I am looking to buy my first Z car, and I have come across this example. From the description and pictures it all looks quite good. There doesn't appear to be any exterior rust, and the underside looks quite clean as well.

I am looking for some of your expert eyes to take a look and let me know what you think. Any advice would be appreciated for a first time z buyer! Thanks!

Here is the car

A few of the things that would concern me and lead me to ask questions, or move on, are:

No bumpers

Where are the front turn signals?

Engine compartment paint overspray

Why no radio, but has antenna

How recent is exterior paint and what does it hide?

Dennis

Its a little hard to tell because there are really no pictures of the usual trouble spots on these cars. Under the battery, dog leg panels, rear wheel wells, lower front fenders, etc. From what you can see of the under side it looks pretty clean and there are no heavily rusted fasteners. You have to realize though there is some substantial filler on the front and rear of the car to shave the bumpers and the work around the front grill. It could be bondo or fiberglass, might even be metal work. I would like the Nevada heritage confirmed some how. If I were going to by another car it would come from the South West.

I'm real suspicious based on the doofy looking front end alone. Call it gut feeling?

Also I think I might spy some rust under the sill plates... not that that's a deal breaker, but he calls it a "1977 Datsun 280z Rust Free" so I get to be pedantic

Auction Ended 2 June - winning bid $5K.

If you bought it for $5K - I don't see where you could have gone too far wrong. I don't like the "custom" front end treatment but that is a matter of personal taste.

If someone is looking for a Classic Z Car - then my usually advice is to find the cleanest, lowest mileage, all original, complete and pure Stock car you can afford.

If you are just lookging for a Z to drive and enjoy - I think this one might be good for that use. It is all about getting the most value for your money. You just don't want to pay Classic Car prices for drivers nor cars with extensive modifications.

FWIW,

Carl B.

Well said Carl. I couldnt have worded it better.

Chas

I'd say hell no, look for another one. 5k is to much for this, and what the hell did they do with the front?!

For $5K that's a deal.

Sure it's in dire need of improving the exterior looks. But a few cuts here and there and a couple replacement parts and it could look great. Either using OEM S30 parts, bumpers grill and proper valance, or going with something like an MSA type 2/3 air dam or full kit, could really improve on the looks of that car pretty easily.