1983 Datsun 280ZX

Description

There's this great sweet spot where your vintage car also offers value and dependability. This 1983 Datsun 280ZX hits that quality mark. We first bought these coupes decades ago because they were everyday reliable sports cars, but along the way, we fell in love because they were so surprisingly fun to drive. This highly original and example might be your last chance to get all those great feelings while still at a value price.

There is just something elegantly great about the lines of this Z-car. It has the long hood and short deck of the Corvette and the E-Type, but with its own distinctively aggressive sharp-edge style. The factory-correct black paint continues to have a deep gloss that highlights this attractive profile. And there is an undeniable attractiveness of the gold accenting package with the full-length pinstripe and inserts in the factory five-spoke wheels. All the panels and gaps fit together with the precision-engineered feeling we expect from a Japanese sports car. But sometimes the most beautiful parts are the asymmetrical ends, such as the NACA hood scoop.

Open the door, and you know this Datsun has lived a pampered life. The tan interior has a well-preserved look and feel for a 35+ year-old classic. Datsun/Nissan was out to build a coupe that was not only quick, but comfortable, too. So you get a pair of plush bucket seats finished in an attractive mixture of velour and leather. It also means a long list of desired features, including power windows, power locks, power rear defogger, cruise control, and air conditioning. They're all still working nicely like a well-respected classic should. The stereo is the factory AM/FM/cassette model, which has a very '80s-cool look. There are so many adapters out there for modern music players that we think it would be a shame to spoil this unique atmosphere by replacing this very original integrated sound system.

The 2.8-liter motor is believed to be original to the car, and it provides silky smooth torque (it was even given a tune-up in 2017.) Thanks to fuel injection, it starts easily and pulls smoothly. Despite the complex-looking engine bay, these cars are rather easy to service, and parts are still plentiful. The exhaust has the same tune that will remind you of a European machine, and the five-speed manual transmission gives you full control of it all. And speaking of control these are excellent drivers thanks to a fully independent suspension, power steering, and four-wheel disc brakes.

Complete with owner's manual, this is a well-presented example of an appreciating classic at an affordable price. Call now!