"Brand new" 280Z

[brunodoggy 23]

Hello everyone. I'm new to this group. This is because I just purchased a VERY Unique 1976 280Z. The thing that makes it unique is that it only has 350 miles.

I purchased it from the original owner. it is in Fantastic condition. Now I have to decide what to do with this amazing find. It has been in clean storage since 1976. The car still has the original PA Inspection sticker, which expired in October of 1976.

I'm looking for advice on how to properly restore and honor this car.

[240260280 1,376 1 Vehicles]

If it is really 350mi then sell on Hemmings or BAT.  You have a car worth >$60k

[240260280 1,376 1 Vehicles]

btw why are parts missing? (Bumper, radio, centre console)

[brunodoggy 23]

the radio and bumpers were removed to upgrade to a pioneer cassette player and slimmer bumpers. That was never completed and the original parts are included.
I take physical possession on Saturday so I'll have more pictures then. The things i don't have are the Hubcaps, window sticker or bill of sale.

[Dave WM 371]

Hopefully one of the members here can come over and take a good look at it to tell you the best course of action. IMHO keep it as original as possible for best value (plus if you plan to make it a daily driver, they are very nice in the stock configuration.

[Zed Head 1,204]

It will still have the usual problems of surface rust in the engine bores and corrosion in the hydraulic system.  Both are open to the atmosphere through open valves and vents.  Don't try to start it without getting it ready to start, and even if the brakes and clutch work they'll probably fail quickly.

Good luck, nice find.  You could probably flip it to a museum or collector and use the money to buy a drive-ready car.

[ryanotown22 40]

Dear god don’t let that dashboard see the sunlight it’s beutiful


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[SpeedRoo 28]

Do not clean it, put the original pieces back on. Store as is in a carcoon and never drive it. It will only be a barn find once and that will add to the value. Wait a few years and put it in an auction as is. In the meantime go buy a nice 240Z to drive around.

Edited July 16 by SpeedRoo

[240260280 1,376 1 Vehicles]

[grannyknot 1,148 2 Vehicles]

I say clean it up and drive it, you'll love it.  There is a whole procedure to go through before even turn the engine over much less start it,  even though the car has no miles there is a good chance you'll find rust in the gas tank so that means cleaning the entire fuel system.  That is an amazing find, keep your camera clicking.

[brunodoggy 23]

There is an oddity to this Z. the color is light blue, which is color No. 305, but the color code on the radiator support is listed as 304 - which is gold.

Is this a common error?

[Zed Head 1,204]

I just noticed that it also has the diagonal "Datsun" emblem on the hatch over 280Z.  My 1/76 build has the horizontal "Datsun" over the 280Z.

The paint code looks like an ink stamp put on either before or after painting.  Maybe it's an error and adds value, like a miscoined coin.

[Patcon 1,471]

Do all you can to document the miles. If it is a 350 mile car, it is extremely valuable for a 280Z. I might be inclined to assemble it and run it through a high profile auction (leave the dust on it!). Then take the proceeds and buy a finished car. or you could put 20k miles on it and it would still be a very low mileage 280Z but you need to be able to verify the mileage. Maybe hire an appraiser to help verify the mileage. It would be worth the extra expense!

[wheee! 1,273]

What is the manufacture date on the door jamb? Even rarer if it was made before August 76...

[240260280 1,376 1 Vehicles]

@Captain Obvious

Captain,a rare find in your region ~120mi away.

[grannyknot 1,148 2 Vehicles]

Your photo in #11 shows a white air snorkel,  I'm pretty sure they were made out of black plastic and left plain, curiouser and curiouser.

[brunodoggy 23]

I don't have a picture of the manufacture date, but the car was Inspected by the dealer on July 16, 1976

[Mark Maras 777]

How do the pedal covers and the carpet below the gas pedal look? 

[psdenno 574]

Not sure why the plastic was left on the seat for 350 miles, so there must be a good story that goes along with the car.  What did the owner tell you about why it is what it is?

Dennis

[brunodoggy 23]

I have spoken with the original owner quite a bit. when he got home with the car (he purchased it in Philadelphia) he noticed a small ding in the front fender. The dealer wanted to fill it with bondo and repaint it. Instead, he asked for and got a new fender. At that time he decided to go ahead and replace the front light buckets with fiberglass versions (to prevent rust) and the bumpers with something aftermarket. He also removed the radio to add a pioneer cassette deck and better speakers. He started these changes but was then laid off for awhile. He simply never finished the project. When he was ready for another car project, he moved to 4x4 trucks.

[Captain Obvious 1,579]

Wow. Interesting story. Looking forward to more telling pics once you get your hands on the car.

That's right in Chuck's back yard!!  @cbuczesk

[ryanotown22 40]

Interesting indeed. I didn’t know you had a choice between metal or fiberglass headlight buckets if you wanted.


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[DatsunZGuy 61]

Is there caked dirt on the clutch pedal?  If not, that looks pretty worn for a low mileage car.

[brunodoggy 23]

Here are a few more pictures I took when I first looked at the car. I'll have more when I move it to my garage.

[Captain Obvious 1,579]

6 hours ago, DatsunZGuy said:

Is there caked dirt on the clutch pedal?  If not, that looks pretty worn for a low mileage car.

Yeah, I can't figure out what to make of this car. Strange mix of what looks completely new and other stuff that just doesn't look quite right. That's why I'm looking forward to a copious number of high quality pics.