Gas Monkey Garage Builds a Japanese Import: In-Depth Look into the 1975 Datsun 280Z with Big Mike

[@jrh0369]

I’m a pure muscle car guy but I love this car. I saw these when I was a kid and thought it was one of the coolest during that time. Glad you didn’t LS swap it.

[@BigMikeEdition]

This is awesome to read.

[@Mechaniclyfe]

Big mike you deserve a lot of credit on this one , the execution on the car is just perfect , color , parts, engine everything was very thought out , the level of detail and a true Japanese inspired build, this is a great representation of what the true import scene is and how it was always meant to be. No body kits or crazy spoilers just straight to business, circuit style Japanese import build . Well done

[@BigMikeEdition]

I really appreciate those words, thank you very much.

[@bartozoz99]

This style of build has been done over and over, those arches are just an eyesore and make the whole car look like a 17 year olds beater MX5. Props on the motor that looks top.

[@WRMonger1]

Once upon a time I was a Z purist but I've gotten over myself since then. A 4 cylinder isn't the way I would have gone but you made it work. It's not a rebuild, refurbish, or even a refresh but it's still a Z with the classic lines and you get kudos from someone who has been working on these classics for over 30 years. Good job and don't let the purists keep you from expressing your art as you see fit.

[@chuckyboy6977]

This is 100% the bolloxs. The stance is just perfect, the colour on the body and wheels is pure retro Motorsport style. The only thing missing to really give it that late 70’s early 80’s rally style is a set of old school Cibié driving and spot lamps..

[@BigMikeEdition]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@akirony]

The interior is clean and smooth but that engine bay is meticulously beautiful. Love the 2+2 path too. I'd ve kept the rear bumper just for protection. And the fact that's the original paint color is just oooo. Great job and good idea.

[@BigMikeEdition]

Thank you very much

[@memberofthetribe1]

As a former Datsun 280Z owner, I can say, unequivocally that this is one sick Z. I hope that you are proud of this because it really is an amazing build. I also agree with you; this looks amazing with the 2+2 body.

[@BigMikeEdition]

Thank you very much! It was important to me to stay true to the lineage of the car and accent - not alter- the body lines.

[@deepdeo6823]

280Z bumper shave is no "small touch." 240 or 260 with the chrome looks dope. Props to this guy, but a fairlady build would be sick af.

[@NjoyMoney]

The chrome bumper is horrifyingly ugly. Its the only thing that makes the car look ugly and dated imo

[@rneoman]

It is a fairlady in Japan its a fairlady Z everywhere else its a 240 260 280 300 350 Z

[@deepdeo6823]

I meant the Fairlady ZG, my mistake.

[@deepdeo6823]

Big bumpers are ugly due to US regulations. The JDM bumpers look good tho, the 280 would've looked much better with them.

[@BakerDeltaFour]

Hi. What do you mean by 280 bumper shave is no small touch?

[@carharttblade]

Amazing, thats my dream, to have a classic car that is actually brand new

[@BigMikeEdition]

I understand that!

[@simlowsb]

I like it how you put it. A classic car that is actually brand new!

[@rsuriyop]

I just don't understand why Nissan doesn't just bring this old classic design back to the market. In recent years Chevy and Ford have brought back old classic Camaro and Mustang designs and it has paid off very well for them. I really think it would be a really smart move if Nissan could do the same by bringing back the original 240z design, especially since they're struggling financially. Doing this I'm sure would really help them out, believe me!

[@inz1]

Dude you’re gonna love 2023

[@donaldspringer2814]

Search 2023 Nissan Z. 400Hp, manual stick, taking various elements from the best designs.. it sings!

[@khayrobs]

400z

[@atomicorang]

This is an OMG sort of cat. It really caught my attention and had to watch. Great job to our presenter and to the entire staff.

[@Cameron-yu5dz]

Not gonna lie im actually really happy with this build. The 2 + 2 is a car not many people modify so its nice to see. The sr20 was a great idea as most of the time people just put either an RB or an ls in them. I like how you tried to keep it as era specific as possible. Good build

[@BigMikeEdition]

I appreciate the kind words very much

[@Cameron-yu5dz]

No problem mate

[@MSvento06]

The green with bronze wheels looks freaking awesome. So clean.

[@teachme7610]

I would have been mad if they did this to a 13,000 mile 2 seater. The 2+2 was a great choice. They turned what is usually an unwanted car into a really sexy racer/streeter.

[@BigMikeEdition]

Thank you very much!

[@FaizKhan-wb2py]

Love everything about the car... every inch of the car have detailed hard work, and it shows off. Good job one day you guys will built my car.

[@darnells5900]

Normally, I don't care much for GMG, but this 280Z...! WOW!!! Way to go guys!

[@BigMikeEdition]

Thanks!

[@Jux2p0ze]

This car is soooooo beautiful. It's a shame we don't bring back classic lines more like this.

[@mike.135i]

so glad this is gonna be on fast and loud

[@jesusgonzalez.7589]

Yes no like tesla shitty cars

[@miniac91]

Nice to see a 2+2 build. I rebuilt a 74 2+2 several years ago, and a buyer from Kuwait took it off my hands. I had that car 19 years, and I sure do miss it.

[@BigMikeEdition]

Thanks. They are such an overlooked chassis. I do understand why many think they are ugly compared to the coupe, but with the right mods they are awesome. Like, this one.

[@briansolliday6166]

One of the greatest builds to ever come out of GMG

[@andrewilliams7499]

my dad's 1st car after coming to America,but what you've done is amazing.

[@MrPanda-ke9rf]

Still have it?

[@InvincibleExtremes]

I love this build. Not as much as I love my own 240z, but that's because it's mine.

[@mfarrell123456]

My buddy in college had a 1971 260z with a 280z 6 pack racing engine. We got it up to 180 mph and when we stopped, the engine was still cold to the touch. That was the fastest I've ever gone in a car.

[@velocitor3792]

1970's Datsun 280zx has some of the most beautiful lunes of any car, any era. Love it! Would like to see these restored with the Japanese 'Fairlady" badging.

[@alisterhemmings8121]

Beautiful rebuild. Love the fine details,keeping it original yet modern,perfect example of a Restomod. Car embodies function and form in my opinion. Again,job well done and excellent execution. Big up from Jamaica

[@LaughOutLouie88]

This Z looks amazing my dude excellent job!!!! Love love everything in it, perfect build!

[@BigMikeEdition]

Thanks!

[@ChristianMercadoAcevedo]

This man has an immeasurable passion for his job

[@kipdiggs1827]

I've never been a fan of the 2+2, but I really like what you've done with this. I imagine that extra wheelbase makes it that much smoother in the ride department. Very impressive.

[@BigMikeEdition]

Thank you! One of the goals was to sway the worlds' opinion on the 2+2.

[@kipdiggs1827]

Big Mike I'd be interested in seeing what you could do with a 300 ZX 2+2.

[@rhyzhenthioz]

I saw this last year. I forgot to give a like so I came back.

[@Sebastian-yq2mu]

Good thing they were in a rush in the last couple days to keep it green. Looks great

[@lea2666]

Pity it burned to a crisp :(

[@thyelom]

Usually I always find something to change with builds like these. But this time, I have nothing to say, I don’t even like the 280Z, the color, stands, rims, interior, engine setup…OMG….flawless, beautiful. I bet this car will go for, at least, 100k. Well done.

[@BigMikeEdition]

Those are awesome words. Thank you very much!.

[@groovejet33]

This dude knows how to talk.....and talk right. My attention was fixed watching him, throughout. And he certainly knows how to plug GMG😂 great car and great video

[@BigMikeEdition]

I appreciate those words, thank you. It seems that some people think that I didn't plug them but yet somehow didn't hear the very first description on how it was a collaboration LOL

[@tking8914]

Love it. Have been searching for a 280z to build for myself. You gave me some good insight and ideas in the way i should go. Awesome work man!!

[@BigMikeEdition]

Thank you!

[@gregcollins6061]

That's a really nice build combination. . Colour , wheels, all just seems to work really well, 👌

[@TheycallmeTANK01]

good to see the old garage moving to the tuner stage as well, a real nice one too

[@dario-cadalystarchitecture7712]

Well done on the build. I absolutely love it. Thank you for not doing a RB engine swop, way too many people do it on 240z/260z/280z's and no longer unique. Thank you for choosing the 2+2 for a change. . . . .much respect from Swaziland - Africa.

[@BigMikeEdition]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@wasabicars]

Damn. I love everything about that. Great work

[@BigMikeEdition]

Thank you!

[@glenndavis4105]

WasabiCars zsssss@ss8s8ss dad

[@oli1658]

Surprised to see you around these parts mr.wasabi

[@isaiasmartinez2137]

Lmao

[@ivorgreenplant]

@@BigMikeEdition ,, did this car get wrecked in transit ?

[@MindDezign]

Great enthusiast build ,You can tell this guy put in heart. Not much on the 2+2. But they are out there and are Z cars. I have a 73 240z and a 78 289z Both restomoded as twins. One blue accents in brilliant white the other red accents in brilliant white . Semi flat flares and spoiler and bumper as is here,a very common classic theme. Car looks good,and such low mileage you had to build it even if it was a 2+2. Only problem with the 2+2 is you always wish you had the 2 seater. There have been a few really Kool 2+2 and if that's what you got ,you got to make them as Kool as you can.All the classic Z restom mids work.I don't like seeing any Z bone stock....that's a snooze fest.

[@Born_Texan]

I remember when they built this Zcar on the show. It's a beautiful car, I love it. This is one of my favorite Japanese cars. I am a sucker for the first and second year 280's, I really like the first year of the 2+2 cars.

[@fpshootermcgavin85]

Finally an import.This is beautiful.....this is art. I love Fast and Loud and the cars they build, thanks for this coming from an import enthusiast.

[@BigMikeEdition]

Thank you! I'm an import guy as well.

[@BCaldwell]

Good for you man! Great design! I absolutely love this car and your vision for the final product.

[@BigMikeEdition]

Thank you very much

[@lilopasha8762]

at first i though it was DJ Khaled

[@marioalvarezvilla2464]

Wait he's not? I thought he did car build in the side on top of DJing

[@randysurratt9919]

Lilo Pasha me too

[@armenenkel3547]

Another one!

[@armandojuan64]

So did I … Lol .

[@luissantiago6903]

Lmao

[@chrisgermain1470]

I've always despised the 2+2. I have a 71 240Z coupe and I'm always surprised at how many people can't see the difference between the coupe and the 2+2. I've always said a 2+2 is like trying to make a 4 door Nova or 4 door Chevelle look cool............Can't be done. BUT...... This 2+2 is ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS! Great Job! Beautiful car!

[@amezianehicham5020]

I have no freaking idea what he was talking about but that car is freaking owsome

[@arymonem]

You did an amazing job!!! This car ROCKS.

[@creeker81]

Insane!!!! Beautiful dream car!!!! But i think u really screwed up not putting the "Z" logo on the rear quarter panel, that is such an iconic emblem and makes such a statement!!! I noticed it immediatly!!! But other than that its flawless, and i love the 2+2!!!!! Awesome job!!!!!

[@johari1970]

couldn't agreed more...

[@carlbrown6642]

The first 2=2 that I like, absolutely beautiful!!

[@jerrychoochoo]

Emblems are lame. We all know it's a Z.

[@WUSZNN]

jerrychoochoo if someone gave you a r34 gtr, would you want it with badges or not.

[@JTEKTNYC]

Yup! I agree also.. But such a bad ass car....

[@Indarow]

Hats off to a gorgeous build. Thank you for putting an sr20 motor in it instead of an LS. I also would’ve been happy with an RB26

[@BigMikeEdition]

Thank you for the kind words. I chose an SR20 for a variety of reasons, but one of the main ones was because of the weight balance that it retains. The car stays close to the original 48/52 weight balance that it came with originally when using an SR20, which was one of the reasons the vehicle was so successful in racing such as SCCA. Additionally, you must take in to consideration that the viewers of that show are used to high horsepower, torquey American muscle cars. A fully built SR20 with a properly sized Garrett turbo makes for solid horsepower and torque, which is something that makes it that much able to be respected/appreciated/relatable to those who watch the show, especially and specifically because it is a 2.0L, 4-cylinder "tiny" motor to them. Additionally, as much as I love the RB, I would have wanted to do a fully built RB26DETT and there was nowhere near enough time or money to do the setup that I wanted to properly. Nowhere near enough time or money. I hope that gives you some perspective and context to why I made the decisions I did. Thanks for the love.

[@suavehouse5150]

Big Mike Do you know a reputable shop in SoCal that can rebuild a redtop Sr20det?

[@stevebell3429]

I had a 260z 2+2 back in the 80s so nice to drive still got the wheels set of 5, rear spoiler badges .....

[@BigMikeEdition]

Awesome!

[@tonyvong8402]

can’t wait to drive my 280z again. been working it on for some time

[@OsKBLaZe]

I thought it was a Need for Speed Payback screenshot that was photoshopped. Amazing job GMG! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@BigMikeEdition]

That's an awesome compliment.

[@OsKBLaZe]

Big Mike No problem. Only speaking the truth. Like I said, *Great job!*

[@jordancook1668]

I’m just glad the LS brigade didn’t attack it. A Datsun/Nissan ought to be powered by a Datsun/Nissan. It gets my vote based on that alone.

[@BigMikeEdition]

Thank you

[@MattSmith-vl7yu]

I have fell in love with this car. Genuinely this is my new dream car. Forget your lambo or Ferrari, this is the 1 for me

[@BigMikeEdition]

Awesome

[@jonathanrigley981]

I have a whole new appreciation for 2+2 Z’s now, Quite simply a beautiful car. Honestly I’d rather keep an L series under the hood tho

[@billramsey8695]

Absolutely amazing. What wonderful job you guys did on this. Beautiful car.

[@godra051]

I didn't think I will find a true love. Untill now. This car is my dream.

[@BigMikeEdition]

Awesome to read

[@Neudezign]

The car looks really good, I'm totally dig'n it. Nice and clean and I'm glad you made an effort to stay true to the original brand and era of tuning and styling. Big thumbs up!

[@BigMikeEdition]

Thank you very much!

[@Kindo86]

Love those classic Z cars.....doesn't matter how it's done!!!

[@BigMikeEdition]

They are all just beautiful cars

[@anhiirr]

finally a true z fan

[@taddmason1187]

so glad they didn't LS swap it. glad they went and did something original

[@BigMikeEdition]

Thank you. I would never (well, maybe not NEVER) put an LS in one of these. I wanted to keep it in the family.

[@taddmason1187]

Big Mike not an over statement but has to be one of the cleanest Z's I've ever seen

[@darylharvey2865]

I agree. LS is an awesome engine, but I’m all for keeping it all Datsun/Nissan.

[@BigMikeEdition]

Awesome compliment. Thank you.

[@selfproclaimednobody4614]

Craig D "IF YOU BUILD IT , THE LS WILL COME"! lol. Call it the "build of dreams" !

[@k0kyvr]

i had no idea this car had 2+2 version, it's so damn perfect, you turned it into a masterpiece

[@BigMikeEdition]

Well thank you!

[@MonyetButler]

Never thought a 2+2 could look good. This looks amazing. Well done.

[@BigMikeEdition]

Thank you very much!

[@BigMikeEdition]

Thank you very much! I always knew that chassis could look amazing if done right!

[@hamishmcewan1176]

Lovely. I'd definitely want a head rest to avoid whiplash if your rear ended.

[@surf403]

Hamish McEwan I agree! Ive never understood why on the majority of these builds, even pro touring, they use seats that can snap your neck in an instant!!??

[@sandplasma]

This has to be one of the sexiest Z's I've ever laid eyes on.

[@BigMikeEdition]

Thank you very much!

[@Johnnywhamo]

I had a 72 back in the early 80's when I was a young buck, it was a piece of crap BUT I sure felt cool tooling around in it. I've always loved these cars and would buy a decent one in a heartbeat. That said this beauty is a stunner, nice job buddy!

[@ImThinking3]

I can't get over how good looking this 280z 2+2 is. My goodness she's a beauty! 😍

[@BigMikeEdition]

This is not a ZX, its a Z. The ZX is a different car. But thanks for the love! It is appreciated!

[@ImThinking3]

Big Mike You're correct. Fixed it. Sorry about that. 👍 Still, #goals!

[@BigMikeEdition]

No big deal. I didn't know if it was a quick typo or if you thought it was a ZX.

[@shreckm6470]

Good to see Australian toyota landcruiser in the background

[@mattkelly9000]

Damn I never comment but, man that is the sickest Dotson I've ever seen.

[@BigMikeEdition]

Thank you. That's an awesome compliment.

[@mattkelly9000]

Big Mike thank you for showing it us.

[@BigMikeEdition]

You're welcome

[@bitnissan]

I love 240s 260s and 280s, they look so friggin beautiful.

[@BigMikeEdition]

Agreed

[@ACCOUNTANTB]

I Love the outline of the Datsun....its unique....and they did was turn it into a retro-performance stilish and very minimalistic re-design

[@BigMikeEdition]

Thank you for noticing and seeing the point of the design/re-design. Thanks!

[@novakaoss6848]

Damn wish my 260z looked that good! It will get there one day

[@marcelmiagi4579]

I can’t recall a single word he said...I just kept imagining him chasing around Aladdin with a sword.

[@isaiasmartinez2137]

Lmao

[@hardmurakami]

😂😂😂

[@ac7127]

Big mike a OG, good to see how far he's come since i remember his hatch in the magazine

[@BigMikeEdition]

Thank you very much!

[@NFiltr8Red]

By far one of the coolest builds! If I didn’t have kids in college, I say build me one now!

[@selfproclaimednobody4614]

Always liked the 2+2 fast backs! It's a good look.

[@mrpicky1868]

timeless design

[@robray7106]

Absolutely stunningly beautiful! Also I was born in 1975, which makes it even cooler to me.

[@BigMikeEdition]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@alaindezii4445]

A friend pulled up to high school in a brand new 240Z in 1978, just a gorgeous car.

[@howlinhauler]

U turned it into a 2000gt-z . Dope. Great green.

[@robertflores9227]

That’s awesome!!

[@BigMikeEdition]

Thanks!

[@lammysdv]

We had these in Zimbabwe growing up I always thought they'd make good muscle cars. I was 5 just seeing the idea 22 years later

[@gracilism]

Best looking 2 + 2 I've seen. Not many would choose that over the standard S30.

[@BigMikeEdition]

Thank you

[@Dazedviper1]

Wow that thing is beautiful , never knew I would lust over a 2+2 like this. Mike you did a great job. I wonder when this baby is gonna hit the auctions , if its not sold already.

[@BigMikeEdition]

Thank you very much. I don't know when or if the car has sold already. I hope it goes to a good home.

[@mike.135i]

of course its green hahah

[@carlbrown6642]

Beautiful color.

[@charliemurphy5507]

M. Hayes Yeah it looks really nice

[@rebeccahheelsbountyhunterr7458]

M. Hayes valley

[@dennismeurs9736]

Blue is nicer!

[@AKNismo]

At least it's green because that's the original color, not because Richard wanted it that way lol

[@jebbush8491]

This car actually made me change my mind on the 2+2, beautiful

[@BigMikeEdition]

That's an awesome compliment

[@atroxell436]

Me and my family love Z cars, and my grandfather used to have a 2+2...not the biggest fan of them, but this one is beautiful. Great job

[@BigMikeEdition]

Thanks!

[@ericorange6662]

Go big mike car looks awesome

[@BigMikeEdition]

Thank you!

[@alexnaranjo3299]

B-E-A-UTIFUL! I LOVE THIS CAR!

[@reset6970]

Have never seen a green like this. A masterpiece. Thanks for building it!

[@BigMikeEdition]

Nice compliment!

[@nenon809]

This car is cleaner and smother than a 2018 model, great work

[@BigMikeEdition]

Thanks!

[@roknroy1]

really nice build inside and out!

[@BigMikeEdition]

Thanks!

[@jayceloris]

Magnifique. Travail vraiment de très haut niveau

[@marcfalsetta5845]

Too bad burnt to ground while delivering

[@marcfalsetta5845]

Burnt up

[@shinigamilee5915]

Finally, someone who is willing to trash the 70's bumpers! Bravo. Those bumpers do absolutely nothing and detract from the overall look of all '60s - '70s style vehicles; often hiding the elegant body line's we crave.

[@SpookyFow]

RIP GM 280Z... The best looking 280Z build to date.

[@MannyFresh1x]

Was it wrecked or destroyed??

[@SpookyFow]

@@MannyFresh1x It was destroyed in a car hauler fire.

[@SpookyFow]

@@MannyFresh1x total loss

[@julioserna5659]

Now that s a amazing beautiful car

[@slackerzsincity6947]

Best Datsun I’ve ever seen hands down.

[@BigMikeEdition]

Awesome compliment

[@jebbush8491]

Screw the haters, I second the OP comment. Stunning!

[@BigMikeEdition]

Thanks!

[@1111stunna1111]

Slackerz Sincity that's because you never seen nothing.

[@mlow5428]

I guess you don't get out much.

[@flyonbyya]

How could anyone not absolutely love everything about it Only thing I’d have done diff...RB26 it !

[@BigMikeEdition]

Thank! If there were more time and money, an RB26 would have been much more likely ;)

[@milkhoney6742]

Love the green and black trim....Super Fly!

[@BigMikeEdition]

Yup!

[@Drew_peaballs_128]

Oh yeah love a good Datsun 😎

[@BigMikeEdition]

So timeless

[@Drew_peaballs_128]

Big Mike sure is well done on the build! Great job, I’m restoring a 260z 2+2 atm and this has defiantly given me a boost of motivation 😎

[@BigMikeEdition]

That's awesome. Best of luck.

[@Drew_peaballs_128]

Big Mike thanks mike! We have some videos on our channel if you wanna check them out 😎 thanks

[@1houroflove186]

Fricken beautiful!

[@earlehart2123]

this car is Heaven...words are not enough...

[@BigMikeEdition]

That's very kind of you to say

[@markfoggo1884]

Never been a fan of the 2+2 but this is bob ob. About time gmc did a proper car!

[@BigMikeEdition]

Thanks! It was great to be able to design and be a part of the build.