- 1981 MY Datsun
- Fender flares
- Original interior
- New paint job reported
- Prepared for air conditioning
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.
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.
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.
Japanese classics have taken the automotive world by storm and for good reason as well. Browse through the interwebs and you are greeted by a host of Japanese classics that look the part, have performance to match their looks and even have massive aftermarket support for one to build the way they like and as much as they like. Present today is a rarity, a blank canvas that can be left the way it is or built to your liking and takes shape with this 1981 Datsun 280ZX. With a reported 155,036 miles on the clock, this Japanese classic is a low mileage beauty that is in its original form and looking for its new custodian.
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.
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.
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.
Terms of Service
Be Kind and Courteous
We're here to create a platform to better the automotive industry through communication and transparency. Please treat everyone with respect. Healthy debates are natural, but kindness is required.
No Hate Speech
Make sure everyone feels safe. Hate speech of any kind is strictly prohibited. Degrading comments about things like race, religion, culture, sexual orientation, etc. will not be tolerated.
No Promotions or Spam
Give more than you take. Self-promotion, spam, or links of any kind are not allowed.
