1976 Datsun Z-Series

280Z 2+2 Hatchback

6 - Cyl.

Automatic

GHLS30-035666

Gasoline

1976 Datsun "Fairlady Z" 280Z 2+2 Automatic Runs Great - Located in Paradise, CA 1976 Datsun 280Z 2+2 (January 1, 1976) Three-Speed Automatic Transmission (Rare and in Very Good Condition) Faded Blue (needs painting) Runs Terrific and has current DMV Clear Title Four-seater converts into a huge gear area rear deck Five Newer Les Schwab TOYO Spectrum Touring Radial P195/70R 14 90S Tires Original Alloy Wheels Bosch's L-Jetronic Fuel Injection, Overhead Cam L28 -- fuel efficient 6-cyl Engine Fuel Injection Tuned by Hal's Honeyrun Auto Repair in Paradise Good Glass (slight scratch on front passenger windscreen) Hatchback with Sun Visor No leaks Black Interior - Great Headliner Leather Covered Steering Wheel Pushbutton Security System Automatic Door Locks Replaced Catalytic Converter by Sierra Muffler in Paradise 110,543 miles (10,543 shows on odometer) Sony CD Changer Sound System with Kenwood Equalizer (older models) A few bumps and bruises and a few rust spots but the body is sound Interior is still pretty nice but it needs a new pad for the arm console among other little things This 1976 Datsun Fairlady 280Z 2+2 is perfectly set up for a wide range of drivers and especially for a very tall or big man. I'm 6'6" tall, 220 pounds and I'm stretched out and very comfortable on long drives with lots of headroom in this great, classic sports car. There's no roll bar to bump your head, (as on all the rest of the Z-cars) as the doors are heavily reinforced for your protection. My girlfriend likes to drive it as well but there's no power assisted steering and with the fat tires it's a bit too moderate for her to drive everyday. There are four seats for ferrying the family around and the back seat folds down to create a huge amount of space for carrying camping or ski gear. Frankly, I'd love to see it around town (Paradise) because I'd be delighted to see that inevitable huge smile on the new owners face. In the interests of full disclosure: The dash has a nice Dash Cover on it to hide the cracked original. The front seats need to be reupholstered or seat covers used (comfy as it is now). It needs bodywork here and there (see pictures) and it could certainly use a nice paint job. Mechanically very good condition, certainly for a 36 year old classic Datsun automobile. I'll go over it very carefully with you if you'll contact me before purchasing and I can tell you about every inch. This wonderful 1976 Datsun 280Z 2+2 is truly a splendid car, the body styling looks fantastic, it drives great and it has served me very well over the years and I know it'll do the same for you. If you require more pictures don't hesitate to ask (I have many) and I'll send them directly to your email address upon request. Sincerely, David GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE Z-CARS: Introduced in 1975 as the successor of the 260Z, the Datsun 280Z was the final version of the 1st generation Z sports car. At the end of the 1978 model year, the 1st generation Z was discontinued and replaced by the 1979 280ZX. Unique to North America, the 280Z nameplate was sold as the Fairlady Z in Japan. Powered by the 170 HP OHC Inline 6 L28 engine, the L28 was an electronically fuel injected engine utilized by the 280Z. The L28 was very similar to the naturally-aspirated L26 and L24 which had preceded it. Available with either a 4 or 5-speed manual or a 3 speed automatic transmission, the 280Z featured rear independent suspension. The vehicle also featured 14' alloy wheels, rack-and-pinion steering and a large array of dashboard gauges. The 280Z was available in two various body styles, either the 2-seat coupe or the 2+2 4-seater. The 4-seater was a longer model and slightly wider than the standard 280Z, though it shared similar performance characteristics. In October, 1969, the 1970 240z was introduced to the U.S. by Yutaka Katayama, president of Nissan Motors USA operations. The man widely known as 'Mr. K.', introduced the early 1970 model with a chrome '240' badge emblazoned on the B-pillar quarter panel. The following year the B-pillar side badges were restyled with the letter Z in white. It was powered by a 2.4 liter straight-6 cylinder with 2 sidedraft S.U. Carbs, which had the ability to produce 150 horsepower. The 240z was only available to the U.S. with a manual 4-speed transmission. In 1971 the transmission and rear differential was improved, as well as the crankshaft redesigned. It was now available in 3-speed automatic transmission that was produced by Jatco. To lower the compression ration from 9.0 to 8.8:1, the combustion chamber shape was altered to lower the emissions and power band the following year. Automatic seatbelts were installed, along with the rear window defroster lines changed from vertical to horizontal in 1972. In 1973 different manifolds and cylinders were installed to lower emissions, along with flat top Hitachi SU carbs. Tinted Glass 3-point adjustable seat belts were installed, along with collapsible steering columns, reclining seats, and intermittent windshield wipers as standard equipment. The 260z was introduced in 1974 and offered an increase stoke of 79mm with an increase of engine displacement to 2.6 liters along with a jump in horsepower from 129 to 139. Lengthening the overall length of the 260z by 12.2 inches, and adding 200 more pounds to the vehicle weight, the 2+2 body style now offered quarter windows which opened. Until midyear of 1975, the 260z continued to be produced. By enlarging the front and rear bumpers of the 260z to meet Federal regulations, a total of 130 lbs was added to the weight of the vehicle. Halfway through 1975, the 280Z was introduced to the market. Replacing the SU carbs on all models with Bosch's L-Jetronic field injection, and the 3mm bore increase raised engine displacement to the 2.8 litre was designed to withstand tougher emission codes. Producing 149 horsepower, the 280z was only sold in the U.S. All models in California were required to have a catalytic converter in the exhaust system. Because of its relatively low price when compared to other foreign sports cars of the time, the vehicle became hugely popular in the American market. During the 1970's, the Z was very successful in racing and is credited as a catalyst for the current import performance parts industry. Sports Car International named this vehicle number two on the list of Top Sports Cars of the 1970's in 2004. By Jessica Donaldson The 240Z was not a new idea. Sturdy engineering, excellent performance, low price, attractive styling, and average interior had been achieved by many manufacturers prior to the Z-car. The reason the 240Z car was so great was because it capitalized on all these criteria and perfected the concept of a low-cost, reliable, sports car. Mr. Yutaka Katayama is considered the 'Father of the Z Car' and is responsible for the design and creation of this legendary vehicle. As recognition of his contributions to the automotive world, in 1998 he was inducted into the Automobile Hall of Fame. The Datsun 240Z was introduced in 1969 as a 1970 model. The engine was a derivation of the Datsun 1600. The Datsun 1600 engine was a copy of the 1960's six-cylinder Mercedes-Benz 220 engine, but with two less cylinders. By adding two extra cylinders in the 240Z the cylinder count was back to six. With 151 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque the vehicle could propel from zero-to-sixty in eight seconds. The independent suspension and the rack-and-pinion steering added to its quick response, performance, and handling. The front disc brakes brought the car to a stop from high speeds in just seconds. With a price tag of just over $3,500, it cost much less than anything else on the market. Due to demand, a year later Kelly Blue Book rated the value of a used 240Z at $4,000. The 240Z dominated the SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) C-class production category for 10 years ranging from 1970 through 1979. In 1970 and 1971 John Morton, driving for Brock Racing Enterprises, was the first to claim victory in SCCA C-Class production racing using a 240Z. Bob Sharp claimed his first win in that category in 1972 and again in 1973 and 1975. Walt Maas continued the streak in 1974. The Z-car competed in the IMSA (International Motor Sports Association) where it captured many victories, including the IMSA GTU title. In 1982, Devendorf and his Electromotive racing team win Datsun's first ever IMSA GTO championship. In 1985, Paul Newman set 10 track records in a 280ZX Turbo. In 1994, a race-modified Z car won the 24 Hors of Daytona and the 12 Hours at Sebring. It also captured the GTS Class at the 24 Hours of LeMans, making it the only car ever to accomplish such a record within the same year. In 1975 the displacement was increased to 2.8 liters and the vehicle dubbed the 280Z. A Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection system was included which helped bring increase the horsepower to 149. In 1980, over 500,000 cumulative American Z-cars had been sold. It had reached the half-million sales mark faster than any other sport car. Sales figures, race results, and satisfied customers have proven this to be one of the best sports vehicles ever produced. By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2007 Location: Paradise, CA