Hey fellow Z owners, I'm working on convincing my parents to let me buy a 1976 280Z 2+2, and understandably their main concern is that the car isn't safe. Being that the 2+2 is heavier and longer, I'm wondering if anyone knows crash test safety, or any good points to use to convince them? Thank you!

I'd say the extra length with the back seats helps from rear end crashes and that looong hood helps from front the end.  I had a bad wreck in a '76 back in the late eighties, sitting so low in the car kept me from getting hurt.  The steering wheel folded in though and that made my wrist sore but I didn't get anywhere near the front glass.  A lady pulled out in front of me and I hit her HARD, the long front end saved me.  Good brakes and seatbelts in these cars.  Good luck with your convincing.   

Rear wheel drive, manual transmission and torque are difficult for a new driver.

 

Get a Civic 5 speed to learn on and after a couple of years  (and probably a low speed fender bender), get a nice sports car:  A 240z coupe.

 

4 pieces of advice for a new driver:

 

1. Try to back up as little as possible (plan your path)

2. Always do a shoulder check when changing lanes.

3. Use your turn indicators and put them on long before you brake or turn.... let people know your intentions.

4. Throw your phone in the glove box or back seat... don't use it when driving.

To add extra details, I've had my license for over a year and have driven multiple vehicles. Most specifically a 1972 Chevelle (also a high powered rear wheel drive car with loads of torque) so I am familiar with how unpredictable these cars can sometimes be, especially when water is added into the mix! So while I'm not worried about it being difficult to drive, I do want to have a good argument to convince my parents it's safe- which I might have a shot at if it's a 280 2+2, but a 240 is too tiny. So I would love to know if anyone has recommendations on how to make it safer, or if they've had experiences like siteunseen where the car was helpful in saving them. Thank you guys!

 Sorry, this is not going to be pretty. IMHO, As far as body strength goes there are no good points. They were built with thin sheet metal and are very prone to rust, especially in hidden places, thus weakening what was already a so so structure. They don't hold up well in an accident.  There is also the cost of keeping a 40 year old car in running condition. Much of the work can be DIY, IF you have the DESIRE, but if the repairs are farmed out, the expense of repairs, the towing bills & the time the car is in the shop will soon spoil the joy of owning a Z. 

 The drivers ability is a huge factor. A lot of people jump into a Z & think it's going to make them faster than *&^% before they learn the cars' or their own limitations. Not a good recipe. You haven't given much info about yourself but the following advice is applicable to any new Z owner. Join a local sports car club that is involved in club racing. Shouldn't be hard in Cal. They usually host a drivers training course. On track, you will learn, in safe conditions, how to handle a car at speed & learn the cars limitations.

 In my years of driving a Z, that track time experience was the best money I ever invested in my Z & myself.

 I hope you get your Z but PLEASE respect it & drive it carefully for at least six months to get used to the car. Many Zs were wrecked in the first six months due to driver over confidence. These cars have the ability to make you feel like Paul Newman.

 Mark

Haha Mark, I understand all your points very well. This isn't a car that I would use and abuse, and after having driven other classic cars and having to drive my way out of sticky situations, I'd like to say I'm capable of not overestimating my abilities here. The car runs and drives, so that takes away a lot of initial costs, and it's a California car that hasn't really been left out in the weather- never the less, I am inspecting it for rust. Thank you for all your valid points, and I appreciate you taking your time to make sure I wasn't some silly kid who was going to break this beautiful car!

If you are just talking about safety, In your parents eyes it all boils down to air bags vs no air bags.  Guess which one wins.  I do have to agree on that point. No matter what driving skills you have,  It will always be the other guy that's going to do something stupid. In a car that small, think again which one will win.  I think about that every time I get into mine. It's 1977 safe, not 2015 safe. 

 

You don't seem to be a "silly kid" so I'm not telling you not to get a Z but you have to realize most everybody that owns one has something else to drive.  Do choose something worth driving every day and when it is feasible, get that Z and enjoy every minute of it. And When you do, A coupe would be my personal choice, but I've never driven a 2+2 so my opinion may be considered lopsided (also my daughter is about to turn 16   ).

Gwri8, would you ever consider letting your daughter drive a car like the one I'm getting? Keep in mind, I'm extremely mechanically inclined, know how to fix potential issues, have massive interest in the car, and have had the experience of driving other classic cars. In that situation, would you consider letting her?

Small quick cars can avoid accidents.  However they are also difficult for others to see,,,, it is especially worse with the fools and their phones these days.

 

You need 2 cars... a daily driver and a Z for fair weather driving.

Yes that makes sense. Has anyone ever tried to put airbags in a Z from 76?

Gwri8, would you ever consider letting your daughter drive a car like the one I'm getting? Keep in mind, I'm extremely mechanically inclined, know how to fix potential issues, have massive interest in the car, and have had the experience of driving other classic cars. In that situation, would you consider letting her?

Sure I would let her drive it…... on occasion, I let my 18 yr old son drive it….. on occasion, But with the simple fact that she HATES my Z, I don't think that is going to be a near future scenario  .  Her loss, I might add.  She's going to get something with air bags for at least the 1st year of driving.

That cracks me up! I'd be all over it if my dad had a cool classic car! Thank you for telling me I hope my parents come around and I can convince them that while it isn't the safest thing, it'll keep me alive.