1980 Datsun 280ZX

Those in the 280ZX know will prize a couple of factors above all else when hunting out these automotive equivalents of hens’ teeth. An original UK supplied car with the very much rarer and more engaging five speed manual gearbox. As luck would have it this nice example of breed offers precisely that. That’s a great start. Whilst not too much is known about the early life of this Datsun we can deduce a few key milestones from the available paperwork trail.

Registered in the UK in May 1980 it is believed, if DVLA records are to be trusted, that this 280ZX started life as a brown example. Very 1980! Two colour changes have been registered since then. The first to white with the current red livery being noted by DVLA in 2021. Judging by an earlier MoT hard copy dating from 1993, however, the red livery dates at least from that period. 

We know that the car was acquired by current owner, Wayne, in April 2022 and that just a touch over 1,000 miles have been covered since it’s MoT test in 2018.

Perhaps surprisingly the 280ZX was hardly bigger than the equivalent version of the 260Z. Height, width and wheelbase were all basically the same whilst the total length had grown by just 200mm. It somehow looked bigger, though, and the more luxurious appointments had added around 150 kg to the kerb weight. The newer car’s higher waistline, thicker pillars and more upright looking cabin clearly signalled the model’s transition from sinuous sports star to grown up and sophisticated tourer.

This example looks eye-catching with its bright red livery and desirably high 1980 originality quotient. Yes, it has had a change of colour (or two?) but not much else has changed over the intervening 46 years. Our photographic package reveals a bright and shiny example of a very rare car. On close inspection, and always a feature of older red paintwork, our consignment team report the finish as being “slightly faded throughout.” A few other “close inspection” notes are offered to include rust bubbles to the leading edge of the bonnet and on the driver’s side door near the handle. The paintwork has cracked in places too, notably on the passenger side front wing, door and rear wing. Our photographic package captures these for you for your review.

Much else here is a period delight, however. The cabin glass looks clear and original and there is plenty of angular 1980’s detail to admire. The bonnet is a particularly showy exemplar of the period with a pair of cooling grills (one with an accompanying NACA duct) and an impressively protruding power bulge. It’s the automotive equivalent of wearing colourful leg warmers to the gym. It’s nice to see both Nissan and Datsun badges adorn the rear hatch in testament to an interesting period in automotive history. The stylised, thick B pillars are a great feature, too, and a delightful synthwave aesthetic for the Blade Runner generation.

An original set of F22 turbine style alloy wheels are fitted to appropriately round off the 1980’s futurism design language. These 14-inch items look to be in a good overall shape and the correct Z-inscribed conical hub covers are present and correct. A matching set of Falken tyres are fitted in a 195/70 configuration.

If you think the Datsun’s exterior screams peak 1980’s zeitgeist, just wait until you get inside! It’s as if a legion of 1980’s plush toys have sacrificed their synthetic pelts to gift this short-piled corded velour to the lucky 280ZX driver. The upholstery shade could even be described as “teddy bear tan.” The seat bases are fully covered in this delightful substrate with the seat backs featuring vinyl trimmed outer bolsters for added longevity. These seem to have done their job, too, with no worn areas immediately obvious.

Inevitably, the interior offers up a slightly lived in look, but it is 46 years old after all. Any reservations in this regard are more than compensated for by this cabin’s superb degree of charming originality. Of course, various shades of brown are the order of the day in here. The dashboard is mercifully free from the usual UV related cracks and fissures and headlining and carpets all look original. 

The 280ZX is well catered for in the instrumentation department without question. The crystal-clear main binnacle includes big speedometer and tachometer. Fuel level and water temperate ancillary gauges share this space, too. Glancing left reveals what initially looks like central air vents are, in fact, more ancillary gauges canted sharply towards the driver. A fine touch. Below these is a period looking 50-watt Audioline radio / cassette with integrated graphic equaliser. Perfect! The rear hatch opens to reveal a very sensibly sized boot with original looking carpeting and trim. This combined with quite generous (by comparison) rear 2+2 seats make this a very practical classic indeed.

One central facet of the original Z-car concept was the lusty straight-six L-series engine. This grew from 2.4-litres in the 240Z, through 2.6-litres in the 260Z and rocks up here with a 2,753 cubic capacity. What is intriguing, however, is that this car quite clearly features a twin carburettor set up. All 280ZXs originally came with the L28E engine which featured Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection from the factory. We can only assume that this car has undergone a carburettor conversion at some point in its history. This is recognised tweak for purists as gives the car a true analogue and more responsive personality. This example is also blessed with a five speed, Borg-Warner T5 manual transmission. 

Lifting that sculpted bonnet reveals the long looking straight six complete with Nissan OHC annotations. Again, it looks highly original in here (apart from the aforementioned carburettors) with nothing more contemporary being obvious. The inner panels are clean and well painted. The underside looks well protected with underseal. It is only the lower seams of the sills and other body panels that look somewhat de-laminating and ripe for some preventative attention.

The paperwork archive accompanying this 280ZX is on the brief side. The V5 Registration Document is present, of course, in the name of the current keeper. This classifies the Datsun as an Historic Vehicle and so renders it MoT exempt and zero rated for road tax in the UK. 

Some earlier MoTs in hard copy are present as is one invoice dating from 2020 and detailing some brake and wheel bearing work. Our car check report doesn’t reveal anything unexpected or of concern.

The 280ZX is having its time in the sun, finally. This is a well-conceived Japanese GT car which delivers eminent usability and increasing wow factor thanks to its UK scarcity. Whilst well over 400,000 were built and sold internationally, its high UK cost and softer personality rendered it always a rare sight on our potholed roads. Today just 50 are thought to roadworthy in the UK.

This is an especially intriguing example tanks to its original UK supply, its much rarer manual gearbox and the mystery surrounding its twin-carburettor status. That combination of factors makes it quite possibly unique in the UK today. In any regard it is super rare and highly sought after so is an opportunity too good to miss. 

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at THE MARKET HQ in South Oxfordshire. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays (apart from Bank Holidays) between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.