1976 Datsun 280Z Fastback Coupe
Designer: Yoshihiko Matsuo

Estimate: $28,000 - $37,000

Chassis Number: HLS30299543
Serial Number Decoded: H=2.8 Liter “L28E” engine; L=Left hand drive; S30=280Z Coupe; 299542=Unit sequence number
Engine: 2753cc SOHC in-line 6-cyl
Electronic Fuel Injection/170 bhp
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Four Wheel Hydraulic Front Disc and Rear Drum Brakes

Mileage: 98,395 MI

• Well Maintained Original Car
• Mechanically Sound and Cosmetically Pleasing
• Quickest Edition of the Original Z-Car Family

The Model: When Datsun first came to the USA, they found their cars to be under-powered for the ways Americans drove. Yutaka Katayama, or Mr. K as he is fondly called by Datsun fans, had his designers and engineers go back to the drawing board and when they came back to North America, their vehicles soon proved themselves to be every bit as good as the domestic brands. While sedans were the bread and butter, Mr. K knew that sporty speedy cars would bring in the showroom traffic needed to sell the family vehicles. Building on a legacy established with the Fairlady roadsters from the late 1960’s, the new Z-car would take the market by storm. With styling resembling the popular Ferrari California coupe, and performance not that far behind, a new cult of Japanese sports car fans grew quickly. Many stock examples were souped-up, prepped for racing or had the wheels driven off of them. Original examples have become increasingly rare as the legions of Z-car fans continues to grow.

The Car: Through careful preservation the 1976 Datsun 280Z we are honored to offer is about as stock as you could wish. Under the hood that potent and reliable L28 edition of the in-line six stands ready to roar to life showing no changes since it was built, with the exception of required maintenance. Our inspection of the engine looked like it has never been apart since it was installed. The Silver Metallic finish does have a light patina, to be expected after 40 years, but the interior is clean, complete and very presentable. The only thing we found changed was the addition of a modern stereo with CD changer included. Starting up easily, running through the gears is simple, with a light flick of the wrist. The exterior appear to be all original with no signs of any body panel damage, replacement or repair. As the interest in these cars continues to grow, values have been steadily tracked upwards, and the potential for this 280Z is above most.