1976 Datsun 280Z 5-Speed

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

The 1976 Datsun 280Z marked the second year of Nissan’s 280Z series, the final evolution of the first-generation Z-car. Introduced in late 1975 as a successor to the 260Z, it featured a larger 2.8-liter inline-six engine (L28) paired with Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection, a response to tightening U.S. emissions standards without sacrificing performance. Producing around 150 horsepower, the 280Z could sprint 0–60 mph in about 9.5 seconds.

The car retained its sleek hatchback coupe and 2+2 body styles, offering improved handling through independent suspension and rack-and-pinion steering, and wore federally mandated 5-mph impact bumpers, while comfort upgrades brought a more refined interior with full instrumentation and optional air conditioning.

The seller of this ’76 280Z gave the car a service overhaul with multiple upgrades shortly after purchasing it in early 2018, including Dynalite alloy wheels, zebra-patterned seat inserts, a Kenwood stereo with remote control, and numerous mechanical replacements and upgrades as detailed below. A previous owner swapped the car’s original transmission for an upgraded five-speed manual gearbox and also refinished it in factory-correct Racing Green paint.

This upgraded 280Z is now offered at no reserve with service receipts from 2018-2021 and a clean Oregon title in the seller’s name.

Highlights

• Driven 1,000 miles since 2018 overhaul and upgrades

• A previous owner installed an upgraded five-speed manual transmission and refinished the car in factory-correct Racing Green (240) paint

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

• Optional air conditioning

Factory Equipment

• Independent suspension

• Rack-and-pinion steering

• Front disc/rear drum brakes with power assist

• 160-mph speedometer and gauge cluster

• The chassis number (HLS30290340) decodes as:

  • H – Datsun/Nissan

  • L – Left-hand drive U.S. market

  • S30 – 280Z

  • 290340 – Sequential production number

Modifications

• Five-speed manual transmission installed prior to 2018

• Upgrades in 2018 included:

  • Custom chrome grille guard on front bumper

  • Dynalite alloy wheels

  • Remote lock/unlock

  • Black vinyl upholstery with custom zebra-patterned seat inserts

  • New black carpeting and rear deck mat

  • Kenwood KDC-X303 AM/FM/CD stereo with Bluetooth, MP3, WMA, USB, and AUX with remote control

  • Light green ceramic shift knob

  • Cobra head door lock knobs

  • Leather wrap added to steering wheel

Servicing

• 2025:

  • New electronic control unit (ECU)

  • New starter

  • New battery

  • New shifter bushings

  • New saddle bushings

  • Alignment

• 2021:

  • Mastercraft Straus A/S 215/60R15 tires

• 2018:

  • Ignition switch

  • Fuel pump and regulator relay

  • Voltage regulator

  • Alternator

  • Water pump and hoses

  • Hood cable

  • Mustache bar bushings (upper and lower)

  • Master cylinder and flex brake lines

  • Crankshaft pulley

  • Rebuilt brake booster

  • New door weather stripping

Documentation

• Service receipts from 2018-2021 (see "Additional documents" section below)

Known Imperfections

• Lock on rear hatch is inoperable; hatch does not open

• Some paint chips noted by the seller

• Hood badge and passenger side mirror are included, but not attached

• Missing rear Datsun 280Z badge on hatch

• Driver’s door panel trim is torn, and one spot is patched with duct tape

• Center console storage lid is cracked

• Shift boot is torn

• Clock is inoperable

• Alarm drains the battery, so it has been disconnected

• Scuffs and scratches on wheels

• Passenger front wheel center cap missing

• Rear interior trim is detached in hatch area behind seats

• Some rust on undercarriage (one spot covered with duct tape, shown in photos)

• Worn exterior weather stripping on rear hatch

Ownership History

The seller of this 1976 Datsun 280Z purchased it in January 2018, and says it “rumbles and drives with the heart of a V8. This sweet little car has real get-up and go, and it handles beautifully around town and on the highway.”

Included Items

• Service receipts from 2018-2021 (see "Additional documents" section below)

• Hood badge and passenger side mirror

• Remote lock fob with keys