A Classic Grand Tourer - The Datsun 280zx LMM Drives Episode 12.

Hello everyone,
It's no secret that I'm a fan of vintage cars, and enjoy driving rather than raw speed, so the Datsun 280zx should be right up my street!
A video featuring:
Lawrie - Totally besotted presenter,
Matt - Cameraman, Co-presenter, now contemplating GTA.
Get in contact!
Email me on [e-mail]
I've got an Instagram! Keep track of what I'm up to with Lawries_Mechanical_Marvels

[@renefontanez1531]

I have a 82 280zxet turbo with 400hp at 18psi ,for the last 22years and looking forward with it, i was 14year 1983 when i drove 1979 the first one, love it

[@lmm]

I think it's a stunning car - I really would like one. That's alot more power than this one was making!

[@kevlouis7445]

Love love love the 280-Zx from 79-83... my all time favorite n passionate car of my dreams- Always!! You’ll find the mirror controls mounted in front of your armrest. ✅. 0-60 in 10sec was Awesome in early 80s!! 280-Zx was termed “Awesome”!!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@aylaniamh]

I've a 1984 280zx 2+2 (in red) with 27900 miles on it, it is in original untouched condition & garage for the last 34 years. It will be back on the road in the next couple of weeks. After seeing your enthusiasm in driving the 280 I can't wait to get back behind the wheel

[@lmm]

Oh Matt and I are so jealous! How amazing to have it in that condition too. You're a lucky man with that - enjoy getting it back on the road, it's certainly one of my all time greats!

[@MeanierThanEver]

I have 1982 Blue ZX280 2+2 with manual, Iron Cross wheels with spacers and hard roof. MSA airdams front and rear gives more sporty style. I have same feelings of that car. Really like that L28 E engine, that sound and power feel. Not the fastest, but turns the head everywhere. Lot of car that price.

[@lmm]

Oh that sounds really, really cool. I do like a blue car. Sad about loosing the t top though, because they're so cool 😂. It's a really nice engine. Honestly apart from the rear lights I can't fault the car. I really want one.

[@iainmackenzie3704]

Sweet hair boys. Liked the video too. Well done and love the enthusiasm.

[@lmm]

Thank you! And thank you again, glad you enjoyed the video, loads more great stuff to come!

[@scottishcarenthusiastsandtrain]

Love a z car, great review lads, really enjoyed this.

[@ciaranburke3243]

When you opened the bonnet I also went waow 😂 great review glad to see it restored and not left to die 👌

[@lmm]

It's a magnificent car!

[@MrCarrera28]

Great video, love to see your passion for something that is not necessarily loved by the mainstream. I dream about one of these in the blue colour with a nice set of period after market wheels and just would want to spend years slowly fettling it and restoring old parts and making it look even better.

[@lmm]

I've never been one for mainstream! It would look stunning in blue. I really like blue cars. I genuinely really want one. It's super. A really liveable, do anything, classic.

[@islamexico]

I have 1979 Blue ZX280 2+2,manual. Great car !!!Great video Thanks

[@lmm]

Oh you're lucky! I really enjoyed having a go in this, I'd certainly have one. I'm really hoping my Supra will deliver a similar experience. Thank you, glad you enjoyed the video!

[@chrisosborne6957]

That interior reminded me of my Granddads Datsun stanza, also a very comfy car

[@lmm]

This was so amazingly comfy! Really amazing place to be!

[@lt1fd3s]

back seats in most 2+2s are for hostages and groceries...

[@lmm]

Oh! That makes far more sense! Though it must be quite hard to get the hostage in there. Lot of faff moving seat forward, throwing in the poor chap, getting their legs out the way so you can put the seat back. 😂 😂 😂

[@lt1fd3s]

...why do you think the rear hatches are so big??

[@lmm]

... It all falls into place! As we said - perfect car for anything!

[@LiamE69]

Very handy if you bag a brace of gnomes.

[@lmm]

Clearly what it was designed for 😂

[@jedw]

Though I am of course aware of the 240z etc. I never knew this particular car existed until now. Looks great, suprised they aren't more well known / collectable.

[@lmm]

It's a really lovely car, I can't believe it's not more popular. I really want one!

[@herc34es]

I haven't seen a ZX at such low price for ages :D :D

[@gosportjamie]

I always liked the 280ZX, the two-seater version was actually pretty, but even the 2+2 wasn't as ugly as the hideous mess that was the 260Z 2+2, it actually looked like it had been styled and not just inflated like a sheep's bladder. Now you've driven this one, you'll have to try a 300ZX, preferably an early pointy example that looks like a technical drawing implement, and see how it compares to the car it replaced. Of course, that may not be easy, I'm not sure any are actually left in the UK as they seem to have been even more rot-prone than this car was. Fun fact, the USA got a factory turbo version of the 280ZX which became a very insane race car in IMSA...

[@lmm]

I would really like to try a 300zx, they look incredible, but like you say, the issue may well be finding one! Yes I heard the states had a turbo version, that would have been great!

[@gosportjamie]

@@lmm I believe some of the tuning companies in the UK did produce a turbo version of this car, though I'm not sure if it was ever a produced conversion or just a development vehicle. It could be that development stopped as it was felt pointless when Nissan introduced the 300ZX turbo in the UK. I believe it was tested by Cars and Car Conversions magazine back in the early-mid '80s...

[@gavinmcd796]

Ive got a Australian delivered 1983 - 280 ZX 2+2 mint condition. only 180 kms original. Where ever I go people love her. Younger people ask me all the time - what the heck is that ? I say she's a "DATSUN". They dont have any clue what that brand is till I tell them , oh, the call the "Nissan's now. SICK, Datto way way cooler though!

[@fossilfish786]

Great vid, very engaging. Your side kid and you are natural and a joy to listen to. Love the car and it's redness

[@lmm]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it - loads more cool stuff to come!

[@void-beats]

Just bought my first z car 280zx can't wait to get it back from the mechanics

[@lmm]

I am so very jealous. I'd have one in a heartbeat

[@datsoon9236]

I'm looking into buying one at the moment. Hopefully I'll be able to experience the same love for the car as you have.

[@lmm]

Oh! You lucky thing! Super car. I'd have one without a shadow of a doubt if one ever came my way!

[@datsoon9236]

@@lmm haha I bet you would. Here you can get them for around $1,000 if you look hard enough

[@lmm]

@@datsoon9236 they're not too bad over here, a little out of my budget atm though.

[@datsoon9236]

@@lmm Ahh I gotcha. I hope you eventually find one!

[@lmm]

@@datsoon9236 me too!

[@threezerol944t]

Nice!!

[@lmm]

I agree!

[@Bikergal800]

Very nice ole classic and a good GT is a mile eater and makes you smile, When you come to under dog cars like my vert, 100NX etc and I like the 300ZX but silly cheap as it's not seen as cool but hay that makes it all the better and you both work well together keep up the vids

[@lmm]

It's a great car! I like things which are not mainstream. They're the best! Thank you - lots of cool stuff coming up!

[@lmm]

That sounds awesome! I look forward to it.

[@Bikergal800]

@@lmm do some research there is no real reviews for the celica gen 6 convertible but you can see many for sale vids

[@lmm]

I do like the car too - be something fun to do as summer approaches!

[@Bikergal800]

@@lmm should be good fun and I like your take on odd ball and under dog cars and no buying one your heart might get stolen by it

[@pmac2558]

I always loved Z cars & still want one. I found those 6 star z rims & they fit on my 2+2 celica Supra of the same era. I know where there is one Z for sale & this video reminds me to go buy it!

[@lmm]

I really want one of these. They're just great cars. If I had the money I'd be looking at buying one.

[@jaredsmith4944]

It did sell well, but it wasn't appreciated by the purists that wanted the Z to stay a bare bones sports car.

[@lmm]

Oh is that right? The owner was telling me a great story that as a result of it not being a bare bones sports car it didn't sell. Presumably the public liked it as much as I did?

[@jaredsmith4944]

zhome.com/History/Zproduction.html here's the production numbers compared with S30 models. The 280ZX did really well.

[@darylkik6204]

I had the ads for the 280ZX in my high school locker. In 1988 I bought a 1983 280ZX 2 plus 2 in blue with a white and blue interior. She had 28k and I was the second owner. I miss that car still today. Loved it and had a 1985 300 ZX, but it was not the same as my 280. Thanks for taking me back in time. My Z didnt have a red cylinder valve cover, was that a add on or just a across the pond option?

[@lmm]

I'm honestly not sure - the owner may have done it for aesthetics. They're super cars though, just great fun!

[@johnterpack3940]

I'm one of those rare few who find the S130 to be prettier than the original. I have a 1980 2+2 sitting in my driveway awaiting repairs. I bought it to hotrod it. But plans change and now it's going to be just fixed into a daily so I can drive something cool while focusing on a new project.

[@lmm]

Oh thats cool - I'll be intrested to hear how it compares!

[@johnterpack3940]

@@lmm it's a lot uglier, that's for sure. Although not as ugly as this one was when it was pulled from the hedge. And I don't have T-tops, sadly. But I do have a 5-speed, and that's all that really matters in life.

[@lmm]

From what I hear, this one was a proper mess! The t tops are cool, but regardless a super car! It's a really nice gearbox!

[@patrick280zx]

The 280ZX is a beautiful car, I have models of them too. It’s also my favourite car too.

[@lmm]

We really loved it. It's definitely on the want list. I'm rather hoping the Supra will provide some of the same joy.

[@patrick280zx]

Lawrie's Mechanical Marvels Ya

[@patrick280zx]

Lawrie's Mechanical Marvels I’ve seen a couple 280ZX’s where I live in left hand drive.

[@lmm]

@@patrick280zx They are cool cars indeed. Not that expensive either.

[@patrick280zx]

Lawrie's Mechanical Marvels Ya awesome car, ya they are sold for like 7,000 to 12,000 dollars, some especially if it’s the limited black or 10th anniversary edition it’s for 15,000 to 20,000 dollars. But it’s a very nice looking car.👌

[@TheTimeDetective42]

Aw yea yea

[@lmm]

That's basically how I could summerise the whole experience.

[@wadecamons3844]

I have owned them from 1990.i have green 2×2 at moment. Both were autos. Very relaxed cruiser! I love the looks. Always turns heads. Pity its frowned upon by motoring fraternity becayse its Japanese as its looks and.lines are stricking and far surpasses an e-type Jag!

[@lmm]

They're super cars, I really want one!

[@Colin_Wait]

And of course it’s red! Lessons in the expected future for your Supra

[@lmm]

It's made me so much more excited for the Supra!

[@Colin_Wait]

Lawrie's Mechanical Marvels that’s great. Do you think you’ll need a second donor shell like the 280 needed? Hopefully not but still going to be a huge job to get roadworthy. I always thought the Supra better than the 300ZX anyway although I never drove the Nissan myself. When it’s done, will be interesting to see if Matt changes his allegiance from Nissan to Toyota.

[@lmm]

I really, really hope I won't need a donor at all for this one! I guess we'll find out just how much work it'll need - and get a little more specific than a lot! In looks I think I'd have the Supra. Also just being able to say Supra. That's awesome. I know Matt is already in love with the Supra, so we'll see what happens there - he is a Toyota fan boy at heart!

[@aljowen]

The answer to "would I own one?" (garage space provided) seems to be predominantly yes. So what is the one car that you would least like to own?

[@lmm]

You got me. I'm a lover of old vehicles - generally if its appeared on the channel I like it. Hmm, good question. Anything modern I'm just not interested in, and I don't think many new cars are worth the amount they cost, buying second hand you can find far superior and fun cars for far less. Ages ago I drove Jayemm's Porsche 911 C4 and honestly that I'd sell on and buy something cooler.

[@Ryan-wf7sh]

I don’t know if you are talking specifically about the UK market when you say it wasn’t a success in sales but the S130 sold better than the original S30 worldwide, I believe it is still the highest selling generation of z.

[@robinforrest7680]

So you liked it apparently 😁 2+2 but not for 6ft+ Europeans. I'm sure you'd get 4 average Japanese in there... As far as I can remember 0-60 in under 10sec was pretty damn quick back in the 80's

[@lmm]

These are all good points. It would be fine for children, and yes, back in the day super nippy. We loved it even without taking such things into account!

[@brab666]

Any for sale in UK?

[@aylaniamh]

If you are ever in the North East (Newcastle area) let me know & you can try out my 280 auto then you can compare it to the manual

[@lmm]

Excellent! I'd love to give it a go. I may head up for one of the Tanfield Railway events, which is nearish. If I do I'll let you know!

[@graemew7001]

Like your style of videos and your genuine enthusiasm but we're on the opposite ends of the spectrum this week. I was all enthusiastic for last week's Supra, I rated that car from when they came out when I was in my teens but not for the 280ZX, it never floated my boat.

[@lmm]

Oh really - I was drawing alot of assumed comparisons between the two, but it's really made me excited to get the supra on the road. Like really really excited. And thank you - I'll try to find some more vehicles you'll enjoy!

[@graemew7001]

@@lmm It just felt to me (just an opinion) that the Z cars lost their way in the 80's and became dare I say bland. Earlier and later Z cars were beautiful cars. The 2nd gen 300ZX is a car on my wish list because that is an epic looking machine.

[@lmm]

I think alot of people felt that with the 280zx, going from more sporty cars to the more grand tourer. I do agree the 300zx is just awesome. Proper mega.

[@paulecrosby2006]

No no no, the rear lights make it beautiful at the back..nd rear seat passengers, it's a GT muppets the same as any car that's a GT.

[@lmm]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder I guess, they really don't do anything for me. That's not always the case is it though - my two is on paper a GT, and still is just a two seater.

[@furious1533]

Hey nice video just wondering do you know anyone who is selling a Dennis Sabre

[@lmm]

Thanks, no, sorry. Saw one on ebay the other day - that's your best bet?

[@furious1533]

Ok

[@aylaniamh]

How many of these are left on the road

[@lmm]

I'm afraid I haven't a clue. Sorry.

[@user-tw4cj2wt5d]

Lawrie, if you haven't seen this, you really must... not much of a project, but I'd like to see you resist buying this. I'm sure you could break it, though, then it could be a project! www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1098045

[@lmm]

Oh that's just lovely. I want it. Sadly both spacial and financial constraints will stop me from purchasing it. If I didn't already have the Dodge I'd be all over it.... I need a bigger shed.

[@bigolgreasemangreg1314]

Eeeeeew a 2+2

[@lmm]

It's a wonderful car. I loved it.

[@darrenporter1850]

Take it on track.

[@lmm]

I'm going to ask the question 😂

[@Nate-ut5lc]

Would you ever want to drive a big boy steam engine

[@lmm]

Can't imagine anything I'd rather do!

[@evanbard125]

but I just got a 2 seater for 3grand

[@lmm]

That's not bad going!

[@evanbard125]

thanks

[@DalekApproved]

Flop? Actually it was the most successful of the classic Z cars... especially in the US... o.0

[@lmm]

Yeah, it didn't do very well over here

[@MrKeyboardCommando]

FIRST‼️ Read it and weep.

[@lmm]

A long awaiting return to form!

[@MrKeyboardCommando]

@@lmm It's been a long time, but, man, it feels great to be back where I belong: at number one‼️🤣🤣🤣

[@lmm]

Long may you reign!

[@MrKeyboardCommando]

@@lmm I'm reckoning on a thousand years, give or take a couple of months.

[@lmm]

Oh so nothing long term then 😂

[@paulecrosby2006]

MR2.. No not good.

[@lmm]

MR2's are the best. As long as its an Sw20 😂

[@tobysurmann1936]

Yawn... was there supposed to be something interesting in this review?

[@lmm]

The cars pretty intresting.

[@tobysurmann1936]

Yes, the car is why I decided to watch the video. The vapid conversation about getting groceries in it and how great a car it is to sleep in made me stop watching... zzzzzzz

[@lmm]

Fair enough, thanks for the feedback. You're the first not to enjoy it, but it'll help us refine future videos.

[@mikethompson7046]

@@lmm Sir that was the most appropriate response to such a comment I have ever read on youtube 0.0 I draw my hat

[@lmm]

Thank you, we're trying to make content for you guys to enjoy, so all feedback is useful. :)