***Vendor supplied images***

Highlights

Impressive, quintessentially 80s Japanese sports coupe
Attractive black paintwork with beige interior
Highly original throughout with no major modifications
Rare right-hand drive, manual transmission example
Original UK market example, now based in Spain

The Appeal

The Nissan-Datsun ‘Z’ cars were aspirational the moment they hit the market, and still get immense attention to this day; this was the first major coming of the Japanese sports car, and a precursor to that modern bar for quality, comfort and capability.

With its long-nosed, distinctly muscular design, the 280ZX (or Nissan S130, if you so prefer) arrived with masculine curves and a significant eye for a luxurious interior. Packed full of driver comforts, this iteration of the class was a deceptively tough-looking grand tourer.

This example is a rare, right-hand-drive UK market example, with a manual transmission - this is scarce enough, but to make things that little bit sweeter, it’s benefited more recently from the joys of a dry Spanish climate.

The History and Paperwork

First registered in Chester, UK, in 1981
By 2015, the car had arrived in Spain
During its current ownership, it has had a refresh to the paintwork
Currently indicates 93,207km, which is believed to be accurate
The car reportedly comes with a valid ITV that has always been kept up to date
Currently registered in Barcelona
The car comes complete with:
- Nissan Motor Co. Ltd Service Manual for the engine
- 280XZ owner’s manual
- Warranty and Service Booklet
- A photocopy of a how-to article on servicing the 280ZX
- An impressive selection of invoices
- Original Vehicle Identification card from the car’s dispatch to the UK
- A 1991 copy of the British Z Club magazine
- Information regarding the car’s Spanish Historic Registration

The Interior

Impressive beige interior
Seats are in good order with only light signs of wear
Door cards are in good order with only light wear to the carpet panels
The brown plastic dashboard carries only light scuffs and marks
The entire cabin is reassuringly original, right down to the Cassette player and radio
The tactile instruments are all present and correct
We’ve been informed of no technical faults throughout
Switchgear and steering wheel in good order
All dials are clean and easy to read
Carpets are clean and well-kept with no substantial rips or tears
The headlining is in good condition and particularly clean
The boot is very well-kept with a covered spare wheel stowed away inside

Stepping into the cabin of this 280ZX reveals exactly why this car lurched more towards being a grand tourer than a muscle car. Beautifully kept, every sumptuous brown surface is very nicely presented, with only the gentlest signs of wear and the original cassette player, stereo and air-con units all still in situ.

The Exterior

Sharply presented, long-nosed ‘muscle’ aesthetic
Bodywork is in excellent order with no dents or dings
Panel fit looks good and consistent with no unseemly gaps
Black paintwork has been refreshed during the current ownership
It still looks in excellent order with only light scratching and signs of wear
The branding shows some light wear but looks to be all present and correct
The glasswork and lenses are in good condition with no significant faults
The trims and brightwork are equally well-kept with only light signs of wear
The car is sat on its original alloys which present very nicely
These are shod in a full set of Michelin tyres
Underneath, the car shows some gentle corrosion
However, this appears only to be surface level

From its long bonnet to its sweeping fastback rear, the 280ZX looks like an aggressive piece of kit. It’s no wonder so many drivers sought after them - and this one’s black livery gives an impression of pure muscle from top to tyres. As with the interior, there are some gentle signs of wear, but it’s all of little consequence - and the car ultimately presents superbly for its age.

The Mechanics

Powered by a 2.8L L28E I6 powerplant
5-speed manual transmission
The engine bay is clean and well-presented
We’ve not been informed of any leaks, knocks, bangs or smoke
The car has reportedly kept up to date with its ITVs every year
We’re not aware of any mechanical issues and it appears in fine fettle
The vendor informs us that it still starts first time and makes for a very sonorous driver

Popping open the bonnet reveals the charismatic 2.8L L28E - an engine that’s still well regarded and capable, with the car’s engineering pumping straight into comfort to create a very pleasant experience for driver and passenger alike. This example has clearly been pampered, and the vendor notes that it’s still an excellent example of a retro tourer through and through.

Summary

Simply superb - this is a thoroughbred 280ZX that’s been kept in excellent condition. Right-hand drive examples with manual transmission are increasingly scarce, and we expect this one will attract plenty of interest.

BEFORE YOU BUY

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