Stored 20 Years: 1978 Datsun 280Z Project
On its home turf in Japan, the Datsun 240/260/280Z was known as the Nissan S30 aka Fairlady Z. In the U.S., the 240Z debuted in 1970 and would evolve in engine displacement to the 280Z through 1978. These cars were Japan’s response to the popular British sports cars that Americans liked to buy. This 1978 280Z has been out of commission for 20 years, doesn’t run, and has accumulated some rust. Located in a barn of sorts, it can be found in Naples, Idaho, and is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $5,000 OBO.
When it was introduced to U.S. buyers, the 240Z was within $200 of its closest competitor, the MGB-GT. With a fresher design and new looks, the 240Z caught on instantly and helped Nissan cement its eventual position in the U.S. market. 4-wheel independent suspension was standard fare as was front disc brakes. The 240Z and 260Z models used carbureted engines, while the 280Z moved up to fuel injection with its rollout in 1975, good for 170 hp.
This dark blue ’78 280Z must have a story to tell, though we don’t know what it is. We assume it quit running about 20 years ago and was cast aside waiting for repairs that never happened. The mileage is 89,000 which suggests that the motor may have been getting tired if the owner was putting it through its paces with the 4-speed manual transmission (as many would!).
Under all of the dirt, grime, and possible mildew is a Datsun that may have been painted dark blue. But it almost looks black, which is the color of the interior. There is rust in the driver’s side rock panel and it sounds like there may be more, but the position of the automobile limits the photos that can be taken. This project is going to take a lot of work and money, but if you’re a Z-car fan, you probably know all the tricks to restore these cool machines.
Comments
A ’78 would have come from the factory with a five speed manual, not a four speed. The rust, bad paint and this being a non-running example make the $5k asking price aspirational. I’d offer $3k max, but there might be someone out there who’s willing to take the plunge.
Rust rot got to it- the metal is notorious for this – not enough zinc content.
Fire wall & cowl frame rails will crumble at the touch of a finger.
I may be wrong-it needs gone over by a good body man who knows his stuff.
I just bought the Rotsun hot wheel last Saturday.
Make sure you check the unibody frame rails directly next to the front of both doors. This area is notorious for frame rot and very expensive to repair..
The driver’s side sill is gone, which does not bode well for the rest of it. As John said, check the rails carefully.
To be honest, I’m shocked that the fender tops look as good as they do. Just don’t touch them; they may crumble.
I’d say it’s a parts car, but like the Hugger Orange Camaro, I’ve seen people with the will and the wallet bring back far worse cars. And it’s a proper Z, not the boulevard cruiser that the ZX became when they overloaded it with every luxury/comfort feature they could find.