1976 280Z 33000 miles

[chiefmd]

I have found a 76 280Z that has been in storage for the past 29 years. The second owner purchased it from the first and has put 4000 miles on it since buying it. It now has 33000 miles. There is no rust and the paint looks in excellent shape. He wants $6500 for the car. Would like you views. It would need a new interior and I'm sure a bushing kit. Thanks for your input

[Weasel73240Z]

The first thing to do is define "no rust". Have you checked all of the critical locations? I bought a "rust free" '73, and once I started digging, I found plenty. Use the search feature, and you'll find plenty of posts about exactly where to look. Even if its been in storage for 29 years it could rust, depending on how dry the garage was.

The earlier cars (240's) are lighter, so some consider them more desirable. Of course, the '78 is fuel injected, which a lot of other guys prefer. I think here on the East coast, if it is in as good a shape as you say, $5,000 - $6,000 is in the right ballpark.

Pictures would really help if you can post some.

[ozy]

pictures!

[rdefabri]

Right - need pics. I still think $6,500 is a lot for a '76 280Z, but it depends on what shape it's in.

One more thing - Ben Franklin said nothing is certain but death and taxes. Add to that rust on a Z - especially one on the East Coast. It may have been in storage for 29 years, but there's rust somewhere on that car. Anything short of a full-on rotisserie resto is going to have it.

FWIW

[mgood]

Are you sure it only has 33K miles. I have a 76 with 48K and my interior is like new, and I know it's original because I am the original owner. A car that was stored that long should have a good if not great interior. My bushings are still in good shape as well. I would look very carefully at the paint to see if it was repainted.

[sblake01]

I agree. At 98K mi, my 78 still has good bushings and interior.

[chiefmd]

I just put up a few pictures in my "User Gallery". Thanks for all your input,

[DeesZ]

I looked at the pictures, and the car does look nice, especially on the outside. Being that I'm familiar with what the east coast does to Zcars, I would give it a thorough inspection prior to spending that amount of money. We could use a lot more - and better - pictures to help you out much more. So let me preface these comments with 'this is what I think I saw on the several moderate quality pictures posted, and these are the thoughts that they provoked'.... A flag goes up with me thinking that it may have been repainted. I suggest this because 1) it really looks nice on the outside, 2) the engine bay color doesn't 'seem' to match the exterior in color and condition, and 3) the hood ornament was removed, and there doesn't seem to be a trace of 'difference' in the finish where it was on the hood. Now, I could be all wet on this, but better pictures would tell us a lot more. Further, in the engine bay, the general condition there just doesn't seem to match the exterior; nor does it appear to be a super low mileage engine bay... I just see too much grime for a very low mileage car. Also, I agree with others that the question lingers with me about why the interior would need replaced at that level of use. I 'think' I saw major wear on the driver's seat back nearest the door (did I see that?). That is indicative of a lot of use IMO, anyway. Please get us some more pictures of the car inside, outside, and underneath and we will be able to do a lot more than just guess. You'll find a lot of us here that will be able to help you out. This could be a gem or a pig with lipstick... I just can't really tell yet.

[280~Master]

To me thats not a 6500 car.

If it starts and runs with a good gas tank I would think 5000.

Now if it has rust in the local spots I would say 4500.

To me that looks like a repaint and it probly has a rolled over Speedo.

Just my 2 cents

[sblake01]

I fully agree, John. Even on the east coast that seems like a high price for the car pictured.

[rdefabri]

I fully agree, John. Even on the east coast that seems like a high price for the car pictured.

+1 - I don't think it's a $5,000 car. My 240Z is in similar to better shape, on the East Coast, and I paid almost $2K less.

FWIW.

[mgood]

A couple of things I see, over by the battery there seems to be paint flaking along the edge (see picture). Along the fender by the strut tower I see rust on the edge of the finder (see picture). I copied the pictures and then enhanced them and cut out the areas. I would say that the engine compartment is not from a car with 33k miles and garage kept.

Also the windshield wiper blades have been replaced, they are black now and should be silver. Also the 2 holes in the hood are there just very hard to see, if the car was not repainted and was as well kept as the owner says where is the hood ornament.