Close window
Print details

Datsun 280Z Automatic

Datsun 280Z Automatic

Click Here for Full Screen Image - Click Here to Download Image

Datsun 280Z AutomaticDatsun 280Z AutomaticDatsun 280Z AutomaticDatsun 280Z AutomaticDatsun 280Z Automatic
Datsun 280Z AutomaticDatsun 280Z AutomaticDatsun 280Z AutomaticDatsun 280Z AutomaticDatsun 280Z Automatic
Datsun 280Z AutomaticDatsun 280Z AutomaticDatsun 280Z AutomaticDatsun 280Z AutomaticDatsun 280Z Automatic
Datsun 280Z AutomaticDatsun 280Z AutomaticDatsun 280Z AutomaticDatsun 280Z AutomaticDatsun 280Z Automatic
Datsun 280Z AutomaticDatsun 280Z AutomaticDatsun 280Z AutomaticDatsun 280Z Automatic
Lot number 48
Hammer value N/S (est. £7,000 - £9,000)
Description Datsun 280Z Automatic
Registration N/A
Year 1975
Colour Silver
Engine size 2,753 cc
Documents US Certificate of Title; NOVA print-out confirming duties paid; service invoices

Launched in 1969 as a direct competitor to the Jaguar E-Type, Triumph TR5, Alfa Spider and Healey 3000, the Datsun 240Z amazed everyone by becoming the best-selling sports car of all time, clocking up over a million sales (the vast majority in America) before it was replaced by the equally successful 260Z in 1974.

With a combination of Ferrari-esque styling, bullet proof mechanicals and a lusty straight-six engine, the car's popular appeal was cemented by a highly successful career in international rallying. Apart from its larger engine which now produced 162bhp in place of the 240’s 150bhp, the 260Z also had a stiffer chassis and improved heating/ventilation and was slightly faster at 127mph flat out.

In 1975 a 280Z version was launched for the American market only which kept the classic 240Z/260Z body shape but added a larger 2.8-litre fuel-injected engine now with 170bhp. Beautifully balanced and with fine handling from its all-round independent suspension, it had sharp 2.7 turns lock-to-lock steering and powerful front disc brakes. Also available in 2+2 format, it remained in production until 1978 when it was replaced by the much larger and heavier 280ZX.

Dating from 1975, this 280Z Automatic has spent all its life in sunny California, hence the excellent state of preservation today with no signs of any previous welding or restoration. The American Certificate of Title records just one lady owner since 1981 while various recent service and maintenance receipts and the number plate sticker indicate the car being in regular use by its long term lady owner up to 2015 when it was imported to the UK.

The recorded mileage of c.68,000 is believed (but not warranted) genuine and is borne out by the general condition of the car. Other than the dashboard being cracked the interior is very presentable and the rare original seats are in good condition. The car is entered here as a non-runner because although it starts up and runs for a few seconds, it then stalls. During the few seconds of running the engine sounds healthy and has oil pressure. Time constraints have prevented the vendor from investigating the cause of the problem.

Supplied with the aforementioned US Certificate of Title and NOVA print-out confirming that all duties have been paid, an MOT will now be required before it can be UK registered. Ditch the hideous US impact bumpers and this car will instantly look ten times better and would make an ideal basis for conversion into a competition car, or a perfect donor shell for a rotted out 240Z.

Close window
Print details