Widely celebrated as the very vehicle to put Japanese sports cars on the map, the Nissan Fairlady Z (sold in other markets as a Datsun) was first released in 1969 after being completed by lead designer Yoshihiko Matsuo and his team. With an effort to compete with European models, the Z was uniquely styled, with some even comparing it to the Jaguar E-Type, one of the most beautiful cars ever made. As a result, the Z series quickly one a positive response from the press and buyers for its beautiful design, reliability, and competitive price, and the car eventually went to become one of the most successful sports car lines to ever be produced. The 280Z as featured here was released for the North American market in 1975. Today, the Z line serves as a time capsule for anyone wanting to experience some of the finest Japanese automotive sports cars of the twentieth century. This fine example is currently up for sale in Massachusetts with no more than 46,000 miles on the road.

Exterior and Interior

When Nissan thought about the design for the Z, they designed it to influence the international market. Nissan wanted to stray away from what the world thought JDM was, and create something that would be globally recognized as beautiful. The Datsun Z strayed away from the then very Japanese boxy style and instead was smoothed and streamlined. It was obvious that the design of this car was inspired by some Italian and British models, but Nissan was able to pull it off for a fraction of the price. This 1977 Datsun 280Z, for a 45-year-old car, looks more than impressive. The car retains its silver paint job in superb condition and even has its black offset racing stripes running down the center and side profiles of the car. Being U.S regulated import, you will see the impact-absorbing bumpers with rubber extensions on this model, but that takes away nothing from its uniqueness. As for the interior, the current seller reports that its black leather interior is reported to be all original, and by the look of it, seems to be in decent nick.

Engine

Once, again, to keep in line with U.S safety regulations, this 1977 Datsun 280Z received a larger, 2.8L L28E engine that featured a cast-iron block, a wedge-shaped combustion chamber, an aluminum head with overhead camshaft along a fully balanced 7-bearing crankshaft. The engine put out 170hp to the rear wheels via a manual transmission, enabling a top speed of around 127mph.