1977 Datsun 280z

Vehicle History & Description

1977 Datsun 280z   |   Contact
Ready to drive and enjoy, this late 1977 numbers-matching 280z was originally purchased in 1976 in the Bay Area (Mill Valley, CA) and was garaged in California for the past 10 years. The current owner purchased this Z in 2014, performing restoration work over the following eight years. In 2021, the owner took the vehicle to Michigan for final restoration and storage.  The odometer displays 40,600 miles -- true mileage is unknown.

Followers of Z cars will know that common rust spots include the frame rails at the firewall and beneath the battery tray. These areas were inspected, with surface rust being found beneath the battery tray -- the area was then sealed and repainted to protect against this issue going forward.  The frame rails were free of rust.  The fuel door opening was treated for surface rust at the leading corner during the full body paint job.  Small spots of mild rust can be found at the corners of the rear hatch opening above the tail light panel. Otherwise, the body of this Z was damage free and rust free.

When purchased in 2014, this Z was missing the factory exhaust system, bumpers, and air intake box.   As much as possible, this car has been restored to the original OEM condition and specifications.  Almost all of the car is original, with the exception of the bumpers, radiator, air intake, solid billet fuel rail, brake master cylinder, side mirror, carpet, and new vinyl seat upholstery.

Original Specs:

• 2.8L inline 6-cylinder @ 170 Horsepower

• 5-Speed Manual Transmission

• No Factory Air Conditioning

• Light Metallic Blue (305)

• Black Vinyl Interior

Restoration Work Performed on Vehicle by Owner

Body Exterior

• Repainted in 2016 with original Light Metallic Blue (305) color;  Front and rear glass removed for paint;  Multiple layers of primer, color, and clear were applied; Filled body trim and badge holes (removed belt-line trim and rear hatch badges);

• Replaced weather seals and rubber trim as needed

• 240z-style bumpers (stainless steel) installed w/ Skillard adjustable brackets

• Rear bumper filler panel shaved

• Various hardware refinished (e.g. hood latch, rear hatch hardware, door catches, etc.)

• Clear headlight covers installed

Interior

• Vinyl seat upholstery, brand new installation

• Door sill trim plates, refinished 

• New interior carpet w/ heavy foam underlayment in passenger compartment and cargo deck

• Heater core replaced (Interior heat; heating system and blower cleaned & reinstalled)

• Stereo head unit: New bluetooth digital media receiver is provided (not currently wired);

Engine Bay

• Frame rails at bulkhead / firewall, surfaces inspected for rust & repainted (no rust found)

• Battery tray inspected for rust; Superficial surface rust found; Area treated and repainted in body color; Battery tray with drain tube  installed;

• Motor mounts, new

Engine & Fuel

• Refurbished AFM (Airflow Meter) installed

• Fuel tank cleaned and sealed with POR15 process

• Fuel tank painted satin black (some mild overspray from the body paint job is shown on the fuel tank)

• New aluminum high-flow radiator installed (Champion); Original radiator is available;

• Engine block, cleaned & repainted

• Intake manifold, cleaned & painted

• Exhaust manifold, cleaned & painted

• Catalytic converter (California code compliant) installed – This car has passed California smog test

• New OEM-style exhaust and muffler (rear of catalytic converter)

Chassis

• Shock dampers replaced with Tokico HP “Blue” shocks/struts

Maintenance

• Brake master cylinder replaced & system flushed (Nov 2022)

• Oil changed (Nov 2022)

• Tires are still in good condition, with 2011 date codes

Modifications that vary from OEM:

• Solid billet aluminum fuel injection rail with built-in fuel pressure gauge replaced the OEM fuel rail (simplified system vs. OEM)

• Open-air conical air intake filter & tube (From prior owner; You can easily switch back to an OEM airbox by sourcing on eBay.)