Sailor Bob

Wow - I really felt pretty bad there for a minute. This is refered to as toying with emotions.

Looks good - hope it turns out to be a good deal.

Sorry

I have what I am assuming is an aftermarket seal - it is very stiff. It doesn't go all the way to the upper corners so well - just barely covers the cutout corners.

I believe the 77 or 78 5 speeds are still a very good buy. One can be had for less cash outlay and in spite of the 240 types opinions (which I completely respect) I believe it is a better buy than the 240. The EFI is relatively service free and the car overall has a number of refinements over the 240Z. It also seems easier to find one that is not rust held together with paint The bumpers are probably the biggest complaint that people have but that is a symbol of the time period these cars represent. As to the heavier weight - well if you intend to upgrade the engine to a north american V8 the heavier chassis pays off. You will not be crying over it - the cars performance although slightly less spirited is still a kick in the pants. I've had both the 240 and the 280 neither is cheap on gas, but they are both a pleasure to drive and they are both beautiful to look at. For an entry car in the intial body style Z - My vote is for the 77-78 5spd 280Z

Won't touch it with a 7500 ft pole - There's some high hopes there.

Man, it bugs me that I am so far away from these deals. Excellent find. Congrats

Great ad, couldn't access the additional pics though.

The original couplers are not very stiff anyway, I recommend that you replace it with poly - bush kits are available through ebay or "Motorsport" (see the icon on the club's main page), you can buy it individually or as part of a kit.

I read that differently - I always thought it was reference to the beauty of the car. If you can't afford a Porshe, you can still have a lovely 240Z which is in my mind comparable in appearance. As far as the general public goes they frequently can't tell the difference. Check the thread on this matter.

(Battery tray area) I definately would not strip it, only remove dirt and grime. For me I would prefer it as unaltered as possible.

Car looks great (as I have stated in previous posts), are you going to offer a BIN price? Got to agree with the boys - pics of trouble spots will avoid repetitive requests for more pics. The battery area looks like it may draw attention. State answers to the obvious questions in the opening description: dash is cracked with cover, Dings?, scratches .... Depending on the price I think it will draw alot of attention and perhaps many bids.

It seems high, but I am not entirely shocked. If you size it up a 280Z in perfect condition is a very nice car regardless of its antique status. If they were still rolling off assembly lines it would be a steal at $18K

Stalled at 14.6K, recently posted a BIN of 17.9K. Seems over the top to me.

Check out the carpet:http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1978-Datsun-280Z-with-83000-orig-miles-no-reserve_W0QQitemZ320223988780QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item320223988780

Good stuff Ron.

Enrique - My cars carpet was identical - the nap of the carpet is different in later models, perhaps a reflection of the period or the japanese interpretation of it. The pile in mine is about an inch and it reminded me of the colours of buffalo hyde when purchased. When the console or seats are removed the original colour is appearant adjacent the faded portion. Stephen - sorry for being prickly, misunderstood your point.

Stephen- I am simply pointing out something interesting that you may not be aware of. In this case it is interesting to see a late S30 attract such attention. It cought my eye at $1500 (I check ebay daily) - I knew it was going to 7 or 8k and a little surprised to see where it is currently. Personally I believe the 78 is fine vehicle and this one appears to be a great example of a nice car. If you are not interested in participating in conversation about this subject - don't read the post.

The carpets all fade with exposure to the sun - I dyed mine back to black. I think it's pretty sharp looking.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1978-DATSUN-NISSAN-280Z-27-000-MILES-WORLDS-BEST_W0QQitemZ170197590014QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item170197590014

I am a little suprised to hear the negatives. When this car came out I was impressed that my favorite car on the planet was now available in 2 + 2, I thought it was a good solution that didn't wander too far from the original principal of the 240. As to looks - it works for me in a slightly different way than the 2 seater, but I would still like to have one. Value - I don't know - less than a two seater - probably.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1969-DATSUN-240Z-VIN-279_W0QQitemZ280204406078QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item280204406078

It is a very clear difference when sighted side by side. I am also a 110 fan.

Not sure but I like it! I never thought 110 looked red, figured it was a twist of translation. My new female freind says it is warm red - she is a graphic designer.

There will never be a better time to save that car than now.