Factory custom ordered 1977 280Z?

[Mike B]

There is a 1977 280Z on ebay now that says it is a "ZZZAP" special edition with a decal delete http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Datsun-Z-Series-77-280Z-ZZZAP-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem3cb6b12345QQitemZ260763099973QQptZUSQ5fCarsQ5fTrucks#v4-39. To me that just makes it a 411 Sun Yellow 280Z, but the interesting thing is it has what looks to be a customized plaque on the console that says:

1977 Datsun 280-Z HLS30 385188

Customer Order Production Model For

Sam S. Melnick

Nissan Motor Co., LTD. Yokohama, Japan

April 1977

I've never seen a plaque like that before on any S30, but it looks like it could be authentic. I didn't think any US market S30s could be custom ordered. I thought the dealers pretty much had to sell whatever the factory produced. Customers could put a deposit down and request certain specific colors/options (5 speed, air conditioning, etc) but had to wait to until the dealer had one arrive or could trade another dealership for a specific car.

Has any one else seen one of these plaques before?

-Mike

[psdenno]

Other than spelling Yokohama incorrectly (YokAhama on plaque), it seems legit.

I sense an aftermarket "vanity" plaque addition.

Dennis

Edited April 10, 2011 by psdenno

[Mike B]

Other than spelling Yokohama incorrectly (YokAhama on plaque), it seems legit.

Funny, I didn't even notice that. Maybe it was made by Nissan USA, since we don't spell so good here .

-Mike

[5thhorsemann]

I can make you one just like it (spelled properly) for about $30 bucks on my cnc engraving router. That is total B.S as a factory addition, likley made in a bowling alley or trophy shop.

And it dosn't say custom ordered, it says customer ordered production model, I bet the car was a gift for a son or hubby.

Edited April 10, 2011 by 5thhorsemann

[Mike B]

I can make you one just like it (spelled properly) for about $30 bucks on my cnc engraving router. That is total B.S as a factory addition, likley made in a bowling alley or trophy shop.

Ok, if your CNC engraver can make it with the Datsun red, white, and blue emblem on the left side, its a deal .

And it dosn't say custom ordered, it says customer ordered production model, I bet the car was a gift for a son or hubby.

Well to me a "customer ordered production model" would be a custom order, so I am not sure I see much a difference there.

-Mike

[5thhorsemann]

Ok, if your CNC engraver can make it with the Datsun red, white, and blue emblem on the left side, its a deal . looks like a raised glue on button to me, of course the router can cut one out of a 1/8 inch brass plate and we can paint it.

Well to me a "customer ordered production model" would be a custom order, so I am not sure I see much a difference there.

-Mike

If you ever watch the BJ auctions, they differentiate between production and factory special ordered cars. The SO cars do go for more money, might be worth researching Sam Melnick, if he turnes out to be a famous serial killer (or bowler) the car might be worth something more than just the beautiful example that it is. PS I've seen this car on the street before, and the pics don't do it justice.

[blue 72]

Hey, if the customer wanted a ZZZAP edition I'm sure the dealer could have probably found him one in their network and hooked him up with it. Or perhaps he'd waited for one so long that the dealer flet sorry for the guy and made him a little plaque for when the car finally arrived. As far as some special order job from the factory? I don't think that would have happened.

[Gary in NJ]

Looks like a "value added" package from a dealer. I wonder how much poor Mr. Melnick paid for that poorly constructed add-on.

[Azclouds]

I spoke to Sam S. Melnick for about an hour yesterday and the plaque was made by a friend of his (who must not have known how to spell Yokohama !) . The car is a ZAP and has all the documentation with the car. Mr. Melnick is a very nice man and told me tons of stories and gave me information about the car. The car is sold on ebay...to me!

[psdenno]

And so the adventure begins..........

It's always nice to have a paper trail, or a Melnick trail in this case, on an old car.

Dennis

[Willoughby Z]

I spoke to Sam S. Melnick for about an hour yesterday and the plaque was made by a friend of his (who must not have known how to spell Yokohama !) . The car is a ZAP and has all the documentation with the car. Mr. Melnick is a very nice man and told me tons of stories and gave me information about the car. The car is sold on ebay...to me!

Welcome to the club, Jaye. Congratulations! That is one sweet ride. I'm in Virginia, maryland is just up the road. I'll deliver it for you, no problem!

[5thhorsemann]

I spoke to Sam S. Melnick for about an hour yesterday and the plaque was made by a friend of his (who must not have known how to spell Yokohama !) . The car is a ZAP and has all the documentation with the car. Mr. Melnick is a very nice man and told me tons of stories and gave me information about the car. The car is sold on ebay...to me!

What did you get it for, it says $9k reserve not met? Just currious, like to have the numbers so I don't go too far overbosrd on my car money wise.