The Z Life Chooses You: 1976 Datsun 280Z // CARISMA

[@drive]

Since it's our first new video, I really want to know how we're doing. Some great feedback here already, but comment away and tell me what you want to see more or less of. - KC

[@DeadkingAZ]

Pacing: Solid. Editing: Solid. Cinematography: Solid. Subject Matter: Solid. Music: Good, but dial it back when the car is on the road so we can hear that motor Total package: A return to form in what made the channel great in the first place. Excellent comeback. I'm in.

[@cj4ebay]

@@DeadkingAZtotally agree, loved it, glad to see the channel is back in action, I missed it. But some more space for that pure mechanical bliss would be perfect.

[@bretbauer7582]

This dude gets it, it's refreshing to see real shit, not an ad, and some passion. This is the anti-TV car show, and ya gotta love it.

[@hoilst265]

MORE AUSSIE CARS.

[@jozce311]

Be more like Jay Leno and less of whatever this is. This comes off as some sort of early mid life crisis refuge. I don't blame the owner and more so on whomever fed him the questions. Tell us and show more about the car's setup like engine build, suspension setup. Why this mod over that mod, etc. Instead the owner tells us he knows the car inside and out and answers these seemingly rant type questions that as a car guy IDGAF about.

[@Donut]

Got me looking at Zs on marketplace...

[@socal240z]

please no 💀 prices are finally going down again tho!

[@fuelempiretv]

Right? I saw a shop that builds these things like Singer does 911s. They're amazing machines and way underrated.

[@socal240z]

@@fuelempiretv hell yea bro MZR in england builds some crazy Z cars, a little bit too luxury for my tastes (and budget)

[@Talex-td6xf]

I have a feeling y'all have enough cars to keep you busy for now...

[@davidbranch1077]

You all has got great taste in cars, the old sports cars from the 1970's and early 80's are beautiful. I like this 280z ,or Z432... the Porsche 928, the 911 turbo and the 1973 Carmaro z..❤💯👍

[@dibley4614]

Man, this guy gets it.

[@Oshinut28]

Dude all i got to say to that is, I feel you totally as a fellow 280z owner for 15yrs now got it when i was 28 restored completely by my self using nothing but the original manual. Great summary, nailed it.

[@peterjdo]

Great feel to the video. Would have liked a quick run down on the build , engine bodywork, interior . Welcome back 🥰

[@briancavanagh7048]

Yes Rundown on the build, issues (rust), parts availability. He mentioned paying homage of the history & culture (both Japanese & US) of the car. So how does that relate to his car? What has he done so far, how long has it taken him? What other plans does he have for the car. The most interesting builds are done by the owner. “The Drive” could do a part 2 to this video to answer all the questions.

[@drive]

Thank you. We're gonna get more of those details in future episodes. Just the start!

[@JerGol]

The silhouette of that car is just insanely gorgeous. 🥹🤤

[@stanthorne6887]

Passion. Every car guy has it. Sometimes it is more focused in one area or another; the build, a brand, the race, hunting down your first sports car, or finding a car your father owned. As a car community we have passion. If The Drive/ is to make a come back you need to celebrate the passion. Most of us cannot write a check for a new Pagani or used 911 Turbo. However, we can find a car that was cool from our youth. The one we lusted after in high school. The one our dad said "no" to. Finding owners, no, finding enthusiasts who are pursuing cars they are passionate about - that - that is what we want to see. Well done on the 280Z video. Some history/documentation on how he got to the final state would be good. (photos, video, etc would help connect us to the car) I helped my father rebuild a 280 and a 300, both of which my father sold for a little cash for a growing family. >sigh< Thank you for bringing back The Drive/. I have high hopes and am ready to like and share.

[@drive]

Well said, and thank you for your support!

[@spavatch]

I totally agree with the ‘representation of its era’ approach. I like my cars period correct, too.

[@AtZero138]

Absolutely..

[@gryphon123456]

Big respect for this guy. he's done a wonderful job.

[@FourierAnalysis]

This is literally my dream 280z. Very nice.

[@sunshinemybrain9042]

John is the most wise to come out of these new years of old cars. i appreciate his effort and words and humbleness. dude is beyond cool and easily someone to look up too. the cah is one of my favorites

[@McSchulte]

Happy that you guys are back!

[@Indignation23647]

I don't mind the overall philosophy, but could we get a follow-up on the actual details of the car and build?

[@Tharley87]

Yeah, I wasn’t a huge fan here, it was just a bunch of B roll with this guy giving his personal opinion of what is and isn’t good for car culture…

[@dbeckMSP]

If charisma is going to be about culture, it’d be cool to see a separate show on the same car to show the build and why it’s special. The car here seems like something to look at while a dude talks.

[@wusaga4eva]

Can't mf's just watch and enjoy things anymore? LOOK AT THIS BEAUTIFUL THING AND HIT MUTE. Cry me a river. I'm sorry for yelling. I hear what you're saying

[@Indignation23647]

The thing is, if these cars are expressions of the people as any of the builders would say they are, then the cars should be a major part of the video@@dbeckMSP

[@drive]

More details, gotchu. And thanks 🤝

[@themadhatter444]

Welcome back, The Drive. This is the exact type of shit I want to see regularly. What a cool dude. Having just pulled the trigger on a 911 this guy so perfectly articulates how a lot of us feel about chasing a "legacy" car. Absolutely loved this video and can't wait for more. Well done.

[@drive]

thank you thank you ♥

[@klonoa310]

I love seeing the "imperfections" in the body of this Z, it's one of the cleanest I've seen. Also I wouldn't have gotten my Webers dialed in if it weren't for John's videos on Curb Cut, guy's a King!

[@_que]

Like the fact that car featured had character. Would have like to see what was in the hood, how it was modded. Good to see u guy are back, u did pave the way for some of the key players. Reunion episode hope is in the works.

[@gambj]

What a car to start the comeback. Z fam ❤

[@spacecruisers]

What a perfect embodiment of his own philosophy that applies to just about anyone, not just car enthusiasts. I shared this with several family members who have zero interest in cars because what he says is so relevant to everyone. When you’re passionate about something you grind and you make it work even when it doesn’t make sense. You take obstacles as part of the creative challenge and you don’t give up when things get hard. Loved the comments on ego. Overcoming the pitfalls and the constraints of a project is what makes it interesting. It’s very uninspiring when when you can just throw a bunch of money at a problem. I truly hope that every human being can achieve the level of passion this guy has for whatever it is they’re interested in.

[@AliasHSW]

Great debut video with this outlawed Z. Love how he’s honoring the car’s heritage and all the while putting his own identity (id) on it.

[@TheRealAmateurX]

I love this car and that it's a labor of love. I also love the car culture viewpoints. I could've watched another 10 minutes about the details of the car and the specific decision making points he's made.

[@drive]

Noted for the future!

[@sshakirr]

alot of the community gotta start adopting this philosophy

[@lordraiden5398]

He sold his 02 WRX and I am finally dropping a new engine in mine. Its been in the garage since 2012. I refused to get rid of it. It was my first new car.

[@hunterreiner2869]

As an owner of a homebuilt 76 280z hot rod myself I approve this message

[@keith6360]

This guy gets it with his insights. Real enthusiast. Into it not for show or be seen. Just doing his thing in a car he chose. Outcome is great! Curious what other cars he has or dreams of doing.

[@Speedhut]

Love the gauges in that dash!! 😉

[@zdream720]

"give back to the community" 💪

[@BROOKLYNSPEED]

Here to support my brooklynite - definitely feels like we are one of the few handful vintage car custodians in the city. Its super challenging but its worth every damn day.

[@drive]

Thanks for doing what you do!

[@Oshinut28]

There's nothing better than doing what u love

[@ttk_thnder3465]

This video is so cool I think it really shows how much a car can mean somthing to someone I am currently 16 and rebuilding a 75 280z with my dad and the car just means so much to me

[@RapidRoscoe]

Dude...Love your car culture philosophy. What you said around the 8min mark was so on-point with how I feel and struggle to put into words sometimes. The car culture is a fabric of lots of individual threads and I love what you're weaving together, how you've worked for it. Let's have a beer sometime and toast to your continual growth and success. Cheers!

[@dwightk.schruteiii8454]

Man. That really hit home. Ive been holding back on getting an R34 GTR because of “the check book”, wanting to get the exact one, with the exact bodykit, with an engine rebuild from Japan, ect. But when you put it into his perspective I’m inspired to get a basic bone stock one and work on it myself.

[@drive]

go for it man!

[@halfwaytobedlam3234]

fantastic video, enjoyed the build and the viewpoints shared in this

[@ClamHammer-rn3rg]

Great video! It’s a trip seeing you driving around in a Z in NY. I’m in rural Oregon, it’s all trees and rivers n whatnot. My 74 lives and cruises these little windy roads. Just so used to seeing a Z in this habitat.

[@mocanlagunas]

I've been to Stone Depot! (in front of the gas station he's filling...) Nice job keeping this on the road! And in NYC!

[@kona328WH]

Best car video I've seen in a long while. They way this Z is sitting is yummy.

[@CruiseControl1]

My first car was a 1979 280zx and my second car was a 1976 280z. They were absent of power and a pain in the ass to work on, especially those damn knuckle busting freezer plugs. But in the end they were absolutely amazing to drive, lightweight rwd sports cars that could turn on a dime. I have driven the new turbo Z and while it looks fantastic inside and out it feels like it’s missing some of the charm of the Z’s of old. I owned a 2022 GR86 and it more like the spiritual successor of my 280zx. Lightweight, low power and can turn on a dime.

[@deankay4434]

I was an ASE Master in 78 after working on them. Then bought one from a TV anchor lady. The 76 was the best year for torque and horse power as the 77 was "De-Tuned". The 77 had less lift and duration and slightly lower compression. #7 injectors on a six cylinder? The vane air flow meter was changed that year and retrofitted when changed. The 77 was the first year to have louvers built into the hood. I did all of the 1600 & 2000 roadsters with disc brakes because I could synchronize the carbs because of my motorcycle background. Worked on hundred of them. Mine was med copper metallic, changed wheels to turbo-fin and Goodyear poly glass tires and installed a "G-200" locking differential. Great cars and I was 6' 3" tall.

[@eagleba1]

THAT N600!!!😍😍

[@michaelomondi-gq5yh]

good to see a guy in NYC keeping real car culture going

[@thasyckness]

Great video and really loving your whole mindset bro!

[@_VelociDad]

The very first sports car I bought was a 1978 280z - I worked on it, brakes, body, engine and made it a beautiful, silver rocket - still miss that car!

[@samk_8426]

Z is one of those cars that once it grabs you, it will not let go. It was never on my radar until I had a chance to take one for a drive and it instantly made me want to have one but with the prices these days, it's just not possible anymore for an average guy.

[@BradenCarlsonAutos]

This is phenomenal. Welcome back!

[@TheReaperchen]

I just love that his passenger-seat is from a Miata

[@rlscustoms]

I spent 20+ years of my young adult life in NYC and relate to everything he’s saying, car culture was huge then and we didn’t have social media it was awesome, props for keeping it going. On one hand I agree with the built not bought philosophy I live that everyday, on the other hand if enthusiasts weren’t paying me to build their cars I’d me homeless right now, they keep guys like us alive. Side note I would have appreciated a segment where he actually went into the details of what was done to the car, it’s a 280Z which was the first L-Series engine to get EFI yet I see it has carbs, it would have been nice to showcase what was done there.

[@Frost0rbs]

my dad passed before he could finish his 280z build, it's my dream to get it running.

[@jeffshootsstuff]

I like the philosophy, editing, and voiceover. I like that the car isn't pristine and has rusty panels and stuff that still needs work. Could use some more details about the build, engine, etc.

[@drive]

good feedback, more details to come in future episodes

[@X11CHASE]

Checkbook bros deserve respect too as long as they’re not being rude or egotistical, some people don’t have the skills to do the labor

[@daftpanda6533]

True. What's important is the passion and love for the cars. Being humble and learing is also important. The whole ego and status thing is the main thing I hate about modern car culture. While I work on my own projects, there's still things best left to professionals- like machining and paint. I'm a machinist and I'm still not going to buy an entire shop of specialty machines to be able to do all the machine work to an engine, then balance it. There's many reasons someone might not be able to learn the many skills needed. Some people simply don't have time or the space to work on a huge undertaking such as a resto mod. That said, old cars are much easier to learn on. As they are much simpler machines.

[@bjperez9076]

​@@daftpanda6533Very valid points; you hit the nail on the head with "being humble." Thank you for the reminder.

[@jayrogers8255]

Thanks! I inherited my mother’s 260, but none of her mechanical abilities, so thanks for saying that!

[@bjperez9076]

@@jayrogers8255 You are fortunate to have received such a car. I hope it's in good running condition to be able to enjoy it!

[@samk_8426]

Checkbook bro spends money on their car, to flex on other people and try to use it to gain respect. Car enthusiast spends money on their car because it is their passion. Also, passion is a personal thing and you cannot measure it by how much money or time someone spends on a car. We all have our limitations, whether it's time, money or local laws that limit what we can do.

[@alexmaddox2255]

Wow, what an interesting take on car culture. Much respect for it.

[@ralliart94]

THE DRIVE IS BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Amazing to see one of the originals come back and thank you for your contributions to the car community from giving cool cars an audience to giving amazing creators a platform, we appreciate it.

[@drive]

You're too kind. It's the best job in the world, tbh.

[@ImTheEpicCanadian]

Glad to have The Drive back! Great vid.

[@curtisboynton]

I have the same year S30 in my garage. Picked it up about 4 months ago now for under 3k. Lots of work ahead but I'm excited!

[@Groagun]

Feels like you stepped right back from where you left. Great to see

[@drive]

bless you friend

[@MrCookie139]

Details and sounds ! Literally only thing this video is lacking. But i could careless. I loved it either way 👊 i used to show all my buddys the 1 video of that watercooled twin turbo chevy nova you guys did. THOSE kinda sounds would be siiiiiick!

[@drive]

Working on better sound. Just for you MrCookie!

[@bjperez9076]

As a former owner of a 78 Z, I love this build. As a car enthusiast and educator, I love his message on sharing what you know and leaving something positive behind. In general, we all can get too consumed with the wrong things and divide us instead of mutual appreciation and coming together. #great work

[@wilt778]

That was really beautiful. I was just taking a break from studying, I didn't expect to feel so inspired after watching this.

[@drive]

so glad to hear that, thanks for watching!

[@edgarmoreno6511]

Great looking car man. Much respect for the way you explain your interest in the car life. Must guys these days just do it for attention. Glad this car is from my neck of the woods.

[@drive]

No doubt

[@tonyh4233]

Bloody brilliant, grass roots, real life, real passion, now and in the future, that vehicles lives through you and will life past you, great contribution and appreciation. Brilliant!!

[@edwardcunningham2701]

Love this style of video. I wish the language wasn't censored but I understand the business side of that. Keep it up, looks great, and super cool seeing and bringing light to NYC car culture.

[@douganderson771]

Nice car, sweet subtle changes , not like every other Z car . I really like how sanitary the car is, love the stance. But the most interesting thing is the head liner , I had not seen that touch before. Nice story and a great video. Glad you guys are back, keep it coming. I'm stoked for the next one.

[@drive]

Thank you! Next one just dropped today: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bXeah5R7eteqfqs

[@crazeepaving]

Great return and what a passionate guy. That 280z is awesome.

[@corvettenyc72op21]

Beautiful car, and his street meet at his shop once a year; a great community get together !

[@dakaarbrown6212]

What’s the shop name?

[@rockymtnrebel]

Love this format! Can’t wait to see more!

[@MrDaveHandGrenade]

I thoroughly enjoyed the video. A mature look into real car culture rather than just another 20 something year old bellend with a fiesta ST spewing numbers Also, we are all a part of something bigger than ourselves. I'm so pleased a role model is encouraging others to recognise this again.

[@drive]

Community ain't just a buzzword.

[@smittysmusictavern8278]

I bought a 1976 280ZX in 1982. Loved it. Wish I still had it.

[@thomasxl200]

Good to have you back!

[@jesseloftis]

I love this my 1972 240z is my favorite and I never would have thought that I would have every owned one.

[@wolfgangw.8243]

I Love this car, good job you can be proud of it

[@NycXTool]

Guess ive been subscribed for 10 years now.

[@trillwill93]

I had a 280zx about 10 years ago, I was a child- blessed, but without a job. So it went for about $6-800. I’m back, 10 years later, looming for a forever Z. I just want to relive that rightful feeling, I will have another Datsun, I will be compete again.

[@trillwill93]

I’ll never forget, I planned to hit South Padre Island, gassed up and the nearest station before the island highway- ran into the local Porsche club and they invited me to run, turns out I would find out about freeze plugs and their place in our climate that day. Never did see those guys again, and it was the last day I’d drive my Z. I cry still, missing my car til this day

[@trillwill93]

Got it for $3,500, my first manual. Sold for $600 (under pressure of my grandparents), sometime this will be corrected

[@SabotageGarageUSA]

Glad to see the Drive back with these testimonials. This is the heart of our culture.

[@davidcombs8458]

I’m so glad you’re back! Your channel provided so much entertainment for me back in the day.

[@delboytrotter2042]

Owned i believe what was a 78 280Z and i loved it. I was very young and very immature so didnt really appreciate what i had etc etc.. but those memories are priceless.

[@ShiftingLanes]

*Grabs popcorn* Let's gooooo!

[@Aar0n.s3gal]

TD x SL crossover??!!

[@ShiftingLanes]

@@Aar0n.s3gal 👀 Yes please!

[@ShiftingLanes]

@@Aar0n.s3gal 👀That would rock! 10/10, are in.

[@julios1968]

Way to keep the car vibe going strong ! BQE,LIE Laurel Hill man brings back memories.

[@CTRCxNYC]

This entire video is really well done!

[@drive]

thank you 🙌🙌

[@davidly5793]

You guys came back with a solid video! Bravo!❤

[@GregV8]

I really enjoyed the camera work. Nice job whoever did it. Those drone (?) shots across the Kosciuszko bridge… 👌

[@drive]

tom is a magician

[@BrandonAilion]

The s30 was my first project car, first manual, first thing I really committed to learning how to fix up an old car. It also just became a deep dive into finding the hidden gems and making the dream happen. Believe it or not I started with a running rusty 260z for 1500 bucks, got it at least road trip worthy and had really bad day when the brakes failed. While getting parts for it I met an old guy with one in his garage and got a smoking deal on a 240z before things started getting crazy. It hadn't run since the 80s but wasn't a basket case and all original. I got it running, but never really drove it. I would have committed to getting it road worthy, but a much better car became available to me by growing that network of other cars and I ended up with a much better series 1 car that needs nothing for not much money. Its been such a blast finally getting to drive exactly what I wanted. I have taken it to autocross and beat a 2020 mustang, and I haven't even touched the suspension and brakes yet. I doubt it will never be done, but I know I have found the one to keep forever. I think its a great car to bond over, above all the other great things about them, and this video really gets that point across.

[@TrashHeapCustodian]

Anyone putting a Z on Star Road Glow Stars can't possibly be evil

[@bayareahd]

I love my 1973 240Z. My Z was a rust bucket and now it’s a fast rust bucket.

[@theneil007]

Love this guy's vibe!

[@Curia__]

One thing I would like to see is J.F. giving us a big hug and saying it’s all gonna be okay.

[@boredatworkbro]

I'm 22, have a 76 280Z and work a corporate job hoping I can have a garage to work on others cars one day.. I want this man's shoes...

[@jmpcrx]

Beautiful car man. One of my all time favorites, along with the rx7 fd. Stunning.

[@nickzimmer3476]

This video feels like the older Petrolicious videos, I like it!

[@drive]

you're not wrong.

[@robo1000]

Great video, welcome back Drive.

[@ormondjosh]

That's a really cool car. Perfectly rough around the edges.

[@trance9158]

I loved and miss my 77 280Z...fast agile and a blast to drive.

[@dealt]

Glad people are keeping these on the road.

[@lsh3rd]

Nice car!!!…. The attitude is exactly what I did with my Foxbody Mustang build.

[@XArtisan]

It’s back baby!

[@CBMedia404]

Welcome back Drive, nice video and beautiful Z car.

[@drive]

great to be here, and thanks!

[@alexhc21]

This channel is back

[@krungthepsiam]

Beautiful car and I'm glad to see someone enjoying that Z culture. I have an 83 S130 which is my 4th Z. I might have an obsession 🤤. Mine is 99% stock and I hope to keep it that way. This video is great to watch. I enjoyed the commentary. The constant videos of the Z rolling along the streets is perfect. Finally, it's great to learn about a Z mechanic doing so well and is respected in the community. Good luck to him with the shop.

[@TheLukaCeeChannel]

So does this mean that THE DRIVE is BACK?😃 This video felt like the old days. This was the first You Tube Car Channel I subbed to and watched DAILY. This channel opened my mind of the car culture and changed everything for me. And I was in my mid 40's and had years of hot rodding and car culture in my past. (I'm 57 now) Also inspired me to do my own You Tube channel. Although it's more on smaller scale model cars. This is a perfect comeback. You want input? Do this.....DO THIS!! And do what you did 10-12 years ago. / Drive was the BEST and IMHO. No other channel or cooperate streaming channels ever did it better. It's not just the cars. But it the human stories of the people and their cars. Only way to make it better. Get back all of the Old Crew. They were all the BEST automotive journalist, ever. PERIOD I never unsubbed. So I am here. Can't wait for the next one.

[@drive]

thank you for hanging in there. it means the world to hear OG viewers be so stoked about what we’re trying to do now. and we’ve got two more episodes ready for you, give em a watch! this is just the start 🤟

[@missinglink9973]

great story cool dude. Great Z man.

[@random13627]

my boy has a ls swapped one his story is that it was his first car had to sell it but he bought it back within 2-3 months dropped an LS in it and turbod it, cheers good car.

[@audioisgood]

Bought or built, no need to shit on either enthusiast’s path. Some of us have been in the trenches building businesses and wish to stroke a check to buy a car to enjoy. That doesn’t make us less than a guy who built his own car. We still brought value to the world. It’s not about ego unless you wish to see it that way.

[@Whatdumb]

Don’t take it personal. He just talking about his own experience

[@Lukemasonmedia]

Facts only 👍🏼 I hate the people who act like you aren’t allowed to enjoy your car if you didn’t build it from the ground up.

[@Wallstreetavarice]

I agree with you up to a point. People that are successful in their career AND build a car themselves as a hobby are more impressive. When you see some guy that has a well paying white collar day job and then see what he's fabricated on his off time using skills that have nothing to do with his livelihood, you better be impressed. A lot more impressed than someone who just buys a nice car, of pays a shop to make it that way

[@gav240z]

As a broke student I had to work on my cars. Now as a white collar worker I'm so busy and time poor I find it hard to carve out time to work on my cars. So sometimes I have to pay for work. It's the only way to move things forward.

[@allenveloz8939]

It’s a different experience when you literally touched every single nut and bolt on your car, it creates a bond

[@ImadKhan1990]

Great to see The Drive back!

[@helfmeyerglenn491]

Btw. Don't like how it sits. Too much squat in the rear. But thats just personal opinion. Awesome to see it running, and good on ya mang !!! Smiles per gallon right !!?? ❤❤