There's no question that the Datsun 280Z changed the way we look at sports cars in America. Affordable sports cars had all but vanished by the time this 1978 example was built, and despite those dark years of emissions controls, they managed to deliver sparkling performance. Nicely preserved, this is one of those Z-cars that was treated like something special from the very beginning. Whether it was a visionary who recognized that someday this car would be a collector's item or merely a fellow who loved his new Z, someone made sure this car stayed fresh over the years. The bronze paint job is back in fashion after all these years, and you'll probably find that out on the road, folks will stop at lights just to ask you what color it is. There's a golden glow underneath that shows up in the right light, and it highlights things like the hood bulge and the gentle curve of the rear fender as it comes together with the roof. There's more '70s funk with the satin black window slats over the rear hatch, the oversized rubber bumpers, and the ribbed rocker panel trim, all of which are in excellent shape. The brown vinyl interior is definitely 1970s fashion, but it's remarkably well preserved and after you embrace the coolness that is the disco era, you'll find a very stylish and functional cockpit inside. The buckets are supportive, and thanks to that durable upholstery, show very little wear aside from some minor stretching of the material. Door panels and carpets are likewise well preserved, with the cargo bay showing no ill effects from UV rays or dirty cargo. The dash was the same in all the first-generation Z-cars, and the round auxiliary gauge pods in the center are a design statement that can still be found in today's 370Z. A leather-wrapped wheel and stubby shifter with a matching leather knob reinforce the performance feel that was so carefully engineered by Nissan designers. This Z also features things like A/C and an AM/FM stereo radio, so you could even commute daily in it without complaint. The silky smooth inline-six featured a single overhead camshaft, and was enlarged to 2.8 liters to bolster low-end torque for American tastes. Combined with the svelte curb weight, the 280Z is generally regarded as the best-performing of the first-generation cars. The engine is smooth and feels like it can pull forever, and makes a brawny six-cylinder bellow through the single exhaust pipe. It looks like there's a lot going on under the forward-canted hood, but in reality these are reliable, durable cars that are surprisingly easy to work on, so have no fears about that. The chassis offers lively handling thanks to a fully independent setup fore and aft, as well as powerful braking that's better than most cars of the era. The chassis is clean and solid, although not detailed for show, but with no problem areas, either. And as a child of the '70s, nothing looks more appropriate than a set of Keystone wire wheels, especially with color-matched spokes and 195/70/14 Michelin radials. The Z-car changed the automotive landscape, and collectors are now starting to realize its special place in history. Relive one of the '70s greatest hits and call today! This vehicle is located in our Dallas/Fort Worth showroom. For more information, please call (817) 764-8000 or toll free (855) 877-2707.
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