paint code 638?

[scotts pearl]

I just purchased a 78 280z...the previous owner stated this car was a black pearl.. My 280 does have dual sport mirrors and paint code 638.. No stripes nor rear louver.. Can any one tell me if this a black pearl..

[Carl Beck]

Yes - if it has 638 paint code - it is a Black Pearl. The Racing Mirrors, Shade Kit and pin striping were part of the optional/additional Sports Appearance Package.

FWIW,

Carl B.

[Garagegoon]

I show in my paint code book 638 is called 638 Black Metallic......

[sblake01]

This has been discussed before. If it came from the factory with 638 paint but without the SAP (Sports Appearance Package which consists of the accent stripes, rear window shade and dual racing mirrors) then, IMO, it's just a 1978 280Z with black pearl paint which Nissan did build. Others will say it's a BPE without the SAP. My answer to that would then be - is my 1978 280Z the 'Blue Metallic Edition'? On a side note the so-called 'BPE wheels' were not part of the SAP, they were just a factory option alloy used on the US 260Z/280Z. The mirrors and louvers were also options on non BPE 280Zs.

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Edited November 24, 2008 by sblake01

[Carl Beck]

..., IMO, it's just a 1978 280Z with black pearl paint which Nissan did build.

Nissan not only built it - they charged extra for it, and they built a limited number of them. Each Authorized Dealer was supposed to get at least ONE.

Black Pearl Edition - is really shorthand for Black Pearl Limited Edition.

Others will say it's a BPE without the SAP. My answer to that would then be - is my 1978 280Z the 'Blue Metallic Edition'?

Did your Window Sticker list " Blue Metallic Paint" as an extra cost item Listed on the Window Sticker under the heading "Equipment and Accessories Installed by The Manufacturer"? Or like all the other colors that year, is it simply listed under "Color" at the left of the window sticker?

Do you have a copy of the Dealer Sheet - introducing a special "Blue Metallic 280Z"? Did each Dealer receive only a very limited number of Blue Metallic 280Z's?

As anyone can see from the Dealer Sheet you pictured - the Sports Appearance Package, was only available on the Black Pearl Metallic Paint - and it was an additional cost option over and above the Black Pearl Edition.

It is not the SAP that makes the car a Black Pearl Edition - Paying for the extra cost Black Pearl Paint Job, and the limited number produced - made the Black Pearl 280Z a special Limited Edition, which was additionally eligible to be equipped with the SAP.

FWIW,

Carl B.

[sblake01]

I'm sorry but you and I will never agree on that. I know you sold Datsuns at one point and I too worked for Datsun for a year or so but the only time I've ever seen the term 'Black Pearl Limited Edition' is when you have posted it. Black metallic paint was an extra cost option, period. Nowhere on the invoice, that one or the one for the car without the SAP, does it say 'Black Pearl Edition' or 'Black Pearl Limited Edition'.

[Carl Beck]

I'm sorry but you and I will never agree on that.

Hi Stephan:

That's OK - we don't have to agree. We can state our case and everyone can decide for themselves.

Others will say it's a BPE without the SAP.

then:

Black metallic paint was an extra cost option, period. Nowhere on the invoice, that one or the one for the car without the SAP, does it say 'Black Pearl Edition' or 'Black Pearl Limited Edition'.

I'm not sure at this point just what we disagree on. First you seem to be saying what without the SAP - it isn't a BPE. Which I disagree with, as do most owners on the Black Pearl Register.

But then in your second Post you seem to now be saying that the term "Edition" or "Limited Edition" doesn't apply, because Nissan didn't call it a limited edition.

Edition, limited or not - A Black Pearl 280Z doesn't need the SAP to be a Black Pearl.

FWIW,

Carl B.

Edited November 24, 2008 by Carl Beck