The legendary series of Nissan and Datsun Z-cars began way back in 1969, and continues to this day with the latest Nissan Z that is just hitting markets as we speak. Along the way, the S130 series carried the torch between 1978 and 1983, and is popularly known as the Datsun 280ZX or Nissan Fairlady Z. This sports car and grand tourer has firmly gained cult classic status, as this 1981 Datsun 280ZX Turbo GL is testament to. If you’re looking for a classic Japanese Eighties sports car from Nissan’s Z lineup, this is a great example to purchase, drive, and cherish.

Exterior and Interior

Just look at that design. It’s the Eighties unadulterated, as this 1981 Datsun 280ZX Turbo GL prominently proclaims in a Thunder Black paintwork, with fender flares adding pizzazz. The paint job is reportedly new, and all light lenses are nice and clear. Badging appears to be present and correct as well, adding to authenticity, as do the period-correct gold alloy wheels with Z-badged center caps. The faired-in headlamps add further drama, as the fairings appear to show a mild tint as well. Step aboard into the reportedly original Saddle leather interior with seating for four, and it’s like taking a time machine back to 1981. You’ve got a decent number of modern conveniences including climate control with automatic temperature control, and this car is said to have air conditioning, so you can install it and enjoy chilled air in warmer climes. Just look at that beautiful Eighties sound system that almost looks like a piece of home hi-fi equipment. It offers AM/FM radio and a cassette tape player, with knobs for volume, balance, fader, bass, and treble, seek-scan tuning, presets, and a tape counter. There’s also power windows, and cruise control. The center stack of gauges includes a boost gauge too! Gaze upwards and you can see twin sunroofs, much like a T-top.

Engine

This 1981 Datsun 280ZX Turbo GL comes with the largest and most powerful engine in the range, the 2.8L fuel-injected L28 in-line six cylinder, with a turbocharger, driving the rear wheels via a three-speed automatic gearbox. The power output was rated at 180hp and 203lb-ft when new. This was the fastest Japanese import available in the USA in 1981, with the automatic variant recording a 7.4 second sprint to sixty from rest. The top speed is 130mph, but this car carries the mandatory 85mph speedometer, so you’d be winding it around the dial should you dare – and risking your license too, unless it’s on a track.