1981 Datsun 280ZX Grand Luxury

Description

First released in 1969, the groundbreaking Datsun 240Z offered customers a combination of speed and reliability, instantly redefining what an affordable sports car could be. Raising the bar for British and Italian competition for years to come, by 1975 Nissan had released the Datsun 280Z for the North American market which would soon evolve into the completely redesigned 280ZX by 1978. Offered with more aerodynamic styling, a longer wheelbase to accommodate 2+2 seating, and a larger fuel tank, the 280ZX also featured a luxurious interior with leather seats and many power options. For those customers looking to add to even more desirable options, the Grand Luxury (GL) package was available with power windows, power door locks, power steering, power brakes, and a dual-needle fuel gauge that had a separate inner gauge for the last quarter of the tank for those drivers who wish to live dangerously. An important model in the Nissan/Datsun Z line, the ZX would help cement the legacy of the original 240Z by adding a level of comfort to help set the stage for subsequent Z models.

RADwood Ready

RADwood is a festival that focuses on the culture and vehicles of the 1980s and 1990s. RADwood, and the “RADwood Era” are now commonly used to reference this period of bodacious automotive history.

Hagerty took stewardship of RADwood in March of 2022 to build on the company’s purpose to save driving and car culture while expanding and supporting inspiring experiences for automotive enthusiasts.

Highlights

• Offered for sale from single-family ownership with 38,352 documented miles at the time of cataloging

• Finished in a quintessential 280ZX specification of Light Brown Metallic over a Tan leather interior

• In preparation for sale, the seller reports having removed and re-sealed the power steering rack, replacing the oil pan gasket, new exhaust manifold gaskets, and new rear sway bar link in addition to a fresh oil change

• Under previous long-term ownership, this vehicle is said to have received consistent servicing throughout the owner's periodic use and was completely repainted in 1994

• A wonderful factory correct example offered with an unmodified factory powertrain

• Recently fitted with a 50-state-legal catalytic converter to make it emissions-compliant, the seller reports this vehicle passed the rigorous State of Colorado emissions test

• Powered by a 2.8-liter fuel-injected L28E engine with a five-speed manual transmission

• Offered with a clean Carfax Vehicle History Report and recent service records

Features

• GL “Grand Luxury Model”

• Leather seats

• Power windows

• Power door locks

• Power steering

• Dual-Needle fuel gauge

• Air Conditioning

• Six-way adjustable seats with lumbar support

• Four-wheel independent suspension

• Tined T-Tops with storage bags and locks

• AM/FM Tape Deck Stereo

• Fourteen-inch Datsun Z aluminum wheels with Vredestein Sprint Classic tires

Known Flaws

• The seller notes the headliner is beginning to sag in the area between the T-Tops and the rear cargo area

• The power antenna does not function at the time of cataloging

• Some minor wear is noted on the center console armrest

Included

• Owners manual

• Two vehicle keys

• Maintenance records

Ownership History

Purchased by the original owner from Bobo Motors Datsun in Dallas, Texas on 26 May 1981, for $15,837.70. It would remain with its original owner, until 2020 when he would sell the vehicle to his Grandson. The original owner of the vehicle would relocate from Texas to Aspen, Colorado in 1984 and brought his 280ZX with him. Enjoying his vehicle only periodically, the vehicle was routinely serviced at an independent shop in Snowmass, Colorado, and was completely repainted in 1994. Offered with a clean Carfax History Report, this is an unrepeatable opportunity to become just the second registered owner of this vehicle.

Optional vehicle service contract available for $575. Learn more about the program here.