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1978 Datsun 280Z

2 Seater Coupe

L28 2.8L Fuel Injected

5 speed manual

approx 130k miles

$700 USD

located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin USA

Mechanically, it's in good shape, and in fact a lot of components are new within the last 5 or so years - radiator, brake master cylinder, clutch slave cylinder, water pump, fan cluth, starter, thermostat, front tie rods and front ball joints. Brake pads and shoes are new as of 7-8k and have lots of life on them. I've always changed the oil every 3k (or sooner, because I only drive it summers, and only do around 2500 miles per summer) and it doesn't burn any in between. I also just changed the gearbox oil less than 1000 miles ago.

However, it's not a good candidate for a daily driver unless you're slightly adventurous, for a number of reasons.

The rust is pretty bad. I did a huge bondo overhaul on the body 2 years ago, but the frame has some rust and the repair isn't going to last forever.

The drivers side lock doesn't respond well to the key - I opened up the door and oiled it but it's quite sticky and will actually bend the key (I keep a spare on my keychain). I've been opening the passenger side and opening it manually.

The ignition is a little funny - you have to push the key a certain way and it works for me every time but you have to get used to it. Might just want to replace it.

Basically I think it would make a good restoration project or parts car. The tragedy of it is that mechanically, it's in great shape - the engine pulls strong (and gets about 20mpg) and the suspension is taut with the new components, and clutch and gearbox are great, especially after the oil change. It's a good time on a curvy road. But I wouldn't ever drive it in the snow (mostly because of salt, but also because of traction) and I don't think the frame will last without a full restoration.

It has a CD player and two 120 Watt speakers, but I'll include the original radio, which I have. Also, it has a K&N cone filter as of last July, and I'd include the original airbox as well.

If you're interested, contact me at p-tennessen@northwestern.edu.

Peter

The car is "sparkling burgundy," and was repainted 2 years ago along with the bondo work. Here's some recent pictures. If you want more or higher resolution, just e-mail me.

Immediately after repainting:

In the park:

Vroom vroom:

another one

Forgot to add, parking brake does not work. I've tried adjusting it with the screw under the car, but I think it needs new componentry to function. If pulled very hard it will hold the car on a slight grade, but that's about it.