43-Years-Owned 1978 Datsun 280Z 4-Speed

Description

The 1978 Datsun 280Z marked the final evolution of the first-generation Z-car, known internally as the S30 series. Introduced in 1975 and produced through ’78, the 280Z was Datsun’s response to increasingly strict U.S. emissions and safety regulations. It featured a 2.8-liter L28E inline-six engine, equipped with Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection, which improved drivability and emissions compliance.

The 280Z retained the sleek, long-hood/short-deck styling of its predecessors but gained U.S. mandated 5-mph impact bumpers. The car’s suspension was upgraded, and front disc brakes improved stopping power.

This ’78 280Z has been with its current owner since 1983. According to the seller, the Japanese-built sports car has been refinished in Wild Cherry Red, and it features replacement black vinyl upholstery with vinyl woven mesh inserts on its high-back bucket seats. It also has an air conditioning system, a working clock, replacement carpet in front, rear window louvers, 14” chrome aftermarket wheels, an aftermarket AM/FM/cassette head unit and rear Jensen speakers, and a dashboard cover.

This 1978 Datsun 280Z is now offered with a shop manual, tool kit, replacement carpet kit, a single seat upholstery kit, and a clean California title in the seller’s name.

Highlights

• 43 years under current ownership (since 1983)

• L28E 2.8L inline-six engine with Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection

• Four-speed manual transmission

• Refinished in Wild Cherry Red

• Replacement black vinyl upholstery with vinyl woven mesh seat inserts

Factory Equipment

• Bumpers with impact absorbing shock mounts (5‑mph)

• Single exhaust

• Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes

• High‑back bucket seats

• Air conditioning

• Full gauge cluster with tachometer

• Center console with storage

• The chassis number (HLS30456548) decodes as:

  • H – Datsun/Nissan export model for U.S. market

  • L – Left-hand drive

  • S30 – Two-seat Z model (280Z) with six-cylinder engine

  • 456548 – Sequential production number

Modifications

• Refinished in Wild Cherry Red in 2000

• Reupholstered seats in black vinyl with woven mesh seat inserts

• Aftermarket rear window louvers

• 14” chrome aftermarket wheels

• Aftermarket AM/FM/cassette head unit

Service & Documentation

• November 2023: Replaced exhaust manifold gasket, brake master cylinder, booster, and front brake rotors, pads, calipers, and hoses

• October 2020: Replaced door lock cylinder

• April 2019: Installed Michelin Defender tires

Known Imperfections

• Topcoat on the hood has scuff marks and spots

• Small dent in front chrome bumper and some mild discolor from road spray

• Dent in front hood at raised section about 18" above hood emblem

• Dent above driver's rear wheel near the bumper strip

• Flaw in paint on both sides of hatch door at the top

• Some bubbling inside bottom of hatch door

• One louvre lock is missing

• Light in engine compartment is inoperable

• Dashboard is cracked in several places and now wears a dash cover

• Sticker residue on face of dashboard under cover

• Cracks on the side of the center console near hand brake

• Rear view mirror is tarnished around the edges

• Steering wheel is bubbled and wears a steering wheel cover

• Shift boot is worn

• Interior door panel trim is flaking

• Right turn signal doesn't stay in the “on” position

• A/C is not charged and has no fan belt

• Aftermarket radio has static

• Dashboard and dome lights work intermittently

• Windshield sprayer is inoperable

• Crack in passenger rear interior panel

• Plastic seat belt holders have been removed

• Luggage tie-down straps have been removed

• Hatch button does not recess when locked

• Michelin Defender tires are 8 years old (2018 date codes)

Ownership History

The California seller of this 1978 Datsun 280Z purchased it in December 1983.

Included Items

• Carpeted floor mats

• Folder of maintenance receipts

• Clymer Datsun 240-280Z 1970-1978 Shop Manual

• Spare wheel with temporary tire, jack, and Nissan tool kit

• Replacement carpet kit

• Single matching seat upholstery kit and instructions

• Touchup paint

• Luggage tie-down straps and mounting hardware

Additional Information

This vehicle's current California registration is set to expire on May 24, 2026. Bidders are responsible for verifying registration compliance.

The seller states, “I have owned this 280Z since it was 5 years old — no accidents. It was repainted in 2000 in Nissan Wild Cherry Red, and the upholstery, rubber door gaskets, front carpet, and door locks have been replaced. I have the matching carpet kit for the back. Michelin Defender tires were installed in April 2019 and have less than 1,000 miles on them. The car recently had a total brake job done, including master and slave cylinders. It has always been garaged when not out for a drive."