1975 Datsun 280Z

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

The 1975 Datsun 280Z marked the final evolution of Nissan’s first-generation Z-car, introduced to meet stricter U.S. emissions and safety standards. Replacing the short-lived 260Z, the 280Z featured a larger 2.8-liter L28 inline-six engine equipped with Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection. This upgrade addressed drivability issues caused by earlier carbureted models.

Sold exclusively in North America under the Datsun name, early 1975 models like this one (built in January 1975) retained chrome bumpers wearing federally mandated 5-mph impact-absorbing rubber overriders, while later '75 models received full impact-absorbing bumpers. The 280Z was available as a coupe (as seen here) or a 2+2.

Purchased by the current owner from its 35-year owners in 2024, this 1975 280Z was refinished in factory correct Pacific Blue (305) paint in 2016 and received new carpet in 2015. The car retains its factory black vinyl upholstery, instrumentation, AM/FM radio, and exterior badges. Mechanically, this Z was fully evaluated and certified by a Michigan automotive shop last month, when it received a new rear differential seal, fresh differential fluid, new rear brake shoes, and full undercoating. In addition, the factory air-conditioning system was vacuum tested for over 40 minutes and successfully converted to R134a.

The 1975 280Z is now offered at no reserve in Michigan on behalf of the current owner with maintenance receipts, a 1989 purchase agreement, and a clean title in the current owner’s name.

Highlights

• Fifth-earliest known 1975 Datsun 280Z survivor, confirmed by ZRegistry.org

• Prior owners acquired the car in 1989 and kept it for ~35 years before the seller's purchase in 2024

• Previous owner performed a chassis-level refresh at approximately 47,000 miles

• Refinished in factory correct Pacific Blue (305) in 2016 (original paint on underside of hood and floors)

• Factory black vinyl on bucket seats and doors, with white visors and headliner

Factory Equipment

• 2.8-liter inline-six (L28) engine with Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection producing 149 hp

• Three-speed automatic transmission

• Air conditioning

• 160-mph speedometer and 8,000-rpm tachometer

• Gauge cluster includes temperature/oil, amps/fuel, and analog clock

• AM/FM radio

• Chrome bumpers with rubber overriders

• Independent suspension

• Front disc, rear drum brakes

• The chassis number (HLS30201838) decodes as:

  • H – Datsun/Nissan

  • L – Left-hand drive U.S. market

  • S30 – 280Z

  • 201838 – Sequential production number

Modifications

• Refinished in factory correct Pacific Blue (305) in 2016

• New carpet in 2015

• Anti-theft device

• Western turbine-style alloy wheels

Servicing

• October 2025: Replaced rear brake shoes

• October 2025: Replaced rear differential seal and fluid

• October 2025: Professional full-body undercoating applied

• October 2025: Air-conditioning vacuum tested and converted to R134a

• Bridgestone RD-207 Steel P195/70R14 tires

Documentation

• October 2025: Full inspection report

Known Imperfections

• Some paint chips noted by th seller

• Shifter handle is cracked

• Wear on interior door panels

• 280Z front fender badges are faded

• Rear Datsun 280Z badge is scuffed

• Circular Z badges on C-pillar are worn

Ownership History

The seller of this 1975 Datsun 280Z purchased it in 2024 from a couple who had owned it since 1989.

The seller says, “Documented by the 280Z National Registry as the fifth-earliest surviving 1975 280Z known to exist, making it a highly significant example among collectors of S30 chassis cars. Built in January 1975, it retains key early-year features and has been preserved with exceptional originality in all critical structural areas. A full mechanical inspection and certification was completed recently at a Michigan automotive service center. The car starts easily, idles smoothly, drives without hesitation, and shifts properly through all gears. Brakes operate correctly, and the fuel-injection system performs as intended.

“The previous owner did a chassis-level refresh at 47,000 miles when he retired from the Air Force, not because the car needed it but because it was a labor of love. He disassembled it — front suspension, rear suspension, steering components, engine, transmission, bushings — and reinstalled or replaced everything back to stock, with the exception of some electrical upgrades and a Stage 2 cam. While not every part has paperwork, the condition speaks for itself: The entire underside presents as essentially new. The car is dry, clean, rust-free, and shows the unmistakable signs of a full teardown and rebuild.”

Included Items

• 1989 purchase agreement and original temporary license plate issued at the time

• Maintenance receipts

Additional Information

A Broad Arrow Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the seller of this vehicle. As such, the purchase transaction will be facilitated by Broad Arrow, including vehicle payment, applicable taxes required to be collected by the seller or Broad Arrow, and title/ownership reassignment. Broad Arrow is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hagerty.

Contact: Craig Zimmerman Phone: 586.707.5811‬ Email: cszimmerman@hagerty.com