Beschrijving
Welcoming a Japanese icon to the Brentford Riviera, we’re proud to present this tidy, Wine Red metallic 280Z, with just one owner since it was imported to the UK in 2017. With just 74, 753 recorded miles on the clock, this 280Z is the perfect example of an underrated entry-level Japanese classic, exempt from ULEZ and ready to roll.
Arriving just in time for the 1978 Oil Crisis, the Datsun 280Z got an unfair start in life. Far closer to the original 240Z than people gave it credit for, this coupe is a direct descendant of the original ‘Z’ car and a more sporting car than the 280ZX of 1979, for which its often confused with.
Free of the chunky bumpers US cars were forced to wear to satisfy Federal laws, very little changed between the 240Z and 280Z. With air conditioning and electronic fuel injection, the 280Z is better suited to daily driving and powered by a plucky naturally aspirated 2. 8-litre straight six.
Factory fitted alloys, as this model comes equipped with, were a rare addition at the time, with most specced with plastic trims – a carry-over from the 240Z and 260Z. Mechanically simple and robust, high production numbers of the cars mean that replacement parts are plentiful and easy to acquire.
About this car
Delivered new to Huntington Beach, California in 1977, this 280Z has a comprehensive service history spanning its stints in both the USA and UK, including its original owner’s manual, workshop manual, service booklet, Datsun pre-delivery inspection record and its final MOT pass certificates and health check as well as its MOT exemption documentation.
Moving from California to Oregon in the 1990s, the car was imported to Merseyside, UK in 2016, after which it received a new air flow metre, air filter, new front and rear cutpile carpets, door trims, ignition switch, water and fuel pump, window seals, boot spoiler, engine valve cover gasket, inlet manifold, and a rebuilt and polished carburettor, all done between 2018-19. Non-period upgrades such as a new back box exhaust and halogen headlights were added at the same time, improving the car’s sound and visibility.
The car was treated to new seals and windscreen as well as 240Z bumpers to give the car a unique stance and look. Today, the car drives fantastically and presents well though there are some microblisters in the paint. They aren’t too severe but it would require painting to remedy. Frankly, we think it suits the car’s cool Californian history. We can supply a walkaround video upon request to show this in better detail.
As with all our cars, a full digital folder is available on request containing more images, walk-around videos, pictures of the underside and scans of the service history. The car can also be viewed by appointment at our West London showroom.
