One of the earliest sales successes that Nissan Motors had in the U.S. would be the Datsun 240Z. It was a 2-seat sports coupe designed to compete with similar cars coming out of Europe. It sold quite well throughout the 1970s, evolving into the 260Z and then the 280Z (based on engine size). The seller’s 1978 280Z looks okay primarily in a dark garage, but few details are provided other than acknowledging that it’s a project. Located in Gloucester, Virginia, this Japanese bundle of fun is available here on Craigslist for $8,000 (another tip brought to us by Gunter Kramer).

Back in Japan, the 240Z was known as the Fairlady Z, based on the Nissan S30 platform. Nissan saw the opportunity to compete with the likes of the MGB-GT, which was selling well in the U.S., so they began to export them to the West (or East, depending on your geographic perspective) in 1970. The 2400-cc engine would eventually grow to 2800 and, with fuel injection (in 1975), the motors would be suitable for up to 170 hp.

American buyers were impressed by these Datsuns (as they were called in the States until 1986) and found them more dependable than some of what was coming out of England. Front disc brakes were standard equipment, as was 4-wheel independent suspension. There is no indication if the seller’s car runs or when it last did. The yellow paint in the limited photos seems okay, and the dark location makes the black interior hard to investigate. The mileage is said to be 80,000, so the engine may need some work by now.