1978 Datsun 280Z

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

Extended Warranty
LOT #

251043640

Classic Car

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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.

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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.

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Passenger side photo of 1978 Datsun 120Y

1978 Datsun 120Y Wagon

Current Ask
$124,999

The Datsun 120Y Wagon is a unique classic Japanese compact that has been transformed through a comprehensive preservation and performance-focused build. This example combines the practicality and distinctive styling of the 120Y wagon body with modernized performance upgrades, including a turbocharged 2.0L inline-four engine, 5-speed manual transmission, upgraded suspension, and heavy-duty drivetrain components. Finished in Ultrasonic Blue Mica with a reupholstered black interior, this wagon features a full custom build with documentation available and a host of custom improvements designed to enhance both drivability and presentation.

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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.

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Passenger side photo of 1972 Datsun 240Z

1972 Datsun 240Z

Current Ask
SOLD

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.

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Passenger side photo of 1980 Mercedes-Benz 450SL

1980 Mercedes-Benz 450SL

Current Ask
$21,950

The 1980 Mercedes-Benz 450 SL represents one of the most iconic eras of Mercedes-Benz roadster design, combining timeless styling, V8 performance, and traditional German engineering. As part of the R107 SL generation, the 450 SL was designed as a luxury grand touring roadster, offering open-air driving enjoyment with the refinement and durability expected from Mercedes-Benz. Showing approximately 120,140 miles, this example is finished in the elegant combination of Light Ivory over a Palomino MB-Tex interior and features desirable equipment including a removable hardtop, dark brown folding soft top, alloy wheels, automatic climate control, and period-correct Becker audio. With its classic proportions, V8 power, and extensive comfort features, this 450 SL embodies the enduring appeal of Mercedes-Benz’s legendary SL lineup.

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Passenger side photo of 1978 Datsun 120Y

1978 Datsun 120Y Wagon

Current Ask
$124,999

The Datsun 120Y Wagon is a unique classic Japanese compact that has been transformed through a comprehensive preservation and performance-focused build. This example combines the practicality and distinctive styling of the 120Y wagon body with modernized performance upgrades, including a turbocharged 2.0L inline-four engine, 5-speed manual transmission, upgraded suspension, and heavy-duty drivetrain components. Finished in Ultrasonic Blue Mica with a reupholstered black interior, this wagon features a full custom build with documentation available and a host of custom improvements designed to enhance both drivability and presentation.

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Passenger side photo of 1969 Chevrolet Camaro

1969 Chevrolet Camaro X11

Current Ask
$80,000

Few classic American muscle cars carry the kind of provenance and personal history found with this 1969 Chevrolet Camaro X11 “Z/28 Tribute.” Finished in iconic Hugger Orange with black striping, this documented one-owner Camaro has remained within the same family since new and is accompanied by its original bill of sale, protect-o-plate, title documentation, and dealership paperwork — the kind of provenance that significantly elevates collectability and long-term value in today’s classic car market. Showing approximately 68,353 miles, this Camaro was originally factory-built as an X11-equipped 350 automatic before being transformed over the years into a properly sorted 4-speed Z/28 tribute built around the owner’s lifelong passion for the car. According to the owner, the Camaro has been part of the family since his mother purchased it new for his father in 1969, later becoming the car he learned to drive in, attended high school with, and even used during award-winning car show appearances. Preserved in climate-controlled storage and meticulously cared for throughout its life, this Camaro represents far more than just a classic muscle car — it’s a deeply documented piece of American automotive history with an authenticity and ownership story that simply cannot be replicated.

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