1978 Datsun 280Z

When the original 240Z arrived in America in 1970, it rewrote what people thought a Japanese sports car could be. The 280Z that followed was the final and most refined version of that same first generation body, and 1978 was its last year before Datsun replaced it entirely with the larger and more luxurious 280ZX. For buyers who wanted the original Z experience in its most polished form, the 1978 was the one to have. This example is finished in Wine Red Metallic, a rich and classic color that suits the long, flowing lines of the Z body perfectly, and presents as a very clean example of a car that is only getting harder to find.

Under the hood is the 2.8 liter inline six backed by a four speed manual transmission. This engine is equipped with the Bosch L-Jetronic electronic fuel injection system, which was a significant piece of technology for a sports car at this price point in the 1970s. While most American muscle cars of the era were still running carburetors, the 280Z was injected, which gave it better throttle response, more consistent power delivery, and easier cold weather starting than almost anything it competed against. It pulls hard through the rev range and tops out at just over 120 miles per hour, and the four speed puts the driver right in the middle of every gear change.

Inside, the black leather interior is clean and well kept. A black dash and black leather steering wheel keep the cockpit focused and purposeful, and the gold and yellow Z logo on the exterior is a period correct detail that pops nicely against the red paint. The full original tool kit is still in the trunk, which is an increasingly rare thing to find on a car approaching 50 years old and tells you a lot about how this car has been cared for. Cragar chrome wheels round out a car that looks exactly the way a classic Z should.

The first generation Z body was designed by Yoshihiko Matsuo and his team at Nissans Sports Car Styling Studio, and when it was finished, Matsuo reportedly said there was not a bad angle, line, or detail on it. It is hard to argue with that. The 280Zs body was essentially unchanged from the 240Z that debuted in 1970, which means this car wears a design that was good enough to run for nearly a decade without anyone feeling the need to change it.

A clean, honest example of one of the most important Japanese sports cars ever built, in its final and best year.

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