1976 Datsun 280Z Five-Speed

Description

Only during its first two years was Datsun’s brilliant 240Z the car that its designers wanted it to be. Starting in 1972, emission controls began to affect drivability, and the carbureted 1974 Datsun 260Z only provided a stopgap. The real solution to emission laws came with the introduction of Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection to the car's new, larger L28E 2.8-liter inline six-cylinder engine, which returned the Z-car to roughly 1970 levels of performance. The 280Z also had a stronger chassis and improved suspension. 

The 1976 280Z was offered in both a two-door coupe and 2+2 configuration, the latter featuring a longer wheelbase and a small rear seat. The Z's design retained the sleek, aerodynamic lines that had made the Z-cars popular but with subtle updates to the bumpers and interior to comply with new safety standards. 

The engine in this 1976 Datsun 280Z Coupe is not original to the car, but it is period correct, with engine block cast N42 (original to 1976-78 280Z). In addition, the transmission has been converted by Z Car Guy Cincinnati from automatic to five-speed manual, with resurfaced fly wheel and new clutch kit. Body components are original or NOS replacement panels, and a glass-out full refinish has been performed in base coat clear coat, including panel openings and engine bay. 

Highlights 

• Refinished in Red paint over Black interior with vinyl seats 

• Powered by an LT28 2.8-liter inline six-cylinder engine rated at 149 horsepower (previous owner replaced original with period-correct engine) 

• Five-speed manual transmission (converted from original automatic) 

• The chassis number (HLS30287277) decodes as: 

  • H – L28E inline-six engine 

  • L – Two-door coupe 

  • S30 – Datsun 280Z 

  • 287277 – Sequential production number 

Features 

• Two-door hatchback, built November 1976 in Yokohama, Japan 

• Air conditioning 

• Original Hitachi AM/FM radio 

• 160 mph speedometer/odometer, 8000 rpm tachometer, and center gauges for coolant temperature, oil pressure, volts, and fuel level 

• Analog clock 

• 14-inch original powder-coated steel wheels and original restored chrome-plated hubcaps with distinctive "Z" emblem 

• Kumho Solus TA11 195/70R14 tires 

Known Imperfections 

• This 1976 Datsun 280Z Coupe is presented in fully restored condition with no known imperfections at the time of cataloging 

Included 

• Owner’s manual 

• Repair history documentation 

Ownership History 

Z Car Guy Cincinnati, the consignor of this 1976 Datsun 280Z, purchased the car in September 2024. It was originally sold new in Georgia and was acquired in 1989 by the previous owner, who had gradually restored it without completion. According to the seller, “He was a Goodyear  executive who worked with BRE and had an open source of new OEM parts, and he bought  everything he could that he thought the car could use (fenders, hood, cowl, valance set,  bumpers, exhaust, suspension, and more, with parts labels shown in photos). The car came to us in running, unfinished mechanical condition, [and] we have completed the restoration. ... Absolutely every component works as it should and has been thoroughly tested.” 

Additional Notes  

Please note that much of the work on this car was performed during an older restoration and is being represented to the best of the knowledge and information provided by the current owner. 

A Broad Arrow Auctions Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the owner of this vehicle. Broad Arrow Auctions is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hagerty. 

Contact: Matt Lowney Phone: 623.308.2640 email: mlowney@hagerty.com