
Buyer Resources
- 1976 Datsun 280Z 2+2 Coupe
- 2.8L Naturally Aspirated L28 I6
- Bosch L-Jetronic Electronic Fuel Injection
- 5-Speed Manual
- RWD
- Green Leaf Metallic Exterior
- Black Vinyl Interior
- American Racing Alloy Wheels
- Front Disc Brakes & Rear Drum Brakes
- 2+2 Four-Passenger Configuration
- Front Bucket Seats
- Pioneer Audio Head Unit
The Datsun Z-car helped redefine the affordable sports car market in the 1970s, bringing Japanese engineering, European-inspired grand touring styling, and engaging six-cylinder performance to enthusiasts around the world. Following the success of the original 240Z, Nissan continued refining the S30 platform, introducing the 280Z in 1975 with increased engine displacement and electronic fuel injection to maintain performance amid increasingly stringent emissions regulations. This 1976 Datsun 280Z 2+2 Coupe, showing just 39,994 miles, is finished in distinctive Green Leaf Metallic over a Black vinyl interior, a classic color combination that complements the Z-car's elegant proportions. Described by the seller as a remarkably original example, this 280Z retains much of its factory configuration, with American Racing alloy wheels and a Pioneer stereo among its noted modifications. Its 2.8L inline-six engine is paired with a desirable five-speed manual transmission, offering the engaging driving experience that established the Z-car's reputation among enthusiasts. The extended-wheelbase 2+2 configuration provides additional rear seating without sacrificing the recognizable fastback silhouette, while the seller reports no evidence of rust or previous accident damage. Combining appealing originality, relatively low indicated mileage, and classic Japanese sports car character, this 280Z offers an attractive opportunity to experience an important chapter of Nissan's performance heritage.
Exterior and Interior
The exterior of this 1976 Datsun 280Z 2+2 Coupe is finished in Green Leaf Metallic, an attractive period color that highlights the S30 generation's flowing body lines, long hood, and distinctive fastback roofline. The 2+2 configuration features an extended wheelbase and longer passenger compartment compared with the two-seat 280Z, providing additional interior versatility while retaining the familiar styling cues that made the original Z-car so successful. Its bodywork incorporates recessed circular headlamps, a sculpted hood, chrome exterior accents, and the substantial impact bumpers characteristic of North American-market Z-cars during the mid-1970s. This example rides on American Racing alloy wheels, one of the limited modifications disclosed by the seller, adding a tasteful performance-inspired appearance to the otherwise largely original exterior. Additional features include a rear hatchback that provides convenient access to the cargo compartment and the recognizable Z-car rear lighting arrangement. According to the seller, the body shows no evidence of rust or previous accident damage, an especially desirable characteristic for a vehicle of this vintage. With its Green Leaf Metallic finish, classic fastback proportions, and largely original presentation, this 280Z retains the unmistakable character that has made the early Datsun Z-cars increasingly appreciated by collectors. The interior of this 1976 Datsun 280Z 2+2 Coupe is finished in Black vinyl, maintaining the straightforward and driver-oriented atmosphere that helped establish the Z-car as a practical yet engaging sports coupe. The front bucket seats provide individual seating for the driver and passenger, while the extended 2+2 body configuration accommodates an additional pair of rear seats, making this model more versatile than its two-seat counterpart. The dashboard features traditional analog instrumentation, with the primary speedometer and tachometer positioned directly ahead of the driver and auxiliary gauges mounted prominently near the center of the dashboard. The floor-mounted five-speed manual shifter reinforces the car's sporting character, providing direct driver involvement and additional highway cruising flexibility. This example is equipped with a Pioneer aftermarket stereo, one of the few modifications identified by the seller, adding modernized entertainment while leaving much of the original cabin configuration intact. The rear hatchback arrangement also provides convenient access to the luggage area, complementing the 2+2's grand touring intentions. With its classic Black vinyl upholstery, traditional analog gauges, and functional four-passenger layout, the cabin reflects the appealing combination of simplicity and practicality that defined Datsun's early sports cars.
Engine
Beneath the elongated hood of this 1976 Datsun 280Z 2+2 Coupe resides Nissan's celebrated 2.8L naturally aspirated L28 inline-six, an evolution of the legendary L-series engine family that helped establish the original Z-car's reputation for reliability, smooth power delivery, and engaging performance. Introduced for the North American market in 1975, the L28 increased displacement from the preceding 260Z's 2.6 liters and incorporated Bosch L-Jetronic electronic fuel injection, replacing the carbureted fuel delivery systems of earlier models. This advancement improved fuel metering and drivability while helping the Z-car meet increasingly stringent emissions requirements. The selling dealer describes the engine as producing approximately 170 horsepower, paired with a desirable five-speed manual transmission that sends power to the rear wheels. The gearbox provides direct mechanical engagement and an additional overdrive ratio for more relaxed highway cruising, complementing the engine's broad powerband and traditional straight-six character. The S30 chassis features independent suspension at all four corners, rack-and-pinion steering, front disc brakes, and rear drum brakes, contributing to the balanced handling and responsive driving dynamics that distinguished Datsun's sports cars from many contemporary competitors. With its fuel-injected inline-six, manual gearbox, and lightweight rear-wheel-drive architecture, this 280Z preserves the mechanical simplicity and driver involvement that continue to make the original Z-car generation so appealing to Japanese sports car enthusiasts.
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