28E inline-six is said to “perform flawlessly and responsively at all levels.” The powerplant is naturally aspirated as opposed to being turbocharged like later versions, but it produces a respectable 135 horsepower and 144 pound-feet of torque, which is ample for scooting the 2,675-pound two-seater around.
![datsun](https://journal.classiccars.com/media/2021/11/27143836-1980-nissan-280zx-std.jpg)
“Mechanically, it starts, idles and drives as you would expect for a well-cared performance car,” the seller states. “Air conditioning, belts, coolant, fluids all changed and maintained at the proper intervals.”
A five-speed manual transmission sends power to the BFGoodrich radials at the rear.
Preservation of this Datsun Z continues on the interior, where reupholstered suede buckets provide bolstered seating and all the electronic equipment functions as designed – even the radio’s power antenna. The seller has provided detailed imaging of areas like the door jambs which look just as clean as the rest of the vehicle.
![](https://journal.classiccars.com/media/2021/11/27143846-1980-nissan-280zx-std.jpg)
“You will be hard pressed to find a 1980 280ZX in this condition,” the seller adds. “The car is turn-key, needs nothing, and is suitable as a daily driver.”
The seller is asking $31,900 for this well-kept Z.
To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
Very nice Z car!
These pics don’t reveal the bubbling on one of the T-tops
Nice looking Z but the 135 H.P. would be a deal killer for me at that asking price.
Seller does not respond to my inquiry.