1975 Datsun Z-Series

Hatchback

Straight 6

Manual 4-speed

HLS30203249

Clear

Gasoline

This is a very stock, original Datsun 280Z, 49 state model, purchased in May, 1975, from Bronx Datsun, NY, for $6819.02. The '75 280Zs were the last model year before catalytic converters were required for non-California cars, and the first year for the Bosch licensed L-Jetronic fuel injection. The car was able to run on regular leaded or unleaded fuel, and has the wide open fuel filler neck. With the exception of the period correct Panasport wheels (made in Japan) and a slightly larger original accessory "Datsun" gear shift knob, (original knob included) this car is completely original, including the AM-FM radio with electric antenna. The car was Ziebart rustproofed, never driven in winter or on salted roads, and always garaged. Owned and driven by a responsible, married, mortgage holding father of two as a third "non-essential" car; never raced, hot rodded, modified or abused. Vehicle was used: 1975-1981: Commuter car on dry warm days. 1981-1989: pleasure drives only, several years in dry storage. 1989-2010: several road trips from Connecticut to Florida, and used for short commute to work on dry warm days. Service History highlights: 0 to 61,000 mi.: Serviced by Datsun dealers, who replaced many parts probably before needed. 60,000 mi.: transmission replaced. 64000 mi.: clutch replaced. 74,000 mi.: Engine rebuild with new camshaft (original cams were reported "soft"), head rebuilt, valve job, rockers and springs, etc. In recent years, brakes, calipers, brake hydraulics, clutch master and slave cyl., performed by repair shops, and routine service performed by owner. Just completed: fuel injection temperature sensor replaced, cooling system pressure checked and new antifreeze installed by repair shop. Wheels are 14" Panasport alloy wheels (new in 2001) with Dunlop SP Sport A2 size P195/70R14 90H tires (original stock size). Wheels are in excellent condition, tires have approx. 7000 miles on them. Spare is used Toyo Z 195-70R14 on original steel wheel. Collision history: Front end damage in 1976, involving hood, front left fender, radiator brace. Car was repaired by authorized body shop, Ziebart replaced, entire car repainted. Car was broken into in 1979, rear hatch damage repaired, plastic dash above glove box repaired where damaged, however repair shows as smooth spot on textured surface. In 1990, drivers door dented, repairs made to door but door handle slightly deformed (handle was not replaced). Car repainted for second time. Towing History: Car has been towed six times. 1975, when brand new, twice, to original dealer in Bronx, NY. There was an issue with the Nissan licensed Bosch fuel injection on early models. Nissan recalled and replaced the unit and the system has been trouble free since then. 1976, following front end collision, to body shop in Scarsdale, NY. 1981, due to failed clutch master cylinder, to repair shop in Milford, CT. Last year and this year, to repair shop in Sharon, CT, due to faulty f.i. temp sensor, which has been repaired. (Problem was originally thought to be water in fuel; tank drained, filters/hoses replaced, fresh fuel installed) Paint history: Entire car repainted in 1976 after collision, clear coat applied. 1990: Car repainted to remove aging clear coat which was cracking. Currently the finish is glossy on all surfaces. Only the hood, for some reason, has developed cracked paint over the past 23 years, and could use a redo. (see photo) All other surfaces are OK. (see "rust", below) Upholstery/interior: Dash not cracked except repair above glove box (see Collision History). Headliner tight and in good condition, all fabric lining surfaces in hatch and on door panels tight and clean. Carpeting lightly faded in some areas, ripped where it attaches under seats, otherwise good condition. Drivers seat has broken seams and rips, and needs replacement. Passenger seat in good condition. Steering wheel original padding in excellent condition, with no sun damage. All weather stripping for doors and hatch OK. Seat belts function properly. Luggage straps in rear are functional. The 1975 models had a seatbelt/ignition interlock system which was disconnected by the dealer after the law was repealed. Glass: All good, no cracks or breaks. All rubber tight and not deteriorated. Windows function properly. Body: Panels straight with no wrinkles. Bumpers clean, no dents, rubber bumper parts and fillers intact. All emblems and badges present. Doors and hatch close and lock tight. All lock cylinders match. Paint OK except hood (see above). There is a very recent ding in the left corner of the hatch (see photo). Otherwise, no dents or scratches. Mechanical: All gages function properly, including clock. Dash lights, lighter, fan, heater, defroster all OK. Push button radio and electric antenna and two rear speakers function properly. The rear hatch defogger dash light comes on however I have not been able to test rear defogger. The overhead courtesy light does not come on when doors are opened, but turns on when switched. All exterior lights, turn signals, flashers work. Transmission and clutch have no issues, suspension OK, engine runs fine. Because I do not drive it in the winter, I use heavier oil or Engine Restore oil additive, and the engine burns approx. a quart every 1000 miles. Exhaust system is tight and rust free. Cooling system tight, recently repaired. (see service history) Rust: Not an issue except for an area on the left side under door (see photo) which seems to be lifting. There was surface rust there when the repaint was done in 1990. The fact that this car has not been exposed to salted roads, and also the Ziebart rustproofing, probably explains why it has survived for 39 years in New England. Ziebart wax covers many of the surfaces in the engine compartment, which makes the engine compartment look black and ugly. I have found that removing the Ziebart with solvent reveals a shiny, like-new surface. Undercarriage: Photos do not show well, but I cannot see any rust. There are slight indentations, possibly where lifts have been placed for service. Heavy undercoating everywhere. Spare Parts included with sale: There is a Schumacher 1.5 amp battery maintainer installed for long term storage. A custom fit car cover is included. Starter (new, uninstalled) alternator (used but OK) New lower radiator hose. Nissan Original Factory Workshop Manual, Chilton, Autobook and Haynes Datsun 280Z manuals, two filters.Issues/problems: The ignition switch lock cylinder has play, occasionally requiring a wiggling of the key before it will turn. The lock cylinder could use repair. The starter solenoid occasionally did not connect on the first try. It always did after several tries. I purchased a new starter and solenoid, then the problem did not repeat. (new starter included, see Spare Parts above) Drivers seat upholstery needs replacement. What is missing: The car is complete with no missing parts. It did not have any options that I know of. As I recall, there were few options offered in 1975, although A/C and automatic were available. No A/C on this car. As a mechanic once said, "It's a straight six, bolted to a four speed, bolted to the rear wheels. The rest is just hold on tight." The car weighs under 2600 lbs. What I would do before a road trip: The car runs fine and can be driven anywhere. I would probably want to replace the cooling hoses, which are original and 39 years old. The upper radiator hose is new, but the lower radiator hose and smaller heater hoses are original. I would change the oil and filter; they have very few miles but the time has expired. The ignition switch and starter solenoid issues do not prevent use of the car. Title: Connecticut registration, "Early American" plates. Title is clear, in my name. The car is currently insured by American Collectors Insurance Co, and the premium for the TLC Platinum Coverage for this year (agreed value $15,000) was $159.45. (Platinum coverage is the most expensive offered.) Connecticut does not require inspections or emissions on cars over 25 years old. I am a private seller. My intention is to keep my excellent eBay rating by being completely forthcoming with all facts so you can make an informed decision. I am offering an unrestored, very original 39 year old car that has been carefully driven, well cared for and properly maintained, and should increase in value with proper care. Although I cannot offer any guarantees, I want a happy buyer for the car. Please contact me with questions. I will post all answers if they address issues I have overlooked. Paypal deposit of $500. required within 48 hours of sale.