Your Z Body Roots

[venus]

How do you think of your Z car? When looking at the exterior what stands out? What have you done in the design after what cars if any? I designed mine after a Ferrari 250GTO/275GTB. This was clear. Not that Datsun was not strong to begin with. Maybe a Jaguar XKE was there too. I like a long nose and compact driver's compartment. Or a mid engine & balance. What about you?

[inmocean]

The only exterior modification a Z needs are headlight covers...that's how I felt for 7 years but then got the itch to play with the 280 a bit.

I knew my stock bumpers had to go, and the front end is about where i want it to be visually, although I'v begun to lean back to a chrome bumper.

The rear however, needs some attention. I had wanted a shaved look or perhaps a fiberglass 240 bumper, but got lazy and put on MSA's rear skirt. I like the bumper look but it's bulk really kills some of the body lines back there...I'm about 60/40 in favor of my current rear spoiler, I'd rather have a BRE-style, but mine is very functional and adds a cool profile from behind the car. As soon as I'm settled into a garage of my own the rear skirt is coming off...

[esmit208]

When project 3/72 turns a wheel it will look nearly like it did when it was in the showroom. Tinted headlamp covers though. No spoilers or any other glue on bits. All the muscle will be underneath. Oh yeah Sebring mirrors. They look sweet

[FastWoman]

When I was a kid and owned a '75, I oggled the headlight covers. I thought about getting a pair but never did. Now with my '78, I became aware of the G-nose option that I think looks incredibly sexy. However, my '78 will stay stock -- no G-nose and no covers. I love the stock look of the 280. It's its own automobile and doesn't need to look like any other. Moreover, it was emblematic of a generation of import sports cars back during "my" day. I admit it will be with some reluctance that I may do one small mod on the rear bumper, to bring it in just a bit and to modify the bumper covers to eliminate their odd protrusions. Some people hate 280 bumpers, but I think Datsun did a wonderful job working with the difficult requirements imposed on them by the US market. Their floating front bumpers are unique and, I think, cool!

Yeah, I like the 280Z for exactly what it is.

But yes, like you, I'm in love with the long hood, long engine, and slung-back cabin.

Edited January 30, 2011 by FastWoman