A couple of weeks ago I bought a 280z 2+2. The title says its a 1976, but I'm a little confused because even though the back bumper for example, looks like a 1976, the sticker on the inside of the driver's side fender says it has 170 hp which I didn't think came out until 1977 and it also has a 5 sp trany which I didn't think was available until 1977. The numbers on the engine match the numbers on the fender sticker so I think its the original engine.

Anyhow, how can I verify what year it is? (eg, what sticker or are there stamped numbers, etc).

Thanks

Gary

There is a plate attached to the drivers side door latch area that should have the build date (month/year). That will also give your the cars Vin number.

My car does still have that plate, but the lettering is kind of faint and really difficult to read. I'll have to look at it better when I get home tonight.

So on your tag, your car was produced in November of 1975?.

Thanks

According the the microfiche, if your VIN is 030001-060000, it's a 76. From 060001-110000 would be a 77. (2+2 VINs are different from the 2 seaters which is why Michael VIN doesn't fit that scenario) 5 speeds weren't available until 1977 but are an easy swap to the earlier years. Likely installed by a pervious owner unless your car turns out to be a 77 with 76 bumpers but I've never seen that done. The 170 HP rating began with the 1975 model and didn't change until 1979 w/the 280ZX when they began using a different type of HP rating.

Edited November 11, 201113 yr by sblake01

Thanks sblake01. My car's number is 34031 so it must be a 76 with a transplanted 5sp from a later Z. That helps.

Ok, The 1 owner that I got this car from told me that it is a 1976 280z. So I went and checked the VIN and it is 292669. So do I have a 1975?

Ok, The 1 owner that I got this car from told me that it is a 1976 280z. So I went and checked the VIN and it is 292669. So do I have a 1975?

Your VIN is over 11000 later than mgood's VIN and his is a 76.....

Thanks, I have a 76!!