Beautiful '77! ebay auction in CT

[Willoughby Z]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Datsun-Z-Series-280Z-1977-DATSUN-280Z-FULLY-RESTORED-LIKE-JEWELRY-/250948443251?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item3a6db15c73

[fandsw]

Nice looking Z, looks like everything was done right......except they used some non-galvanized screws to reattach the VIN plate instead of rivets!!!! What a way to end an auction.......

[Healey Z]

Nice car, but those mirrors...really? Those big chrome things belong on a 1959 station wagon. Also 240HP....don't think so.

[Willoughby Z]

......except they used some non-galvanized screws to reattach the VIN plate instead of rivets!!!! What a way to end an auction.......

I noticed that as well and had a similar thought. I mean, I could accept non-rivets but rusty screws? Jeez...

[LeonV]

Nice car, but those mirrors...really? Those big chrome things belong on a 1959 station wagon. Also 240HP....don't think so.

C'mon, all those polished parts have to be worth at least 70hp!

[siteunseen]

I didn't know my MSA ceramic coated header was stainless steel.

Edited December 7, 2011 by siteunseen

[Willoughby Z]

I was impressed by the engine bay detailing and the overall condition of the car.

Mirrors? To each his own, I guess. They wouldn't be my first choice but good mirrors are hard to find- I've been through a couple of models with two 280's and have been unhappy with the functionality (shimmy, reflective quality, etc.) of a pleasing (to me) design. My personal choice would be black.

Headers may be SS-seller isn't specific about the mfg., nor are they forthcoming about the exhaust supplier.

With consideration to recent threads regarding the 200 hp threshold, I'm skeptical about 240hp (claimed) without dyno sheets to back it up.But it is a dealer and their marketing doesn't seem to be directed to Z enthusiasts, rather to the " I always wanted a Z" buyer who will just accept the claim as it is. If it were my sale, I'd have the entire build/spec sheet presented...

Rusty screws, mirrors, and unsubstantiated horsepower claims aside- it is a finely presented car in what appears to be

[fandsw]

Agree, it's one that's almost there. Reminds me a lot of mine when I first saw her (on ebay as well). Mine's a 78 with only 30K miles, but condition is real similar. Biggest detractor on mine is the need for a paint job, which is not visible in the pics below that came from the auction:

It will be interesting to see what the '77 goes for.....

Edited December 8, 2011 by fandsw

[cygnusx1]

Those are the original screws. The engine plates are not riveted.

Here is the plate in a 77 ZAP:

Edited December 8, 2011 by cygnusx1

[Willoughby Z]

Those are the original screws. The engine plates are not riveted.

Here is the plate in a 77 ZAP:

Thanks, cygnus. I didn't catch the difference (vs. the door jam).

As I said before-rivets or not, it was the overlooked detail of rusty hardware.

fandsw: very nice! same color as my first, a '77 5-speed, also with dealer installed rear louvre. The dealer (Manassas Datsun) had also added ribbon pinstripes- light green/yellow on the shoulder, starting as pinpoinst at the headlight buckets, increasing in width, with a crossover near the rear corners, going across the hatch.

They also threw in a 50% off coupon for wheels.

My memory insists that they were Carroll Shelby but searches can't verify that.

I've digressed...

[cygnusx1]

...which reminds me, that since the engine from my 280Z is now powering my 240Z, I should swap the engine plate over.

[ksechler]

"...except they used some non-galvanized screws to reattach the VIN plate"

"I could accept non-rivets but rusty screws..."

That's a nice car. If those four screws are all that's wrong with it after 30+ years I'd drive it.