G-nosed 280...

[v12horse]

You guys have to see this. The nose looks really good. I have no clue if the nose is factory, but it possibly could be. Alan, where are you? If it was a factory nose I wonder how it got on the car. Anyways, take a look and see for your self.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=6187&item=2475587617&rd=1

-Ben:classic:

[Alfadog]

That looks awesome! Pity about the rear bumper and ugly wheels!

[Zedrally]

Wots a 280z ZZZap?

Was this a bonifide Nissan Model?

[Alfadog]

I believe it was a special edition 280Z the yanks got, with stripey paint and stuff. The seller says:

"The ZZZap yellow 280z was a one year only feat by Datsun, and that was for this 1977 model year. Still has its original paint sticker and code 411 for ZZZap yellow."

It didn't come with the G-Nose or flares from factory, though. And he doesn't claim that either so its ok.

[2ManyZs]

Here's the ZZapZ special edition we had... notice it doesn't have the overfenders either....

http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=7534&highlight=ZZap+Z

If this is (or was) a real ZZapZ, it's been too highly modified to even call it a "true" ZZapZ.

Color doesn't even look right to me, or it may just be the differences in the cameras.

He also stated that the 77 was the first to have FI and we all know that isn't true either.....

[HS30-H]

My observations on the yellow ebay car:

Vendor states:

"This 280z ZZZap features a very unique feature found only on the Japanese model "Z"s. It is called the G-Nose. We are not 100% sure if the car was specially imported over here with this option. What we do know from corresponding with experts in the field is that this kit was only available during its time as a JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) item, they could be ordered with Japanese market 280z's. To replicate this item in the U.S. it would cost at minimum $4,600, excluding labor ($2,000) and paint ($3000) . The G-Nose kit includes G-Nose hood (longer than the normal hood), G-Nose fenders, G-Nose springs and hinges, G-Nose front bumper, G-Nose headlight covers, G-Nose parking & turn signal lights etc. The G-Nose isn't a conversion taken lightly on such a pure Japanese sports car. G-Nose was made and designed by the factory to improve aerodynamics, the factory quoted with the G-Nose it will improve top speed by approx 5 mph."

That car could not have been specially imported with the G-Nose "option", as the Factory only fitted them to official 240ZG models and never as an "option" part. If the front end components had been purchased from the Japanese Sports Option list then the owner would have to have fitted them himself, or have somebody else fit them ( ie - not the Factory ).

They could NOT be ordered with Japanese market 280Z's, as the Japanese market did not have a model called the 280Z. The ZG model was not sold after 1973 either.

The hood ( bonnet ) on the ZG model is exactly the same as it is on the 'normal' Z models - so I don't know why the vendor is saying that it is longer. There is a filler panel in front of the hood which effectively makes the hood look longer.........

The fenders ( wings / guards ) are also exactly the same as 'normal' ones - its just the sugar scoops / fender extensions that are longer.....

The hood / bonnet hinges are different, but the springs are the same.

Parking / turn signal lamps aare also the same as on 'normal' Z models, so I don't know why the vendor is stating that they are different.

The G-Nose and Overfenders, and the 3-piece rear wing / spoiler are very likely to be copies or replicas of Factory items. Only close inspection would reveal the truth, but the likelihood is that they are 1980's USA-made copies and not Factory original parts. The welting underneath the Overfenders was never fitted to the ZG model, nor was it part of a fitting kit for the Sports Option parts. There seems to be some kind of slat grille in the front air intake opening, which is also a 'custom' feature, and not part of the original ZG equipment or Sports Option parts.

This seems to be a very highly personalised 'Custom' car that is somewhat out of date in terms of taste. A few years ago it would have been seen as quite contemporary, but like most 'custom' jobs - time passes and tastes change. One day it will possibly come back into 'fashion' again. Until then its something of a curate's egg.

It looks fairly well done, but the problem with selling such a car is that a potential purchaser has to like / appreciate the modifications and agree with the price that the vendor expects. Its much harder to sell something like this than it is to sell a known quantity such as the ZZapZ special edition model that this car is based on.

Sorry to sound negative, but I think its worth correcting the auction description. I hope that nobody purchases the car thinking that they are buying something that was an official or semi-official Nissan model.

Surely nobody is going to purchase it at that "Buy It Now" price anyway?

Cheers,

Alan T.

[Bambikiller240]

I'm thinking there is another anomaly to this auction.

The seller cleaims it to be a 1977 280Z, yet the VIN stated is HLS30353727 . Is this possible? I thought HLS30 was only used for a 240Z. I also thought that if a 280Z came from the factory with a 5-speed trans, that the VIN would reflect that with an "F" shown after the S30 designation.

Anyone know about VIN's for 280Z that can shed light on this, or correct my beliefs?

[HS30-H]

Hi Carl,

The "HLS30" VIN prefix was also used on the USA / North American market "280Z" model.

Cheers,

Alan T.

[sblake01]

The most identifiable part of the 'ZZap' package is missing. Where are the stripes that went on the side, hood, roof, and deck? Or the rear window louvers?. As far as the bumper that Lachlan mentions, that's what belongs there as well as a matching front bumper. That's what makes it a 77. With the G-nose you end up with mis-match bumpers and a non vented hood. Here's a scan of the ad:

(Oh, and Carl, note the VIN in my signature on the 78. It's a US market 5spd)

[St.stephen]

Just another example of someone thinking they have something that really isn't. Maybe these people can hook up with the other guy with the $ 25,000 nissan restored 240 and talk shop.