3 Reasons The Cheapest Datsun Z Is The One To Have - Datsun 280Z Hot Rod
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- Опубликовано: 13 июл 2022
- The Datsun 240Z is now a true classic but is really expensive, the 260z and 380Z are much less loved with the bigger bumpers and as a result much better value. Today I look at a fabulous 280z with some tasteful mods and discuss why this is the best Z to buy right now.
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I am so glad I still have my 1972 240Z. Bought it when I lived in California, shipped it to Germany when I moved there, shipped it back to the United States when I moved back, and have enjoyed it now for nearly 30 years. Many of those years it’s been my daily driver. Now it gets to hibernate during the winter. Can’t wait for Spring!
I bought a 1970 240 when i lived in California for 1200$ - shipped it to the UK when i moved back in 2020 , mine will be hibernating also for the winter months
Check out : Invincible Extreme Muscle Cars. He created a 4 or 5 lug Mustang Gt hubs/brakes. Can use any type of coilovers,, SRT4 for example. 2015+ Ford Mustang Super 8.8 Limited slip diff, with 34 spline, 300mm stub axles.
I got my 240 many years back when they were cheaper. Decided one day to take it all apart and rebuild it. It’s a series one that already had the 2.8 motor and 5 speed gearbox. Been modifying it ever since! Those purists only came out when the cars began to gain value. Back in the day, most Z owners loved to modify them to go faster, stop better and handle better also. I love my triple carbed, 4 wheel disc, lowered etc. version much more than stock, but that’s just me. The 280Z is a very nice way to get into the Z car hobby. I would love to get my hands on one.😎
I had a '76 280Z and remember it fondly. It was virtually bulletproof - a fun, comfortable, flawless highway cruiser with lots of storage space, and had close to 200k on it when I said goodbye. Wonderful cars.
Hardest working guy on RUclips right now you're really putting out alot of content 👏 As for the car Z cars have always been a solid reliable classic car to own need a solid rust free body offcource.
Thanks for watching chap!
You are quite right, you just can't beat the feel of a great natural rack.
i bought a old ,rusty, bright yellow '75 rangerover V8 for my 40th birthday, my wife took one look at it said, [minus the anglo saxon] why!!. i started it up, with its stainless steel performance exhaust burbling, + give it a gentle rev. "that's why". she shook her head, + went in to make tea... huh, wimmen...
PS, 20yrs later, still got it... [yeah, the wife as well, bugger....]
Had a 74' 260Z I bought new at $5,800. US. Twin side draft carbs that hot soaked like crazy until Datsun recalled it and wrapped all the fuel lines with silver asbestos tape. Worked! Installed an Ansa exhaust, SS distributor and other bits to give it more go. Front and rear spoilers and magnesium wheels with Michelin X radials. Loved that thing and with the Ansa, sounded like an an Austin Healy MK 3000! Lovely motor and sound!
Fantastic! I've just restored a Zed and the sound is just incredible! Makes me so happy that there are others out there who are so appreciative!
Great video Jack - amazing car - just been looking at the 1975 UK Motor Show Guide and the 260Z is £3600 while the Stag is a tad over £4000 - everything you say makes sense.
As a kid I wanted one.Many years later when I could afford one a bought Nissan GTR R35.Still love them.
Zstory - I'm glad you enjoyed my full exhaust system ! :-) Lovely vid, not the normal bimbling along and BS history invariably incorrect - keep up the good work :-) 1x detail tho - the 280Z made 140bhp DIN. Well done to Sam for a great job, keeping a keen eye of his project plan....such a nice guy too.
Hi Sean, I wondered if that was one of yours 🕺 mine is 2 weeks late into paint shop, so I’m waiting to hear from painter, every time I hear a Zstory exhaust makes me itch to get mine on. I’ll let you know when it’s on.
Which full system did he put on ?
Loving the interviews with the car owners, really nice touch.
Right on!!
I had a 74 260z with a 2.8 on hitachi carbs.. and a straight through Jan speed exhaust.. it would hold 130mph on the M4 - in the days before I gave a shit. Great howling.
I've had my 77 280Z for 18 years now, and I've never driven a 240 or 260 for comparison. I'm glad I bought before prices on S30s went nuts. Definitely a car I never intend to sell, just pass on to one of my kids someday provided it doesn't get wrecked.
The original paint "patina" look is incredible!!!!!
Great video Jack. This is a super cool car!! Sam did great in keeping it as original as possible!!
What an awesome sound. That long bonnet and driving position, is fantastic.
Great video!!!!! We just started a new build series on my channel and we bought what we believe is the cheapest 240z off facebook to build. We also bought a 280z to use motor and trans out of and what ever else we can make fit that we need. Maybe we will have the best of both worlds!! Seeing and hearing you drive that 280 made me super stoked!!!!
Great video! Really enjoy the channel Jack, perfect mix of quirky and interesting cars and not the usuals. Funnily enough, I have a silver Californian 76 280z on its way to me on a container ship right now, should be with me in a month! Thanks for reinforcing the confirmation bias :)
I saw this at caffeine and machine recently and loved it! The patina is what drew me to it 👌
I really liked this vlog, had me day dreaming back to when they were new.
Love it. Sounds fabulous. You have some really interesting friends, Jack
This is why I love old sports cars. Catch 4th gear in this car and you are just having fun. Do it in a new 911 and your speed will be so high you will most likely wind up in jail or deep into a hedge. Another great vid!
What a beauty. Love the styling of this, and the wheels are just perfect.
It also sounds epic. I’m sold 👌
Lovely little things the Fair Lady. Can't say I can get past the patina being an asset but it's not my car is it? Again Jack thanks for your show & tell, always so much to learn and enjoy.
You need to fix the typos in the video description too Jack :) ..besides that: I wholeheartedly agree. For modifications the 280 is the right car. ..and this one sounds like it's done tastefully. I can't afford one, but a video like this certainly makes me wish i could. The sound alone..
Omg
I’m in love and want one that looks just like that
The patina gives it the perfect look for me and the sound is unreal
Never really paid attention to these but I’m off to look at prices
Check out Zstory exhausts too
Good luck on your search. Definitely go with a 280z unless you can score a 240z for a good price. Just watch out for rust in the battery tray, hatch area & dog legs. Other than that, simple & really fun cars.
I loved my 260Z when I lived in Denver. Great little mountain cruiser.
Hello Jack, I always loved the 280Z. Many years ago a friend of mine who lived in Los Angeles owned a 240Z that had some improved suspension and the Dual Weber Carbs setup. We got to use it whenever we visited and I really got to love that car. Curvy local roads were a real pleasure. Another friend in Canada put a V/8 engine in his and it was a real mover. I did enjoy the Dual Weber car better for the handing etc. Thanks for the video.
Cant wait to drive ours. The sound of those cars make is great!!!!!
dual webers? that's an odd approach, might as well do it properly with triples, better mixture distribution.
Great video Jack, a mate at college back in the day had one of those (also a left-hooker) on replica Minilites with a half cage and was great fun! IIRC his was on triple Webers but sounded epic 😎
Super fun car. Nice video. Keep up the good work.
Absolutely stunning car! Always wanted a 240z but wouldn't complain at a 280z!
Thank you for this great video in such an amazing car. And the sound... Wow
A friend of mine had one of these (260Z) whilst I was rattling around in TRs' and MGs', they are incredibly good sports cars.
They are great looking and sounding cars!!!
Jack. I think a tour of Japan would be amazing and I am sure Japan would love you too.
I’d love to go!!
i’m so so glad i bought my 280z last year ❤️
Given there are literally no or maybe only a few privately imported 280z in Aus, the only choice is a 240 or 260z and given that 260s in Aus were mostly only the 2+2 alas for most owning such a car these days is but a dream. The 240 is so expensive given their desirability. Anyway, regardless of that I must admit I am left wondering if the less than average bodywork on this car really can be called patina or more likely simply neglect. Personally, if it were mine I would strip it back and have it repainted, basically I am not into this kind of look, but probably that’s just me.
I think "patina" is Latin for "dead paint"
That's a timeless classic that still looks good today a z was one of my dream cars when I was a boy to be fair still is
Nice car, video and content, I really look forward to your content, it's so varied, you should have way more subscribers, an Audi coupe road test would be great. Great work again Jack.
That’s very kind, thanks Andrew!!
Now here's a car owner who wants to be different and a reminder that fun in a car is often about how you feel it as an extension of yourself when you drive it, even at low speeds.
Love the sound!
Another great vid, keep em coming! Lovin your content and style of presenting…. 👍👍
Wow, I absolutely LOVE this! Perfect.
Thanks Jack, I'm another who likes these cars but missed the boat. Always great to hear a straight six tho! 🙏
Description typos, unless you've got a Part 2 of even rarer Datsuns coming up?!
Will check.. thanks chap!
I had one 30 yrs ago. Still my favorite, beating my MG and MR2. Thanks Jack!
Bret
These are classics!!! The body lines of these cars are awesome!!!!
bought my 1970 240 for 1200$ in 2008 in California and shipped it back to the UK in 2020 - it will hibernate for alot of the winter , its on triple webbers and headers and i removed the bumpers and a few other cosmetic tweaks - of course i kept all take off parts - dont ever plan on selling it , hopefully one of my young boys will appreciate it one day
My dad had a 1984 280zx it was AWESOME!
My 77 280Z was a blast. Fast and maneuverable. Unstable over 145 mph. Needed to add front spoiler and rear wing.
Really informative- thanks
Owned a 78 280Z many years ago and truly loved it. Also had after that a 82 280ZX and overall was disappointed with the ZX. The 280 was an automatic and the ZX was a 5speed but the ZX was just so weak engine wise that i just sold it. That magic i felt in the 280 wasnt there in the ZX. Anyway.. Great video.
love the car. A true driver's car. Slow car fast. Keep up the good work.
Another great video, BTW looks like you nicked Harry Metcalfe's test routes. LOL
You HAVE to revisit this PLEASE!! Once the engine is rebuilt, it'll be exceptional.....
Agreed, though I feel like the early 260z is the one right this second (of course that’s the one I own :p) you can acquire one for about the same as a 280 but they still have mostly the same body as a 240 minus the taillights and it’s lighter than the 280 and doesn’t have the same obnoxious bumpers. Take off the egr crap and put older carbs on and it’s perfect! The rarest of the bunch. I feel like it’s the one right this second. Nice video btw, us Datsun cats can’t get enough 😬
I own that 260... And it's an Arizona second owner in AZ. Round Tops and a 280zx 5 speed. Looking to sell. 2 fusions and she shows she needs a head gasket. Numbers matching 2/74
Heck yeah man!! Hoping our 240z build turns out great!!
You’re not wrong Jack. Basically the body shell is as per a 240Z and much more attractive than the + 2 versions of both the 260Z & 280Z, they are cheaper to buy and lend themselves to resto-moding. I’m involved again with a business called Wheels Of Old Limited and we recently sold an ex California 2 seater 280Z and are expecting another in the near future. I believe the forthcoming one is without engine and gearbox so should make an affordable blank canvas for somebody. Great patina and engine note on your friend’s example though Jack👍
I nearly bought that 280z! And the red 240z at Wheels of Old :) Will is a lovely chap, wish there were more car dealers like him. Only my own lack of funds prevented me, to clarify.
if you are after a pure analog driving experience a straight piped 240 260 or 280z is the way to go . I have a 240z with a header and straight pipe and it sounds so good I have a smile on my face every time I take it out for a drive.
Finally someone that can pronounce patina correctly 👏
Sounds like it needs a big bore Janspeed exhaust with individual headers. My 240 also had a 'flowed and ported' cylinder head and high lift camshaft, with Bilstein shocks for handling and race pads for stopping. I still remember it's number VNK 281M.
Donut Media did a great video about Fairlady Z, a fascinating story of it's inception. A car designed by a department tasked with designing Nissan's next family car who had to trick the higher ups into letting them build the car that ultimately saved the company.
‘75 280Z here. Fantastic car.
Oh man love old zeds...my biggest car regret was selling my 240z 32 yrs ago....sold it for pittance, worth so much nowadays...proper sports cars...
Absolutely love the 280Z and the 240z. Maybe one day…
That looks gorgeous
Datsun Z are fabulous sports cars. Here in Canada, the dreaded tin worm made short work of them. So most that we see these days have been imported from the southern US.
I've owned 240,260 and 280Z variants, and although it undoubtedly gained weight , it's still the same car. Don't know whether it was just the car, but my 280Z was a lot heavier in the steering at low speeds. I did like the extra weight in the doors, they closed with a solid thunk! whereas the 240Z was slam rattle! I would have liked to try the stock injection in the 280Z, because mine came with triple Mikuni 44PHH, which I was unimpressed with; my 240Z with triple 40DHLA Dellortos was a much nicer drive on the road, bags of torque (it had a 280 engine in it); much better than the stock SU type carbs.
I love my 280z. Tastefully modded is probably one of the few cars that gains value from not being original.
Excelent stuff! Thank you
Love the 240Z that inline 6 is silky smooth. My first Datsun was a red 77 280Z back in 1980 it had white interior and factory a/c it was the car to have.
Sadly, like many cars, I can remember when these were cheap as chips. If only I could go back in time.
All 3 versions of the Z were awesome. Sit in one, drive one, feel it and see just how cool they were in their time. Disk brakes all around and they stopped fast and straight.
All 3 had drums out back, discs up front only
hyashi racing wheels. I've had mine for 40 years and this the second pair I have seen. WoW !!
Loooooove the 2 seat 240-280z. 😍😍😍😍
I've had the first five generation of z-cars and you're right the 280z is the best it has AC the fuel injection works great it's just got a couple extra pounds which isn't going to matter the dash lights up nicer the gauges are more clearly cut out and printed was available with five speed just got to get rid of those ugly turn signals in the grill and put on 240 bumpers
I had a 1982 t-top 280Z with red interior. Fantastic car.
ZX!
Totally love those cars !
I like the 240z 260z and 280z it's the 280zx and the early 300zx I think are bloated looking.
The 260z in europe have 160hp and on the states have 140.in europe maximum speed. Is 205k .and have One 2602+2 thah sales in europe .and the first skiline the datsun240 GT .This model is .a Sedan!🙂
Z cars are awesome, aside from the early 350s. I still have my Z32 convertible and it puts a smile on my face every time I get behind the wheel. Thanks for sharing 👍
What's wrong with early 350s? Aside from the common third gear grind
@@sagekh6298 that as well as the tire wear issue and oil consumption. In general most all new cars have some teething issues the first year or 2.
@@autoavids Tire wear is normal on any car especially a Z. As far as I was aware it's only the 05-06 rev-ups that are oil thirsty, although I've never owned a 350z so I could be wrong.
@@sagekh6298 if I remember correctly the tire wear was excessive on the 03 and early 04s to where Nissan has a service bulletin about it. As far as the oil consumption the VQ35 in general has this issue however it is pretty substantial in some cases with early 350Z's.
The issue with the 350Z was that they had excessive tire wear on the inside edge. No matter how you set the camber, the front tires never wore evenly. Nissan came up eith a bean counter fix; give you 2 new front tires but in exchange you had to sign a form saying you had no further legal recourse. Nissan could have fix it correctly by re-engineering the front suspension geometry but cheap out.
I owned one of the first 350Zs, it had this issue. I have owned Datsuns/Nissans my entire life, starting with a 1971 pick-up. Nissan went from an Engineering excellence company to one that cuts costs, doesn't back their faulty products. I sold my 350Z because of this and have never bought a Nissan again.
have 78 280 with factory air, 5 speed, some surface rust, it spent a lot of time in the desert. Like to think
not cheap-instead less expensive
Nice, I’m restoring a 77 Fairlady Z at moment JDM model L20E motor, 5 speed and factory AC, altho dropping L28 in her and putting matching numbers L20mtp one side, vid’s like this gets me excited.
@@markblades4536 nice, was going to do the same, then decided i like 5 spd and car runs good. great car for modifications, good luck
Kudos to the owner for keeping the 'California' patina. Brilliant. If this car isn't too 'precious' to modify (like the more "highly prized" 240), all the more reason to love it. My nephew was probably the first person in New England to acquire one of these when they were first available. Even in stock trim, an absolute blast to drive!
I love a 280Z. I guess thats why I own 3. One is lowered with the 2.8, one is stock, and one is caged ready for a different engine, I have not decided on what yet, though. Thinking about getitng a 510 wagon as well.
They are 300lbs heavier, it's far better driving a 240Z with a few modifications. I've tried it all, 510 wagons are getting expensive.
@@415s30 I had 2 240zs as well.
What an awesome car! .... Nothing else to say really other than you're doing a superb job with the channel Jack 👍👍
Great car. Always reminds me of playing car top trumps.
Would like you to revisit this car once he has rebuilt the engine with the Jenney's on it.
Man now that you made a vid about this car it’s going to be harder for me to get now 😂😂
I’ve been looking at loads of 280Z’s lately and they’re awesome apart for how horribly the body rusts, love them though.
They all had rust right off the boat from Japan.////
I have a 1975 needs a lot of work still great cars.
I've had 3 of these. I loved them all. Now they are not affordable. I did buy a 1987 Mistubishi Starion though. Love the looks, however, not as fun as the Z.
They arent affordable for sure. We bought a cheap 240z to build for my wife with some parts from our 280z donor car. Maybe check it out!!
That’s a fabulous car👍🏻👍🏻
Great classic a Zee
Love it 😊
You should start ranking pre-90s cars you've driven. Z, 911, 914, 944, alfa, etc...
280 is a big improvement structurally also.
You haven't heard one yet. Put a set of triple Weber's or Mukunis on it with am upgraded cam. They will scream. I still have my 1975 280z with a turbo.
Glorious car.!
I'm interested in what muffler this car has. My '77 280Z doesn't sound anything like that. If anything, it is a nice, quiet Grand Tourer. In all fairness, my car is very stock, right down to the factory a/c and those WONDERFUL bumpers.
The car you are driving does have a short shifter. Stock is a much longer throw, throw very workable.
Good looking car ,puts the modern stuff to shame
I agree!!!
So, so cool!
I have a 280z but currently needs new every thing
260Z gets bad rep because of the emission systems and carbs they had but otherwise the 2-seater 260 is as close to a 240 as it gets. I have a modified early 260 that originally came with the slim bumpers and it is a phenomenal car.