It certainly looks correct: color, stripes, louvers, mirrors and window sticker. Seems to check off all the right boxes.

Good article to read from Janurary 2009, http://www.hemmings.com/magazine/hsx/2009/01/In-the-Black---1978-Datsun-280Z/1749113.html

What to pay

1978 Datsun 280Z
Low: $3,500
Average: $6,500
High: $10,000

I am no black pearl expert, but I have seen a few real ones, the silver / red pinstripes don't look right, too wide.  The authentic ones really narrow down toward the ends of the car.  May have been replaced due to deterioration.  The wheels are just the standard 6 spoke ZX 81 -83 non turbo rims.

I'm no Black Pearl expert either, but the stripes are not correct and the wheels are not correct.  Before I replied to this thread, I searched "Datsun Black Pearl" and found many listings including a Facebook registry of Black Pearls.  There are plenty of pictures to compare.

KiraK. You asked for opinions.

I believe other posters have pointed to good reference material. I believe the Pictured Z did start with correct 638 black pearl metallic paint. Due to the repaint however, I don't believe you will be able to prove it started with a dealer applied Sports Appearance Package without additional documentation.

As the Z sits now, it's difficult to tell if the repaint is black pearl metallic or just black. Regardless as noted the stripes are incorrect.

The sunshade appears to be correct based on the curvature of the blades and locking brackets.

The dual racing mirrors appear correct. The part numbers are inside the base of the mirrors so bring tools if you plan to check.

Rims as noted are incorrect.

The five speed and AC are desirable, but other condition issues will be a restoration challenge.

Edited June 28, 20168 yr by Lootha BPZ

It looks like they pulled it out from under that shed and rinsed it off for the pictures. The battery isn't hooked up and the rear is sun damaged. The wheels look darker on one half than they do the other, from sitting. I've never seen so much rust in an engine bay. Sorry to pile on but I can't help myself. You're looking at it as an investment,  I see a money pit.

On June 27, 2016 at 2:48 PM, siteunseen said:

It looks like they pulled it out from under that shed and rinsed it off for the pictures. The battery isn't hooked up and the rear is sun damaged. The wheels look darker on one half than they do the other, from sitting. I've never seen so much rust in an engine bay. Sorry to pile on but I can't help myself. You're looking at it as an investment,  I see a money pit.

Appreciate everyone's thoughts. It's difficult to look at a car from across the country unless you want to take on the expense to do so. This car has a history that seems to make sense, but as Lootha above pointed out, it may indeed be a black pearl, but without more documentation.. That's a hard sell. 

Yes, siteunseen apparently was a planned project for her son, who has since gotten married and is buying a house... Needs cash. Car is at her place, so she's helping him sell it.

Prior to that it has a bit of tragic history... A couple bought the car for their son, who was later tragically killed in an auto accident. The car sat for 9 years in a garage, as the parents couldn't bear to sell the car.

Id like to do some more digging.. However  Im not convinced I need to get on a plane yet. 

This may be more of a project than I want, as someone wisely said above!

Appreciate u!

K

The lil z lady  

On June 27, 2016 at 5:48 PM, siteunseen said:

 I've never seen so much rust in an engine bay...

I'm glad you didn't see mine when I got it!  I thought the original color was copper instead of green!  

Here's a pretty neat 280.  SAP package but no Zap stickers.  It's kind of priced high on ebay but if it doesn't sale you could get the owner's info off the tag and call them direct.  You have any police friends? 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Datsun-Z-Series-SAP-Package/272289890846?_trksid=p2141725.c100338.m3726&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20150313114020%26meid%3D80ac838784bb402788357badd44c9749%26pid%3D100338%26rk%3D15%26rkt%3D23%26sd%3D122030280863

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1978-datsun-280z-84/

 

I'm amazed that a topic started in 2004 keeps getting revived!

Use it or lose it I've always been told.