Why The Datsun 280ZX is an Awesome Car

Everyone Loves the Datsun 240z, but what about it's little brother? Despite the controversy, the 280zx was a great car. Here's why.
Nissan's S130 was a polarizing car. While the public loved it, enthusiasts had different opinions. Should the Fairlady Z be a GT car? Why is Datsun competing with muscle cars? Opinions aside, Nissan sold a LOT of 280zx's. There had to be something good about them.
While the exported names of these classics were known as the 240z, 280z, 280zx, etc, in Japan, they were all simply named "Fairlady Z." Nissan took pride in that name, and while the first turbo Z-Car definitely got a lot of flak, the brand knew what they were doing. The ZX was the best selling car in the lineup, and to this day, the 1979 - 1983 Datsun Fairlady Z remains one of the best imports available.
In today's auto culture, the 350z and 370z are known as some of the best modern JDM cars on the market. It's important for us to remember the heritage of the classic Z cars, and the once-mighty turbocharged L28 inline 6.
See more of Sodapop's S130 on insta @Sodapappa
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[@SpencerLowe-kg4rg]

My dad had one when he was 23. He used that car to woo my mom. That resulted in me and my sister being born.

[@datsoon9236]

Effective!

[@datsoon9236]

Wouldn't be surprised if she married the car itself!

[@helgeskyline]

same lol

[@penntano]

Same!

[@fastdude2002]

I got married at age 20, a 280ZX is the first car my wife and I bought together. 34 years later the wife and I are still together, I wish I could say the same for the 280.....I had a 240Z in high school, that’s the car I wish I never sold :(

[@Galactusz007]

I owned both a 240z and a 280zx. Yes, the 240z is more beautiful, iconic, and of course pricier. But the 280zx is way more reliable, handles better, and more comfortable. Having said that, I miss my 240z much more. Now I own a 65 Mustang. Down the road, I’m getting another 240z.

[@ericlouderbackable]

I have a 65 Mustang. It has the six cylinder. I gave it to my daughter now. I do have a 68 convertible that is a special black hills gold. They made twenty. If you do a Google search for black hills gold mustang it will come up.

[@Galactusz007]

That’s awesome!

[@DailyRacer]

Yes!

[@fastdude2002]

I couldn’t agree more about your comparisons between the 240Z and 280ZX. I had a 1973 240Z I bought in 1984 while in high school that was in near perfect condition. I later had a 1980 280ZX, also in perfect condition. The 280 was more comfortable and reliable, loved that car but it can’t match the charm of the original 240. I probably would not buy another 280 but I would buy another 240 in a second if I found the right one.

[@gioflores96]

I beg to differ man, you should take a look at my 280zx with the rocket bunny kit.

[@thelazyprime7624]

and yet the 300zx z31 has little to none recognition, kinda like the 280zx so two awesome cars forgotten in time

[@memo-iq8wb]

The z31 is heavily underated for an awesome looking and fun car

[@thelazyprime7624]

@@memo-iq8wb ikr I'm actually planning to buy a Nissan 300zx z31 because they look so God damn cool, I cant wait to get one 😁

[@memo-iq8wb]

@@thelazyprime7624 I just finished getting my 86 n/a to run, highly recommend it!

[@paulshamblin6260]

Whose got a 4 bbl intake for one?

[@Stephen-qp8vd]

i love both 280zx and 300zx.

[@MindDezign]

The ZX has turned around the last 10 years because the first series are rising out of reach . The ZX is affordable when you find them And can be modded to me a cool car....time has made them classic looking. When new they were more futuristic like a jet in the day. They well also rise in price as they are now looked at with a different eye.

[@TheLeftPedal]

Yeah it seems like they’re already going up in price from when I got mine!

[@JK-js2td]

@@TheLeftPedal hey...i like your ZX...i used to have a s30 280. I see you live in Cherokee county? I grew up in Cobb. Did you join the Georgia Z Club?

[@chrismc410]

I like my great aunt's 1985 digital everything 300ZX. It's white some superficial rust, lives near Yorktown, VA. Some enthusiasts would give her BS because it's one automatic and 2+2. I always thought the 300ZX was cool, whether it seats two or four made no difference in my eyes. How it shifts, so long the transmission was well maintained, also made no difference. I'm not racing it or anything like that. These days a clutch or torque converter costs about the same to replace and severe arthritis, old injuries that never healed right and neuropathy sucks. Should I have to give up sports cars because of stuff beyond my control? Of course not. How it shifts doesn't matter

[@Tryingmybestsince1999]

600 dollars?? where do i have to sign? i live in spain, here a 280zx is like 10 grand

[@michaels5495]

yeah lol i got mine for 3400 and the fuckin thing wasnt even running, took like 3k to get it going and it still has a ways to go

[@adriann.m.9147]

jajaj estamos jodidos

[@miguellira9903]

I live in portugal a zx here would probably be close to 30k

[@DiegoGarcia-wi5mz]

10.000€?? Donde?

[@adriann.m.9147]

@@DiegoGarcia-wi5mz yo en el milanuncios vi uno que estaba por 12000

[@rsjshshsjaddd4448]

My uncle has a obsession with 240 260 and 280z's legit he has like 15 of them and right now the one he is driving is a 260z with a jaguar v12

[@mracidman2536]

rsjshshsj addd sure

[@MindDezign]

That's not an obsession. That's a man that knows they are the Japanese Ferrari's and they are worth collecting every S30 you can find. Pure GOLD ! I have 2 soon as they are finished I'll buy Two more to restore. I want to have five in my collection. Then I'll buy them to fix and sell.

[@mayuravirus6134]

Can i buy one from him? I need it because its boring to ride a motorcycle with a limiter its not even a motorcycle its a scooter

[@scuffed_chicken_nuggets7607]

Aight if this is facts let me but which ever one he likes least

[@MGB-learning]

I still own my 1981 Blue and Silver T-top 280ZX with 5 speed with only 27K original miles. I bought it brand new with only 4 miles. Its my garage queen.

[@ElectricPianos]

Currently sitting in mine right now, this video makes me appreciate my car very much, not that I didn't already! Haha! Thanks for making videos sir you are awesome

[@TheLeftPedal]

Thanks for the love! We’ll definitely keep making videos featuring the old ZX. I hope you love yours as much as I love mine!

[@WAGONJON]

I agree 100% I had a 79 that nobody wanted. I got it for free! I fixed everything including the interior, rims, engine, coolant, etc. Lowered, it carved the canyon road with ease. Would do 135+ mph on the freeway. Great car indeed!

[@datsoon9236]

Wait... did you upgrade it? 135 MPH stock? 😂

[@GudrezBilly]

@@datsoon9236 My '83 is in fairly rough shape and easily blows past 100, though admittedly that's an estimate because my digital speedometer won't display anything above 85mph...

[@datsoon9236]

@@GudrezBilly Hahaha dang... Yeah, I've always wondering why they had the 120mph speedo for the 1979 and then got rid of it the next year

[@GudrezBilly]

@@datsoon9236 I’m sure it was some stupid law. I’m going to see if I can get it to display higher, cuz how it works it’s still reading correctly, it just has a circuit that stops it from displaying anything above 85. If I can disable that part I’ll be so happy.

[@atranfanatic]

Yep. The 280zx is my favorite line of Z cars as well. I own 4 S130 280zx models. '81 Slicktop, '82 Slicktop, '82 T-Top and an '83 T-top. All are 2 seaters and all are 5 speeds. Cool video man. I have owned Z cars since 2000. It forever changed my life.

[@patrick280zx]

Nice the 280ZX is also my favourite Datsun Z sports car. I have a model kit of one thats a 1981 Turbo and a little diecast one too.

[@GudrezBilly]

Do any of yours have the digital dashboard?

[@d3adman]

Wow i need the s30z pleaseeerr

[@atranfanatic]

@@GudrezBilly Yep. My '83 t-top has the digital dash.

[@GudrezBilly]

@@atranfanatic Same, it's why I bought the car. Hah!

[@karlnielsen5759]

Thank you for defending these maligned and forgotten cars. I bought my '81 coupe at the end of 2019 for $1000 and it has been fun working on it. To me, it captures the iconic styling cues of the S30 but for the time being, it doesn't command the classic z-car price tag. These really are hidden gems of z-cars.

[@erenkaslte8046]

Remember the biggest mod you can make to these besides replacing all of the bushing is an ECU upgrade by way of megasquirt or haltech 500/ 1000.

[@michaelcoles6793]

Fantastic video! Well done and factually accurate. My first Z was a 79 280zx back in 92. My second Z was an 83 Turbo. Both were a riot to drive! Sold them both back in 2004 shortly after buying my 1990 Z32. Back then they didn't have the cool aftermarket stuff for them...most aftermarket parts were old (with the exception of the Motorsports Auto body kit). Thanks for the great video. You Z build looks great!

[@veteranislany8866]

m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGWtonZ3rM2siLM

[@robertborker179]

This was my first car. I LOVED it! Mine was 10 years old when I bought it off of a used car lot. It had a couple of issues, but was very reliable. It was easily one of, if not the most beautiful car I've ever owned. I miss it.

[@flamigo742]

it has more of a retro 80's look to it and that's what i love

[@DailyRacer]

80s was the best decade!

[@flamigo742]

Daily Racer absolutely

[@mayuravirus6134]

The fast back makes it looks very classic

[@Wricky]

I own two S30's, and the first 280zx I got a few days ago I fell in love with. Roomy inside, electronic windows + mirrors. So cool. PLUS! NO DRUMS! Don't get me wrong, I love my S30... but the S130 is pretty damn nice.

[@edwardjones8170]

Yeah, the 280ZX Turbo holds a place in my heart. My dad bought one new in 1981 and he let me drive it. It was very fast for the time, very smooth highway car and still handled better then almost anything from the US.

[@datsoon9236]

I think the only American car to handle better at the time may have been the escort rally car, but even then... I'm not sure...

[@theregoesmiller389]

i get alot of the same responses in my 86 mk1a aw11 mr2 !! alot of older generations approach me saying " i had one of those / my xyz had one of those " etc etc

[@Enoch-Gnosis]

I owned a 1979 280zx Black / Gold fun car !

[@miragespl]

I mean the real devil Z is actually a 280ZX so...

[@papatacomoto]

In the heart

[@wrth]

jose1345jr ?

[@papatacomoto]

I ment it how the devil z had a L28 in it the heart of it the motor

[@BatesLDG]

How so? Because it was boosted? The engine in the Devil Z was a stroked out L28E (not ET), it was a L31E-TT with carbs, it was never EFI which all S130s L28s were.

[@miragespl]

@@papatacomoto You should read up the real Mid Night Club mate. The red 280ZX there is the car the Devil Z was based off.

[@mikeyvidz3880]

I got my 79 Datsun 280zx given to me for Free

[@stevethorne9605]

the 2 seaters look rad. I think Australia only got the 2+2

[@joeschleprock3409]

no,not just Australia.

[@ryanhoaglin9907]

Right on. I have two of them! One 79'GL and a wrecked 83' turbo t-top that I'm transplanting everything into the 79'. Hoping to make it to the Siver State Classic with it. You are correct, very comfortable, just enough power and they are just rare enough that some people don't know what it is.

[@holzwurm_hd7029]

I think the 350z and the new Supra are ugly af, sry but i dont like them.

[@aden2391]

i have 50k laying around... i need a car and i want a Z any suggestions? open to other cars

[@eliqueen5617]

Dang dude I just bought one for only 500 as a project but it runs. If you look hard enough I'm sure you'll find it

[@abrahamalamo3932]

There phenomenal vehicles of which I owned 2. 280ZX turbo was a blast to drive. I've owned many many vehicles and it's one of my all time favorites. If I could go back in time I would never gotten rid of them.

[@XionAzura1]

The real “Devil Z” was an S130, just sayin...

[@shira_yone]

I'm surprised he didn't mentioned that. The L28 engine was famously loved back then in Japan, thus one mad man who once break the magic 300 KMH barrier (in the 80's) on Yatabe Test Track with a DeTomaso Pantera started to work on a legend that we know as the ABR細木 (Hosoki) S130 Fairlady Z or more famously known in the world as "the real life Devil Z"

[@MrZBlackneffect]

I own a 93 300ZX Twin Turbo and it's been one of my dream cars for more than a decade before I actually bought one. My second favorite Z is the 280ZX Turbo 2 seater. It has the most classic sports car shape or all the Zs to me.

[@saulmorajr4811]

Someone is selling me one for 3 grand needs some work like paint and stuff good deal or no?.-.

[@andrewkeen4539]

I got mine for 2,400 And it’s mint

[@mikesgarage9026]

gayest car ever. it's nothing more than poor man's 240z 🤣🤣🤣

[@hartsickdisciple]

You mean rich man's 240z, right? The ZX cars were much more expensive and luxurious than the S30 cars.

[@mikesgarage9026]

@@hartsickdisciple WERE? 🤣

[@hartsickdisciple]

@@mikesgarage9026 They're still more luxurious, but now less expensive.

[@blackericdenice]

Why can’t you guys tell people the real reason hp dropped to 135 hp. It had a weaker cam.

[@RevampMotors]

Love it! I have a '79 that I converted to turbo :)

[@TheLeftPedal]

That’s awesome! Still figuring out what to do with this one. A little boost would be nice!

[@Blinkerfluid_182]

I got mine for $2900 and it’s been one of the easiest cars to get on the road that I’ve ever worked on. The 240z is a car to tear up on the track during weekends but if you want something you can have fun driving every day that still has the nostalgic z flare for less money than a $36,000 240z, get the 280zx. It’s a fuel injected investment.

[@TheLeftPedal]

Absolutely. 240z’s are awesome, but the 280zx is the everyman’s Datsun, and is absolutely underrated.

[@andynsx457]

Is insurance expensive I'm looking at one and wondering been researching

[@estrelladelmar6466]

@@andynsx457 Insurance on mine is less than my SUV.

[@Sujiceel]

From the first gen up to the sixth gen Fairlady Z, first time seeing each cars never failed to fascinate me for the fact how timeless they are. I'd love to own atleast one models in the future. Which also gets me excited that the Fairlady Z is returning.

[@devil2jz500]

I have a 260z and I have been considering a 280zx as well. Nice video! What camera are you using?

[@oscarcastaneda6697]

I have an 1981 ZX for sale

[@1anmonty1]

I've got a 280zx! Currently small block chevy swapping it for ease of finding parts and making power. I plan to buy another chassis and do an itb engine build and classic styles

[@datsoon9236]

I understand the ease of parts thing but you should keep the engine in the Nissan family! Or atleast Japanese family

[@bobfitten5792]

I have a 83 and I'm telling anyone who will listen. These cars are hands down better built than any sports car on the road today! Sure, it's slow compared to sports cars of today, but reliability wise, you can't beat a fairlady 280zx!

[@ryonfoster276]

I’m going to be looking at one of these on Saturday as my first real project car and I really hope I can keep it for as long as I can 😁

[@GudrezBilly]

Recently picked up an '83 ZX for $700. Runs and drives real good, bit of rust, but I absolutely love this thing... Digital dash option, too. Gotta love her...

[@benjaminnielsen4288]

I love mine. Loved my first one as well. I fell for it when I was 15... and I said to myself, I don't know what that is, but i'm gonna have one. 20+ years later I've had 5 Z's from the 280z up to the 300ZX. But I have never met any owner of a 280ZX who didn't like it. I think those who hate it are those who never got in it. I hated the Z31... until I got in one and totally changed my mind. Now I love all Z's, but my favorite is the S130. Not pretty. Not fast. But cool, classic, dependable, and fun as hell. And everywhere I go, people stop me and ask or just simply awe and gawk at it. And to top that, it's the most reliable damn Z that I have ever driven. I'm glad Nissan made this car. BTW, Paul Newman (the actor) used to own and race a 280ZX. It can't get any better than that, my friend. Thanks for this video.

[@blackericdenice]

The only 280zx I like is a turbo.

[@krizzyimtoilly]

I'm glad you made this video showing your appreciation for the 280zx I have a 1980 280zx same exact color as yours with red interior inside and yes it's not the fastest but I love it it's just a cool fun car my dad had one when I was a kid and ever since then I knew I was going to get my own one day but I do plan on doing 2Jz swap because I'm looking for more power but I'm proud to be a 280zx owner I know it gets shit on by other Z owners because they don't like them but all that matters is that I like it

[@HandIeThese]

RB25DET is more proper to me or 26 maybe. the 26 and 2JZ is quite expensive if were talking bout' the Turbo ones at least

[@richardorosso7377]

Hey good for you! I too like my zx and it is probably the most hated being the 2+2(in USA anyway that seems where all the bagging started) but hey I could'nt give 2 hoots about the keyboard warriors its an awesome cruiser love it!

[@estrelladelmar6466]

You can bring your friends in the 2+2!

[@proepicgamemaster]

Its a still a z, its like a wide option of a 240z ,aslo a 280zx are the molds of prowl,blustrike and smokescreen and still a jdm

[@ChewyToeNails]

Currently restoring my 79' Datsun 280ZX (by nissan). It is the black with gold stripes like the one in the original commercial in 79 shown in this video. Drove it as my daily driver for several years, then bought a 2004 350Z, (black as well) so I could keep the miles low on the 280. Currently it is only at 65,000mi. All original. Still is the most enjoyable car to drive of any I've driven.

[@kaybevang536]

The original Devil.Z in Japan was a red 280zx in Japan is the S130z a stroked 3.1 liter L28et twin turbo setup made to 600 hp the owner is from the infamous Mid Night Club A Japanese racing team in the late 80s and early 90s and I want me a 280zx turbo and do the same and I don't care if people say it's not worth it it's worth a build to someone

[@stevencrellin9842]

My buddy has had one since high school, 82 gl, black dragon body kits and full top end rebuilt, still drives strong at 267,000 miles

[@TheLeftPedal]

That’s awesome! The L28 is pretty bulletproof

[@paulshamblin6260]

My Mom had 2 280zx cars. An 81 turbo coupe & a 83 2+2(after the first one got hit). I have a 77. It's crude by comparison. Bad brakes. She's a fun girl but I know my zx is gonna be a good girl too. BTW I have a 300 t top coupe Im working on too. They're habit forming.

[@TopSecretVid]

Loved both of my 280zx..great cars. And the X did NOT ruin the Z car. Nissan did with the 300zx lol. Would love a Turbo 5spd ZX but I guess my Nismo 350 will suffice. 🤙🤙🤙

[@AGentleTree]

Remember kids: the more people hating on your dream car, the more affordable it will be. If anything, stick your tongue in your cheek and join the hecklers. You have that car in your hands faster that way.

[@mugencoresx]

By far my most favorite car I've ever owned. It's also my first real project car that I've got my hands in and actually learned to work on.

[@Lollygagger-k4p]

I had a 78 280Z that I bought used in 1979, when the ZX first came out. After test driving both, because the sales guy was high pressure and wanted a new car sale, I went with the 280Z. I considered the ZX to be a bloated pig in comparison. It felt heavy and was a big step away from any semblance of a Classic Gran Tour Sport Coupe. The 280Z was the last of the great sports cars cars that transmitted the feel of the road to the driver.

[@SteveSilverActor]

I had an '82 280ZX. I loved it! It had 280K miles on it before the head gasket blew. The handling was amazing.

[@jfrench830]

Great video. I now have a 79 280zx that my uncle purchased brand new in 79. Car has been in the garage for 23 years just sitting. I'm looking for the Perfect wheel fitment. What do you suggest?

[@alpowell]

I've had my '83 ZX Turbo for 31 years. Before that I had a '71 240Z, an '76 280Z, and an '82 280ZX non-turbo. They do last if taken care of, and they're something that gets many peoples' attention. Good cars, not hard to keep them running well.

[@jrruiz3770]

No one talks about the z31

[@austinanderson6517]

JR Ruiz finally someone feels me

[@arthurfoyt6727]

WTF is a Datsun "purist"? So called fans themselves were no longer burying the S30 after a 10 year run. The 79 280ZX was a crazy hit and was the best selling Z ever. Funny how kids these days have a warped sense of the past and just repeat garbage over and over instead of doing real research.

[@matiacu3047]

a memeber of the midnight club had a 280zx modified to reach 340km/h, thats more than 200mp/h and with the original engine, how can it be a bad car?

[@xXQu1cKsC0p3dXx]

Okay but i need help, HOW DO I MAKE THE BACK PART WHERE THE TAIL LIGHTS IS BLACK??? I want that on mine, is it a part? Or did you paint it ????

[@mhx6437]

600USD??? What a bargain.. here i Norway there's currently ONE datsun for sale (280zx). Its for sale for 15k 😣

[@JustAnotherAsianGuy2]

yea i have the same opinion .... i drove them all too

[@jclark347]

I remember my dad had a Datsun 280zx 5 speed when I was about 15 years old, he bought the car for $1,200, I remember it toasting my older brothers 89 mustang gt, up til 3rd gear. The mustang slowly pulled away after that. I love the 280zx’s . I also learned how to drive a manual transmission in that car.

[@edsahara]

I was newly divorced in 1984 and bought myself a black '83 280ZX for $10K. Wow, what a beautiful car. I still pat myself on the back for buying that one. Great car.

[@L0rdN3ptune]

I noticed the navy's sticker on the window.So do all navy guys once they get out?Just get naturally attracted to A 280zx

[@wyzemann]

I grew up in the 80s with a black 280zx trimmed with louvers on the rear hatch and headlight covers, owned by my momma. She was the center of attention and envy of her circle of friends wherever she drove that sporty yet elegant Z. I loved hopping in the back (no seats) and sitting Indian-style if we had more than 1 passenger. Yes, that car exemplified my entire childhood from 1980 to '89. Unfortunately, in 1994, while my mom was at work, some thief stole that Z from a supposedly guarded parking garage. That egregious theft ended a perfect era of total freedom and uniqueness that so few I grew up with ever experienced.

[@CrypticUnlock]

Mate what wheels you got on this i want to make my 280zx look like yours

[@TheBassManimal]

My first car in year 2000 I was 15 and used all my birthday's and Christmas savings to buy it, I never ended up getting it on the road because it turned out the chassis was bent, I was bummed out. Since then, I owned a couple of JDM cars (300zx, Toyota Soarer), American cars, Aussie cars (I'm from Melbourne) and now I drive a pickup like everyone else here, though some day, I hope to own one again 😞

[@BB-dg1sc]

Lordy I had one in 1989; damn thing rusted out from inside!!! Doors, floor panels, etc. eventually I had issues finding good metal to attach new metal panels. Crazy is the body looked great when I bought it until put on lift. Eventually I got sick of the damn thing rusting & endless cutting, sanding, new panels & undercoat. Engine & transmission was perfect & never an issue. painful to get rid of but trying to restore unibody almost impossible for 16 year old w out welding equipment

[@albertomorales9493]

Do you know if it possible to swap an old school 240Z to 280Z style steering wheel to a 1983 Datsun 280zx?

[@hatbpto5180]

My sister's boyfriend (later to become fiance and husband) had a 280ZX and my dad complained "I was hoping she would get with someone who had a pickup truck I could borrow but instead she ends up with someone with a Datsun 280 XYZ"

[@RepresentativeSea]

I go to a college full of JDM fanboys who idolize three cars Supra, Civic, and 240z. But I have childhood memories with my dad's 280zx and when he sold it I was heartbroken. Roughly a decade went by since he sold it and I managed to track it down and bought it. It is now my favourite car and my daily driver. I love my 280zx and even though the JDM Fanboys despise me I love my car and wouldn't trade it for any supercar or muscle car in the world.

[@Evan-rq2ee]

sickkkkkkk, my dreammm, i love 280zx's or 240z's, like they just look amazing, im 14yrs old tho sooo..rip

[@dksix1905]

I have an 81 Turbo and and 40 years later it's still the car that warms my heart. Sure the turbo auto sucked. And sure, that bastard stereo sucked, and sure the weak ass alternator lacked the ability to push the stereos we were running in the late 80's but the simple fact is I fucking love that car. Currently looking for an 81 rust free turbo chassis, anywhere in the US

[@barryrussell4106]

The Datsun Z car is an exact rip off of the 1970 Ford Torino king Cobra. Ford really dropped the ball by only producing 3 cars. When Henery Ford 2 pulled out of racing they killed the car. Look at pictures of the car and tell me Datsun did not straight copy it

[@jeffreymrrs150]

I've owned 5 of them. After the 280 they lost me. I had a 300z but it was garbage compared to the 280. The newer ones look like a bubble. Very ugly cars. I've been trien to get another one. I want a 83 2+2 with t tops and digital cluster. But there not 600 anymore. I found one not running with rust everywhere for 1200.a decent condition one that runs is around 5000. And I live in Huntsville Alabama. Each year the price goes up.

[@angeloroscetti5682]

I bought a 1979 ZX for $12,000 which was a not cheap back in the day. I put 150k miles on it! Loved it and still miss it. Funny to see the used ones selling for what I paid for mine!

[@LuckyGuu]

I enjoyed all your comments on your car and not wanting to trade for anything. Wish I can totally understand. My Z was in 1987 300ZX, 2 + 2 automatic, also white paint. Miss that car...

[@paulshamblin6260]

I refer to my 77 as Rusty. Rusty got 3 Mikuni side drafts and a header. Flat top pistons. Unfortunately some dingleberry broke a tuning screw off in one of the carbs. I'll 4 bbl it too like I'm doing my 82zx.

[@orgami100]

I didn't like the 280 Z.. test drove a automatic it was gutless. .. so I went and bought a beautiful Toyota Supra. .

[@tad6176]

Datsun 280ZX had a huge rust problem.The metal didn't last more than 5 years if driven in winter where road salt was used.I had 1981 that rusted out by 1987. The rust always started from front fenders.Also engine had piston slap (very noisy engine when started cold)

[@mattl1925]

I just found one at a mates farm. It's his dad's, he wants $3000 for it. It's a 280zx manual turbo. Is this a good price? Has some rust and will need a complete respray. It's all original

[@michaelmcdade4103]

I owned a 92 300ZX, 240Z and currently a 280Z. I like the 280ZX more than the Z31 300ZX.

[@Shadow5131]

Question, do you know where I could get the weatherstripping for this car. Currently I'm looking for the doors, T-Tops and the rear hatch. If I don't have it covered water will get in. Super big pain!

[@carsonw722]

It's a great car if you dont live in California haha. And all that extra stuff makes it harder to work on. With that said, I live in California and I'm still shopping for one as my first car. Prices have gone nuts since Nissan announced the 400z, I feel a bit pressured to get one actually. Might be a good investment too

[@thepieman4398]

I just bought one. It's going for a body-off bare metal respray, chassis and frame refurb, a completely brand new custom interior, and here's another twist of the knife into the purists, I'm replacing the entire powertrain with Motors and Batteries from a Tesla Model S. haters gonna hate, and I care not, because I'll be in what is essentially a brand new 280ZX with no maintenance problems and performance that would blow the original away. I'll post a video when finished. get your shades on.

[@SpaceNerd-kp5tp]

I currently own a 77 Datsun 280Z and they are fantastic car, and I'm planning on making it similar to the ZX with the turbo and all that... Fantastic cars

[@Asidebar]

I bought a 1979 280 Z for my wife shortly after we got married. She loved it. Sold it 5 years later for same price I paid for it.

[@Makal.0w0]

So I found a 280zx on the side of the road some is selling for 3500 and I’m very curious because I want a 240z but this is the only z close enough I could find where I live

[@BrianMarshall1]

It's always seemed odd that the 280zx gets called soft and cushy while the later generation 300zx gets a pass. That car was huge and felt more like driving a Cadillac than a z car. It was classy, but never felt right around sharp corners like the earlier Z's.

[@arlanreber6717]

I hate to tell ya but there hot cheap anymore. I bought my silver 83 with black on black interior in 95 for 3k. The engine final went after 330k miles and was sitting out front of my house and a lady waylaid it at 230 in the morning. I was pissed cuz I was gonna die with that car. Then sell it. Anyways, her insurance valued it at 6200. Not running. I got a check for $6175

[@gdufguf4513]

my dad had one he was 16, he bought from a farmer and it had some weight reduction weighing i think 1500lbs(680kg) with 300hp he said he would race ppl in it and he never lost a race except one which was a 1969 dodge charger, i remember one time he told me he was going 160mph and he said he could feel the front of the car start to lift, he sold after i was born so he could afford to feed and take care of me, he says he regrets selling it but i understand why he had to.

[@willyhwang1059]

I am one of those guys who had one in their youth. In my case, I had two. A blue/silver 2+2, and a burgundy/silver turbo. Not a day goes by I don't think about them. Need one now.

[@mr.e1220]

I found a 1983 to 80 ZX but it is automatic but it has low miles and it’s very clean but the person once over $10,000 for it.

[@rattkiller01]

How much is a 280z worth with 350 miles on it, all stock, original? yes 350 miles!

[@Treaxvour]

Zx is my favorite. Anyone who disliked it back in the day or now is just stuck in their ways. I think it's weird how back in the days, the press always shit on anything new, while today they give glowing reviews to every single car for no reason.

[@jessicapeters8750]

Not worth anything isn't truly accurate anymore. They run a decent amount, unless you are truly looking at a put the whole thing back together type project. Even those are going to be $3-4k.

[@gioflores96]

It didn’t come out in 1979 It came out in 1978, my 280zx is 1978 I believe it came out at the end of the year lol

[@cowfrank]

Just bought a rust free Az car 1980 needs some work but I love it. The interior is really sun baked looking for A pillar interior trim.

[@blueeyeswhiteguy3399]

You got yours for $600? I'm looking at a '79 on Facebook Marketplace and the guy is selling it for $2500, it looks like crap, and the only "selling point" is that it runs and drives. Even though the pictures show that it has flat tires. Edit: Also it has louvers but I doubt that'd add much for price.

[@austinvasquez4625]

I seen one in really good condition a 1983 280ZX Turbo +2 with little over 100 thousand miles for 13000$ is it worth it?