landon

Thanks all for your responses! His health has improved and it'll be a while yet - and I couldn't be happier!

I once had a Falcon Sprint convertible shipped. When I got it, finally, it had been driven 480 miles. There were several huge scratches in the door and a burn in the seat. One of the tires was flat. I was there when it shipped out and I was there when a different truck brought it. Complaining got me nowhere.

Oh, absolutely! I'll post whatever I can when the time comes - could be a week, could be a decade. Hopefully the latter but more likely closer to the former. Currently the car is stored for the winter; his illness has been rather sudden so hopefully neglect won't be an issue. He is in his late 80s but drives the car to work regularly in the warmer months. I'm sure he has immaculate records as well. He is very disciplined that way.

I am inclined to agree... that being said, should I stick with his practice of taking it to the dealer for all servicing or am I better off finding an independent shop? I'm not a big fan of dealer servicing overall but equally unfamiliar with Datsun so maybe they are different? The big decision I have to make is a) flying from WA to MD and driving it back cross country (more fun); or b) having it shipped (more convenient but prior bad history). Either one bears significant risk - it's not like I can say, "hey, could you have it looked over before you go?"

Hi, I am going to be inheriting a 280Z and it looks like the time is drawing close. In 1976 an older friend bought a brand new 280Z in British Racing Green. He and his wife then promptly went on vacation, hiring me to keep an eye on the place (by letting me stay there). As an 18 year old I couldn't help myself - when they left the car had 80 miles on it and when they came back it had over 700 miles on it. He didn't say much about it, but I know he was somewhat miffed at me. I did wash and detail it before they got home so maybe that made him feel batter. Anyway, long story short, he still has the car. I know he has maintained it at the dealer regularly and has all the little dings and scratches attended to every other Spring or so. Several years ago he told me that the car is in his will to be bequeathed to me because he knows I will value it as he does. He and his wife are childless by choice and I am the closest thing they have to a son. Recently he has taken quite ill and has not improved. I hope he recovers, but if not I stand ready to receive the car. The question will be, what do I do with it? Show it? Drive it? Hotrod it? I can virtually guarantee it's completely stock and original (paint and all), and garaged all these years, although high in mileage I'm sure. I might add selling it is out of the question. It has been a dear friend for over 40 years, and it has been that long since I have driven it. I am here to learn all I can about these cars before it ends up in my driveway. Landon