Land of Dat Rising Sun: 56k-Mile 1983 Datsun 280ZX 5-Speed
- March 15, 2021
- Handsome Example of a True Sports/GT Icon
- Sweet 2-Tone Livery & Many Desirable Features
- Very Nicely Preserved & Presented
- Normally Aspirated 2.8L Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
- Desirable 5-Speed Manual Transmission
- Updated A/C System & Recently Tuned-Up
Launched in 1969 and available in the United States from 1970, the Datsun 240 Z was the image leader from Japan’s Nissan Corporation and it completely revolutionized the sports-car world with its outstanding performance, comfort, reliability, and surprising affordability. Featuring sleek bodylines strongly reminiscent of Jaguar’s renowned E-Type, the 240 Z was a revelation to drive with its SOHC 6-cylinder engine, 5-speed gearbox, all-independent suspension, comfortable interior, and 125-mph top-speed. Developed through 260 Z and 280 Z iterations, the first-generation Z-cars were built through 1978, numbering some 540k units in all. The 1979-1983 280ZX was more of a luxury/GT coupe that carried on the earlier cars’ great tradition of quality and sophistication. ‘Z-Cars’, as they are affectionately known, carried the Datsun/Nissan banner successfully in SCCA and IMSA competition, especially those campaigned by the Electramotive and Bob Sharp Racing teams, with ace drivers including Paul Newman.
Finished in delicious 2-tone brown livery, this highly equipped and great looking 1983 Datsun 280ZX admirably marks the final production year before the advent of the V6 300 ZX to come for 1984. Power is delivered by a naturally aspirated, fuel-injected 2.8L inline 6-cylinder engine matched to a desirable 5-speed manual transmission, which was unavailable with the “Turbo.” Highly original, including the paint finish, this 280ZX is offered with a fresh tune-up and the A/C system is updated to R-134a spec. The seller advises the power antenna mast requires repair, but otherwise, everything else functions properly. Offered from only the second owner, this looks like a high-quality Z-Car with just 56k miles of use.
Rightly, quality examples of the sophisticated 280ZX are robust, yet still within reach of a wide range of potential owners and collectors. They’re fabulous to drive and continue to represent all that is good in a higher-end Sports/GT car. Their heritage is rich, and their design and specifications stand up well, relative to today’s cars. Hagerty values the 1983 Datsun 280ZX from just $5,800 for a good #3 car, all the way up to $23,300 for an as new concours specimen. Our subject seems to be a high-quality example with great looks, attentive care, 2-owner history, and reasonable mileage, all for essentially #2 money. Top-notch examples are few and far between today and their sophistication and performance make them highly satisfying, especially 5-speed cars like our subject. Our take? It’s fairly priced, so buy it now while you still can!
