• Highly rare right-hand drive, manual car with targa top

• Cherished by current owner for 21 years where it never saw a drop of rain

• Always garaged, never driven on wet roads and runs perfectly

Long before the iconic modern Japanese performance cars such as Nissan’s GT-R and the Toyota Supra, Nissan dominated with its Z car line. In 1978 they launched the Datsun 280ZX (known in other markets as the Nissan S130), their second-generation Z car. This car was a complete redesign; an altogether larger, less rounded shape aimed at competing with the American muscle cars. 

Offered as a two seater and 2+2 design, up for auction here is the latter and is said to better suit the design goals of being a softer car, aimed squarely at driver comfort and refinement rather than the more sporty ambitions of the previous car.The car had become a grand tourer rather than an out and out sports car.

Offered here is an extremely rare right-hand drive, manual transmission car – a very rare sight on UK shores and ready for its next owner to cherish.

Having hankered after a 280ZX for much of his life, the current owner was delighted to purchase this car in the year 2000.

Attending various Datsun owners shows around the UK throughout the past 21 years, the owner has put the car’s grand tourer capabilities to the test with plenty of British holidays completed in it. He’s said to have loved every moment of ownership but, sadly, it’s now time for him to part with it.

Ready for its new owner, the car has two sets of keys and recently passed its MOT with no advisories. With the most recent service having taken place 4,000 miles ago in 2005, and as the owner has covered such a short distance since he hasn’t felt it necessary for another service, though it has been treated to numerous pieces of mechanical and structural upkeep in that time. 

Laid out on the rear shelf of the boot were a myriad of invoices for maintenance that the current owner has kept. Two keys are present, along with the original handbook, Haynes workshop manual and a litany of previous MOT’s. The full V5 is present and shows 5 previous keepers. 

Unfortunately, the actual service book has been lost throughout ownership changes however there is an abundance of receipts, some from prior to the sellers 21 year ownership and many from his ownership showing any required maintenance has been tended to with, the many of the invoices from his trusted local garage who’ve taken care of the car.

Surrounded by dark red velour and leather, the 280ZX is a terrific place to sit and the condition of this one is rather excellent. Noting only one small area of damage to the side of the drivers seat, the interior condition is excellent and – aside from a period-correct radio unit – entirely original. 

The owner has painstakingly ensured that every electric switch, light and dial works throughout his ownership with the exception of the oil temperature gauge. The owner states that a temperature senders is at fault which he has been unable to source but that the – more important – oil pressure gauge works fine.

Seats appear free from rips, stains or other such marking and even the boot carpet is in excellent condition – truly great. 

Being a late 1983 model, the car benefits from a facelift that Nissan treated the car to a year before with the distinctive air inlets in the bonnet and body coloured bumpers.

Owing to a pampered life by its besotted owner who had always dreamed of owning a 280ZX, the car has never been driven in the wet during his 21 year ownership and is always garaged, and therefore the exterior condition is overall excellent. The unique, slightly off-white paint shines nicely in the sun and there’s no visible damage to the metalwork. Though rare, there are a few small imperfections noted around the bumpers and exterior trim.

Though he can’t guarantee the car is entirely free from rust the owner is honest and has paperwork to substantiate the fact that any rust or corrosion which has appeared has been dealt with by professionals. This includes the repair of both rear quarters in 2017 which is a common area for corrosion on this model. Meanwhile in 2014 the drivers side floor pan was cut away and replaced, likewise the sills were each replaced in his ownership. Therefore, the underside of the car looks to be incredibly clean and free from visible signs of rust. It should be noted in relation, that the marks on the sills are simply dirt and not rust or damage. 

The owner notes that the wheels were swapped to a set of alloys from the 260z so are not the original but do look well on the car and all four on the car are found to be in excellent condition with no major markings, kerb marks or corrosion to be found on inspection, there is also a matching spare wheel. Likewise the tires look to have a good amount of tread on them though are thought to be fairly aged by now.

Not wanting to be caught out by the British weather, the owner purchased a purpose made cover for the car from the USA, this will also be coming to the lucky new owner of the car.

Starting first time, the owner states that this car really does exemplify the idea of Japanese reliability with no major mechanic issues experienced in his ownership. The car idled smoothly and sounded fantastic and free from hesitation when revs were added. 

The owner states that the 2.8l engine runs beautifully with a strong input and excellent cruising credentials. Likewise, the manual gearbox is smooth and perfectly functioning, the power steering works correctly and brakes are strong and dependable. In the last couple of years the clutch master cylinder and the slave cylinder were replaced with new parts, invoice has been retained. 

Figures suggest that just 24 UK registered 280 ZX’s remain registered on the road, while the owner of this model estimates this to be one of only a handful of right-hand drive, manual transmission variants. 

This, of course, makes this a significantly rare car. If you’ve been searching for this model, it’s fair to say that you may have been looking for a long while. Well, given its fantastic condition and smooth-running mechanicals, this could well be just the car you’ve been looking for.