I'm almost positive anything built during or after September of a year is considered the "new year model".  My '77 was built in 09/76.  But I'm no expert on history and facts of these cars, just what I read.

Great Gang! thanks for the response. I'm trying to get more photos, especially of the side mirrors as I'd like confirmation that these are pearl mirrors.  

Also trying to confirm if louvers are aftermarket or dealer add. Anyone have any idea how to tell if louvers are original to the car? Obviously age would be a possible confirmation, but wondering if there was a specific brand Datsun used, or any other identifying factors. 

Anyone want to weigh in on this one? 

Thanks,

K

I've seen a Black Pearl sales brochure on the internet before.  If you haven't seen that you should try to google/images the phrase.  I remember the 2nd mirror, aluminum wheels and hood pinstripe pictures.

Here's what I read, http://zhome.com/History/BlackP.htm

6 hours ago, siteunseen said:

Here's what I read, http://zhome.com/History/BlackP.htm

Hi there! Yes, I've seen this also. Thanks for the post! Been doing all kinds of research on this car, thank goodness for the Internet! 

K  

If you look at the various pictures on Carl's page, there are two different wheel configurations.  From what I can gather the "base" black pearl came with the options package that included wheel covers (hubcaps) in the dealer sheet photo.  However the advertisement picture "* years..." shows the optional road wheel. 

On 6/20/2016 at 0:54 PM, KiraK said:

 

KiraK, if you look closely at this plate you'll notice the paint is overlapping it.  This means the car was repainted at one point in its life.  Not sure if that matters, but, good to know.  As far as the black pearl I can't help you much more than what has already been shared here.  I do know they made a Black Gold 10th Anniversary edition car that could be a collectors item someday.  You can find an example on eBay right now:  http://www.ebay.com/itm/Datsun-Z-Series-280zx-/282072116897?forcerrptr=true&hash=item41acceeea1&item=282072116897

Hope this helps, I would buy a black gold just to have one.  But, I don't have the space.

 

KiraK. Your 12/77 chassis #441753 is fine for 1978 model. The 1978 models ranged from 8/77 through 6/78. I have a number of black pearls and one plate is very close to your picture. 12/77 #441559.

If your able to post pictures of sunshade and mirrors I'm sure you will get good input to confirm if they are appropriate for the Pearl SAP 

On June 22, 2016 at 7:30 PM, Lootha BPZ said:

KiraK. Your 12/77 chassis #441753 is fine for 1978 model. The 1978 models ranged from 8/77 through 6/78. I have a number of black pearls and one plate is very close to your picture. 12/77 #441559.

If your able to post pictures of sunshade and mirrors I'm sure you will get good input to confirm if they are appropriate for the Pearl SAP 

Will do, I am waiting for photos as we speak. I would love everyone's thoughts. The amount of know leg on this page continues to amaze me! Thanks! 

 

On June 22, 2016 at 2:25 PM, Mike said:

KiraK, if you look closely at this plate you'll notice the paint is overlapping it.  This means the car was repainted at one point in its life.  Not sure if that matters, but, good to know.  As far as the black pearl I can't help you much more than what has already been shared here.  I do know they made a Black Gold 10th Anniversary edition car that could be a collectors item someday.  You can find an example on eBay right now:  http://www.ebay.com/itm/Datsun-Z-Series-280zx-/282072116897?forcerrptr=true&hash=item41acceeea1&item=282072116897

Hope this helps, I would buy a black gold just to have one.  But, I don't have the space.

 

Hi Mike! 

Thanks for the catch! I hadn't looked that closely, and was more concerned with the build date initially. As for a repaint on this car (haven't seen it in person) would it be a fair assumption to think that many of these cars have been repainted? Black is a tough color to maintain. I do know the original color was 638 from a worn sticker on the radiator. As I understand as I learn more, any cars that were black for 1978 and have the BP modifications should be considered black pearls... Is this correct? 

Love your thoughts on this! 

Also, since I may be looking for my next project, which would you consider to be more rare, the black pearl or the black and gold 10th anniversary? I'm looking for a car that I can potentially restore and have hold value like my 240 seems to have? 

I may start another thread to discuss this very issue so I don't hijack this one  

Anyone else want to weigh in? 

Thanks much!

K  

additional photos I have received so far,  attached below..

Edited June 26, 20168 yr by KiraK
Photos added

Ok gang, new photos I just received of the black pearl I'm considering... Please weigh in. Are these the mirrors louvers and wheels that would be correct? 

Any other thoughts appreciated much! 

Anxious to hear your thoughts! 

K

$2,500 IMO

Maybe a little more but there's a lot of work to do on that car. 

Edited June 26, 20168 yr by siteunseen
spelling

Anyone familiar with the SAP pkg? I know it has particular stripes... These aren't the same I don't think. I know louvers ( of course louvers can be added after market, so is there a way to tell if they are original to the SAP pkg? side mirrors are the big question for me... How can u tell if these are black pearl mirrors? Wheels are a whole other question! 

There are so few ways to determine if a car was originally ordered as a black pearl, or just made to look like one!

Ok Z friends! Expertise needed. I have reviewed and studied the fact sheet on these cars, but am still concerned if I'm considering an original BP that has just been repainted? 

Thanks in advance!

K  

Edited June 26, 20168 yr by KiraK