BAT: Longtime US Resident: L28/5-Speed Swapped 1971 Nissan Fairlady Z

[Mike]

This 1971 Nissan Fairlady Z is a RHD Japanese market car that’s reported by the seller to have been in the US since the early 70’s. Though its original engine can be had for an additional $1k, the car now runs a larger 2.8 liter L28 straight-six on triple 40mm Webers. This engine was probably pulled from a 280Z, as was its 5-speed gearbox upgrade. The car looks like a sharp driver in photos, and we dig the foreign marker bumpers, mirrors, headlight covers and other interesting details explored further below. Find it here on Craigslist in Torrance, California for $38,500. Special thanks to BaT reader Kyle K. for this submission.

A few details like the incorrect exhaust pipe could stand to be tidied, but the car itself looks nice and straight, and the seller claims no rust as well as “no major accidents.” Silver over black steelies is a very tough look, and slim bumpers, fender mirrors, covered headlights, JDM grille and airdam all add visual interest as well. Stainless shines nicely, lenses show very well, and bumpers look straight and true.

The interior features a crack-free dash, nice OEM looking upholstery on seats, doors, and trim panels, and the Datsun Competition steering wheel with Z horn button is excellent. The shift knob is from the same line. The windshield is new, and the passenger footwell contains a cool, factory optional footrest, just visible from this angle but highlighted in detail within the ad’s full photo gallery.

The car was originally fitted with a non-US spec 2.0 liter L20 six, and though available in “core” form (no further details are provided) for an additional $1k, the car now runs an L28 and 5-speed, both likely to have been pulled from a wrecked North American market 280Z. The engine looks great with triple Webers, and the blacked-out cam cover and red wires work well with the simple exterior color scheme. An additional gear, extra displacement and more power and torque should make a world of difference from behind the wheel, and an L-series with a hot carb setup is one of the best-sounding sixes we can think of.

Note the delicate and attractive JDM grille, better seen from this angle. We’d want to negotiate to have the original engine included at this price, and may consider a few tweaks like adding an OEM style exhaust finisher and a suspension tower brace in front, but finer points aside, the car definitely seems to have a lot going for it.

View it on bringatrailer.com