1978 Datsun 280Z

5-Speed Manual Transmission | Re-Upholstered Interior | Replaced Radiator & Ignition Coils

Extended Warranty
LOT #

251043640

Classic Car

This vehicle is currently off the market.
Sign up to be notified when this vehicle or one similar is available.
More Cars for Sale >
OFF MARKET VEHICLE
All the information and photos on this listing are from when this vehicle was originally listed on ExoticCarTrader.com
Make:
Model:
VIN:
HLS30424060
Lot Number:
251043640
Odometer:
54,420
(Exempt / TMU)
Engine:
2.8L Naturally Aspirated I6
Drive Type:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
Transmission:
Manual/Standard
Exterior Color:
Silver
Interior Color:
Black
Vinyl Wrap:
Vehicle Location:
California
  • 1978 Datsun 280Z
  • 2.8L Naturally Aspirated I6
  • Bosch L-Jetronic Multi-Port Fuel Injection
  • 5-Speed Manual
  • RWD
  • Silver Metallic Exterior w/ Black Accents
  • Black Vinyl Interior
  • Re-Upholstered Interior
  • Replaced Radiator
  • Replaced Ignition Coils

Overview of 1978 Datsun 280Z For Sale by Owner

Nissan’s fine line-up of Z-cars is widely considered to be some of the best for pure, unadulterated driver thrills. Today’s Z is a fearsome turbocharged beast, but the classics from the Z series have their own charm and quirks. Take this 1978 Datsun 280Z as a prime example. During this period, the cars were being sold under the Datsun brand in the United States. Recognizing that we had strict emissions regulations at the time, Nissan somehow managed to make the 280Z as sporting as possible. Hence, its fuel-injected engine made 170 horsepower (gross), more than what most American V8s could muster! Today’s example hails from Florence, California, and has done only 54,420 miles. Furthermore, it’s got a reupholstered interior, as well as a replaced radiator and ignition coils.

Exterior and Interior

Many consider the shape of the early Z-cars to be breathtakingly beautiful. This 1978 Datsun 280Z is no less awe-inspiring, cloaked in an alluring shade of metallic silver. The car’s swoopy lines, squat tail, and black exterior accents all make for something that will turn heads. It’s also got alloy wheels, and just look at how jaunty the Datsun script on the badge is! The interior of this 1978 Datsun 280Z features black vinyl seating that’s reportedly been reupholstered. The car is a strict two-seat affair, with a surprisingly generous cargo area behind. A rear liftback grants easy access to this area. Amenities include air conditioning, a rear window defogger and an AM/FM push-button radio. But all those are mere fripperies, in contrast to the car’s suite of analog dials, sporty, deep-dish Z-badged steering wheel and wood-topped gear shifter. After all, the Z is all about driving.

Engine

This 1978 Datsun 280Z packs a 2.8-liter naturally aspirated in-line six cylinder unit under its stylish hood. Endowed with Bosch L-Jetronic multipoint fuel injection, the engine was officially rated at 170hp and 177lb-ft. Apart from an optional automatic transmission, buyers could select between 4-speed or 5-speed manual transmissions. This car comes with the latter, and of course, its rear-wheel drive. We’re told that the car has received a replaced radiator, as well as replaced ignition coils, for reliable running.

Walk-around Video of this Datsun 280Z

Passenger side photo of 1978 Datsun 280Z

1978 Datsun 280Z

Current Ask
SOLD

Nissan’s fine line-up of Z-cars is widely considered to be some of the best for pure, unadulterated driver thrills. Today’s Z is a fearsome turbocharged beast, but the classics from the Z series have their own charm and quirks. Take this 1978 Datsun 280Z as a prime example. During this period, the cars were being sold under the Datsun brand in the United States. Recognizing that we had strict emissions regulations at the time, Nissan somehow managed to make the 280Z as sporting as possible. Hence, its fuel-injected engine made 170 horsepower (gross), more than what most American V8s could muster! Today’s example hails from Florence, California, and has done only 54,420 miles. Furthermore, it’s got a reupholstered interior, as well as a replaced radiator and ignition coils.

view listing
Passenger side photo of 1977 Datsun 280Z

1977 Datsun 280Z Coupe

Current Ask
PENDING SALE
SOLD

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.

view listing
Passenger side photo of 1982 Datsun 280ZX

1982 Datsun 280ZX GL

Current Ask
$20,999

The 280ZX represented the evolution of Nissan’s legendary Z-car formula, blending the sporty character of the original 240Z with greater comfort, refinement, and everyday usability. This 1982 Datsun 280ZX GL Coupe shows 76,838 miles and is equipped with the desirable 5-speed manual transmission paired with Nissan’s proven 2.8-liter inline-six engine. Finished in a vibrant orange custom paint job over a beige interior, this coupe stands out from the crowd while retaining the timeless styling that has made the S130-generation Z a favorite among enthusiasts. Combining classic Japanese sports car appeal, rear-wheel-drive dynamics, and a manual gearbox, this 280ZX offers an engaging driving experience that continues to attract collectors and enthusiasts alike.

view listing
Passenger side photo of 1972 Datsun 240Z

1972 Datsun 240Z

Current Ask
$30,000

Introduced for the 1970 model year, the Datsun 240Z forever changed the sports car market by delivering European-inspired styling, engaging performance, and impressive reliability at a price that enthusiasts could actually afford. Widely regarded as one of the most important Japanese sports cars ever built, the 240Z helped establish Nissan’s reputation in North America and laid the foundation for generations of Z-cars to follow. This 1972 Datsun 240Z shows approximately 66,059 miles and presents in a timeless White over Red color combination. Enhanced with desirable upgrades including Konig Rewind wheels, 240Z side stripe graphics, an aftermarket front air dam, and a reupholstered interior, this classic Z retains its vintage character while offering tasteful enhancements that complement its iconic design and driving experience.

view listing
Passenger side photo of 1982 Datsun 280ZX

1982 Datsun 280ZX

Current Ask
SOLD

This 1982 Datsun 280ZX presents as a uniquely customized example of Nissan’s beloved long-nose grand tourer, wearing bright red paint paired with a fully reupholstered two-tone blue & black interior. As part of the final years of the first-generation ZX, this model blends classic 1980s Japanese sports-car styling with a comfortable GT character, and this particular car adds its own personality through aftermarket touches such as chrome wheels, updated audio, and vibrant cabin accents. With its naturally aspirated inline-six and rear-wheel-drive layout, it stays true to the original driving spirit that helped the Z-car lineage become iconic among enthusiasts.

view listing
Passenger side photo of 1967 Ford Mustang

1967 Ford Mustang Convertible

Current Ask
$47,500

The 1967 Ford Mustang Convertible represents one of the most recognizable eras of Ford’s legendary pony car lineup, combining classic styling with the added character of a big-block V8. This example has traveled approximately 48,756 miles and features a 390ci V8 paired with a 3-speed automatic transmission, offering a unique blend of vintage muscle and open-air cruising. Finished with a number of enthusiast upgrades including performance intake and exhaust systems, aftermarket wheels, upgraded seating, and a B&M Pro Stick shifter, this Mustang delivers classic appeal with a personalized driving experience.

view listing
Passenger side photo of 1968 Chevrolet Camaro

1968 Chevrolet Camaro RS

Current Ask
$65,000

The 1968 Chevrolet Camaro Rally Sport represents one of the most desirable years of the first-generation Camaro, combining iconic styling, aggressive proportions, and classic American muscle car performance. Showing 99,814 miles, this example features a big-block 454ci V8, 4-speed manual transmission, and rear-wheel drive, creating the engaging driving experience that has made Camaros legendary among enthusiasts. Finished in a bold Yellow exterior with Black Rally Stripes, this Camaro features Rally Sport appearance styling, SS badging, upgraded performance components, and a traditional muscle car interior. With its combination of first-generation Camaro heritage, big-block power, and classic manual-transmission configuration, this RS represents the timeless appeal of Chevrolet’s golden era of performance.

view listing
Passenger side photo of 1974 Plymouth Road Runner

1974 Plymouth Road Runner Pro Street Supercharged

Current Ask
$54,999

This 1974 Plymouth Road Runner Pro Street Supercharged is a purpose-built street-and-strip muscle car combining classic Mopar styling with serious drag racing hardware. Originally a 340ci V8, this Road Runner has been transformed with a professionally built and balanced big block powerplant featuring a Dyer’s Machine Blower Company supercharger system, dual Holley carburetors, and an estimated 800 horsepower output. Designed for high-performance driving, it pairs its supercharged engine with a reverse-pattern 727 TorqueFlite automatic transmission, Detroit Locker differential, 4-link rear suspension, and Mickey Thompson ET Street tires. Finished in a vibrant Lime Green exterior with a competition-inspired setup including a full roll cage, racing harnesses, and upgraded chassis components, this Pro Street build represents the classic era of American horsepower taken to an extreme level.

view listing
TOP