SportBikeMike

Leno does have a couple older Japanese cars in his collection, I believe a Mazda Cosmo and a Honda roadster from the 60s. I'm surprised he has no Datsuns/ Nissans. Last I saw he had 60 motorcycles, from Harleys to race bikes.

More rust protection.....and more power. Lookswise, I'd keep it exactly the same.

That was awesome!!

Allright! Way to go Nissan!

Very nice! Love the color!

Cool collection! Its nice to see someone with that kind of income who prefers to collect Datsuns/ Nissans (of course he has the Lambos too....).

He's definitely not a 350Z fan....does make you wonder whether he was dogging it a little bit.

Exactly. While a quick car, the 300ZX turbo had some turbo lag and most quarter mile times I've seen have been around 15 seconds. A stock 350Z will run in the high 13s/low 14s. Yeah that 260 was definitely not stock.

I've seen it before and I'm skeptical. I don't think that British guy knows how to drive. The 350Z should beat the 300ZX TT, and the 260Z wouldn't even be close!

I don't think the previous owner ever drove it per his Ebay ad description. Hopefully, you'll see it more now that it has a new owner.

I think that one was recently on Ebay. Sure it wasn't a 260Z? There was a white 260Z on Ebay recently with a RD20DET coversion from that area. I was interested in the car and was bidding on it but then he pulled it off before the auction was over. Must have sold it locally. Very nice car and a very well-done project, using all quality parts. I bet it flies!

Put on cool, red spark plug wires.....also a new 'Z' hood emblem. Not a Z, put changed the oil on my WRX......took me 40 minutes!:stupid: Why does every new car have to have a panel you have to remove to get to the plug and oil filter? My 350Z was the same way. All it does is double the time it takes to change the oil.:mad:

Wow.....beautiful car! I didn't know Zs like that existed in Illinois.

Nice pick-up! Enjoy!

Uh...this thread was started over 7 years ago. I reckon she's probably already parted it out.

Pretty cool!

Its amazing the amount of people who don't distingush between the 280Z and 280ZX. I've even seen ads on Ebay, where they will refer to a 280ZX as a 280Z.:stupid: They apparently never look at the badging on their car...

I think thats right! Its a nice fun car but I did notice a few things: 1) Reverse was a little notchy. I've read where these cars have a problem with the reverse gear. 2) although the body is clean, there were some signs of rust on the frame underneath and in the rear trunk. Nothing severe, but enough to make you think twice. 3) I'm the type that likes to do all my own maintenance (another reason to love the S30!), and this car looks like no fun to work on. A very cramped engine area.

Well folks, I looked at (and drove) the car a second time tonite.......had the cash on me, looked the car up and down and underneath, under the engine bay, under both trunks, couldn't find any major problems.....and he was standing there waiting for me to say "I'll buy it".....and I just couldn't do it. Just couldn't "pull the trigger". Something is holding me back. Maybe its my unfamiliarity with Fiat? Maybe its all the negative remarks I've seen? Maybe I'm such a Datsun guy, that I subconsciously look down my nose at all other marques? Or maybe I was little tired and didn't want to deal with buying a car. At any rate, I didn't buy the car.....although I told him I would still "think about it". Any car enthusiast psychologists out there?

Well I'm planning on going and taking a second look tomorrow (weather permitting). I gave it the once-over last Saturday but now that I've done some research, there are areas I now realize I forgot to check for rust ie. the shock towers. There was some surface rust on the engine cover and a few other small spots. I'm pretty certain though, that the car doesn't have any major rust issues.....just want to make sure. I realize the MR2 is probably the superior car......but comparing the MR2 to a X1/9 is like comparing a Honda motorcycle to a Ducati. It just lacks that certain Italian "flair" which is hard to describe. Arne is correct in that this car will just be the occasional weekend toy. Always garaged.....right next to the 240Z.....and never abused. Although at 35 mpg, could be an occasional daily driver.

Thanks for the advice and input everyone. I was going to go look at the X1/9 again tonite now that I know more what to look for, but decided not to because it looks like its going to storm. Is that some kind of sign I wonder?

I would love a Stratos! The X1/9 engine is surprisingly lively for only being rated at 75 hp. Maybe its the high revving nature and the sporty sound that give you the impression you're going faster than you are. 0-60 times I've seen are usually in the 10-12 second range, so rockets they're not......but fun nonetheless.

Exactly! Thats the conclusion I've reached from my research on these cars. Sure they're piles of crap.....if not maintained. Just like every other car.

Come to think of it there is an MGB for sale here on a used car lot. You don't know how rare it is to have to vintage sports cars for sale at the same time here.... I agree about the relays and Italian electronics. Been down that road with my bikes.

You might have a point.After all,magazine editors(30 years later)should know more than someone who was there when these cars were new-right? Well,Excuuuuuuuuuuuuuuse meeeeeeeeee. Just giving you a hard time Benny Hill. I realize its pretty much the exact same car, just different badging.