I owned a 1973 240Z and a 1979 280ZX in gold just like this one in the early 80s. Although my favorite was the 240Z the 280ZX was a great car and actually drove much nicer than the 240 although the cool factor was much higher for the 240. The 240s dual carbs could be problematic compared to the 280ZXs fuel injection.
@@fastdude2002 the 240/260/280Zs were true sports cars. They drove like sports cars. The 280ZX was more of a sport/luxury car. It was a lot heavier than the original Z cars, and had a much softer suspension. The original Z cars had simple, smooth, clean, uncluttered lines. The 280ZX was anything but. GM did pretty much the same thing with the Corvette after 1977. I have owned a 1976 Corvette for over 30 years. In '78 they totally destroyed the cars lines by putting that huge ugly bubbleback window on it. Then in 1980 they went full pimpmobile with it, hanging crap all over it, turning it into a rolling junkyard. This seems to be a common thing. Once a car manufacturer perfects something, they turn right around and destroy it, just because they feel they NEED to do something.
@@geraldscott4302 agreed, again I owned them both. Both of mine were in basically near perfect condition, the 240Z being my first car when I turned 16. I liked the 280ZX more than it sounds like you liked them. It drove much smoother than the 240 as it was more of a touring car. Growing up I loved corvettes but couldn’t get one for a first car so I talked my mom into the 240Z. The insurance was expensive for a teen male driver so I eventually sold it. The lady I sold it to totaled it in a curve going too fast a month later. The last corvette I like is the early 70s stingray when they still had the chrome bumpers. Once they got rid of the straight up and down back window they no longer looked good although for years by then they were no longer fast anyway. I’m still holding out for a 1970 Stingray with the big block.
I think you may need to educate a lot of people who clicked this video. The is called a manual transmission , a person has to put effort in driving it. It takes hand and foot controls to drive it and some rhythm. Car enthusiasts know this car and how fun it can be to drive a stick.
I never drove one, but I rode in a dozen of them during the 1970's. I got the impression that they were great cars. They sounded great and their owners loved them.
I like the interior, although some may not like the color. I remember this era and also the Nissan and Datsun trucks were similar to this, so this interior is very nostalgic in its pristine original condition.
The 280ZX was better than you describe. You are downplaying what a milestone car this really is. You may not recall just how impressive and popular this fine machine was and still is today. Prices are climbing fast in recent years. The Turbo, which was introduced for 81 was actually the fastest automatic transmission car available anywhere on the market at any price. It's Awesome..
This car is literally my childhood. I remember my aunt coming and picking me up in this car, I loved it so much. Hearing that straight 6 is music to my ears. Thank you.
The 280ZX was not a sibling of the 280Z, but the replacement. It fell between the 280Z and the all together different 300ZX. As such, it's kind of the awkward 'tweener. A new bigger and more luxurious chassis than the Z, but just an update of the earlier motor with more pollution control gizmos to strangle the performance. The 300ZX was an altogether new car and V6 engine.
I was in high school back in the late '70s with someone who had a 240Z. Back in the '80s you used to see 240s, 260s and 280s fairly regularly and I always thought that I would probably have one some day but, somehow, I never did. And now you just don't see them at all anymore. I did buy a used 370Z roadster (with 6 speed manual) a few years ago. It's currently sitting in my garage waiting for spring, and I do like driving it, but these early "Zs" just seem like a little more light-hearted fun and a little less serious. I sure enjoyed watching you drive it. Thanks for the ride-along!
"the daily driver sports car that you can take on a weekend trip and put your stuff in it" is pretty much the perfect description of a ZX. I love my '82 Turbo.
Nah… it’s pretty massive, bright yellow, accompanied by a sign and in a neighborhood. I’m sure most who drive around there know that there are bumps of speed in the area.
My father has a 1970 240Z and had one of these with the 5-speed manual and same color, but I believe his was the 10th anniversary addition. I got to drive it a fair amount and was a pretty cool car. He sold the 280ZX years ago, but still has his 240Z that's in amazing condition and still drives to this day. I think Tedward would love it as well.
The seats actually have lumbar and base angle (the bottom part adjusts to different angles so your legs are lifted up to where you want them to be). The power steering is one thing you probably don't want. You can make the ZX sporty with no power steering and upgrade the suspension, but it's so comfortable to drive as is. I have 3 of these and the 79 was my daily driver for about 10 years. Has to be the most comfortable car I've driver daily.
My dad had a 280 ZX when I was about 8. This car is a great comfy cruiser. When I was 21, a sports car that could rip arpund corners was the BEST! I am now 30 years older and ripping around makes my back sore. Yay for getting older! /s A good touring cruiser makes me happy.
There's just something about cars like these that modern cars don't give you. No touchscreens, no maps, not even the radio on. Just you, the car and the road. And lots of beige.
I had a 1982 280ZX Turbo Same color interior as your but in leather with T Tops in a deep chocolate brown exterior with Special style Turbo rims and was an automatic. It was a wonderful car, loved it! I also at the same time had a 1973 240 Z in perfect condition black interior bright red exterior, had to give them up because of baby on the way. Landed up with the first Nissan Van imported to U S in 1987. Miss all three of those cars. But got a amazing Daughter!
My dad had an old Datsun. Body rusted away but it just wouldnt die. Japanese autos up into the early 90s had bullet proof drive trains, were simple, and just plain fun to drive (not to mention cheap). I miss them.
@@TedwardDrives np man, there isn't a lot of nice people left in the world, doesn't hurt to compliment someone else's hard work, especially when it helps my head sometimes
"This might not be the best looking car in the world" WHAT? I think it looks pretty slick, better than most late 70s crap boxes. Sure, the 280Z was prettier, as was the Fairlady Z, but this is still pretty cool.
Cannot explain it but I feel like the interior is like a 70s digital Seiko Cool intro! Nice to see you've kept the same logo all these years, looks great animated
My Dad used to have a 1982 280ZX Turbo with the three speed automatic. I loved that car. I wished it was a manual even though I was only 17 years old at the time. Thanks for bringing back the memories!
My first car was an 81 1/2. Had a 5 speed, was painted red, with t-tops. What a great car that was. And trust me, 16 yo me, got in plenty of trouble with speed in that thing. I've got some stories lol
Fell in love with the Z after riding in a friend's 240Z in high school (early 80s). Bought a 2011 370Z in 2018 and after tasteful modifications, it's perfectly to my liking. What I would fear especially driving an older nice Z like this one (or even mine), is deer. I could see one of those beasts running out in front of this car on those country roads.
Oh man my uncle had one of these. I think it was the same exact model, the same year, hell the color is the same too. I loved being in it. He was a bit of a lead foot and that straight six sounded so heavenly.
It’s too bad there isn’t anywhere you can legally this car fast, because I drove one at 120 mph and it was totally stable and not demanding. My favorite Datsun/Nissan’s are the 240/260/280Z’s. I’ve owned a 1972 240Z and two 1977 280Z’s, and they were absolutely incredible cars to own and drive, and they were much faster than you’d think. What was most impressive was the build quality, the amount of standard equipment compared to other cars of the era, and the typical Japanese reliability. As long as you kept it from rusting you were fine.
We've had a handful of z/zxs in the family. We did have a manual 280zx much like this one. I still remember a comment my dad made years back regarding this car "it handles like a big wet cigar". Hahaha! Still, it was a cool car.
My mom had a 1980 280zx with the t-tops! It used to chime like a doorbell when the door was opened and talk to her "the door is open" "I need servicing" etc. I used to sit in the back (2+2) and I was so little, I couldn't see out the window, lol. The engine was more high toned than that one and it was an automatic.
The 280ZX has been one of my favorite cars ever since I ever learned of the Devil Z (which is a 280ZX irl). I've always loved the styling and retro-futuristic styling of it. I hope I can own one in the future. I love this review!
Always called that color, “old man tan”. I had a 280ZX that I raced in the SCCA improved touring ITS class. Actually did pretty well, but outclassed by the 3 series BMW.
My Mum and Dad had a 1984 280ZX 2+2 from new. Bought it from John Leach Widnes Car Centre for £10,000 in 1984 which is the equivalent of £31,000 now (adjusted for inflation). I think they got money off because the 300ZX had just been released. I went to pick up the car with them. I was 3 years old at the time. It was a lovely car. The UK version had slighty more power than the US. 10 or so more bhp. The colour was Daz Blue (if I remember correctly). It was basically white with a barely noticeable blue tint. Had a blue velour interior and 3 speed automatic. They chose this car over a gold ZX with cream velour. Even as a 3 year old, I remember that I didn't like the gold ZX. Felt special. Sounded lovely but wasn't remotely fast by today's standards. 0-60 in around 11 seconds with a top speed of maybe 120 mph if you had enough road. Although it was really my Mum's car, my Dad got it up to an indicated 117 mph on the M57 Motorway in England. Suppose it was reasonably quick for the time. A fair bit slower than my Dad's Bluebird Turbo ZX though. They swapped the 280ZX 4.5 years later for a new Z31 300ZX.
Growing up a neighborhood mom had one. She would leave it in 1st from her driveway to the next stop sign every morning when she went to work. I would be woken up by that if we had our house windows open in the spring and fall. Whiiiiiiiiiign! We're talking 6 houses away.
I had a 79 280ZX 5 speed with the T-Tops years ago. Bought it used and besides the rust eating it slowly away, one of the most reliable cars I ever had. Could do a 300 mile trip no problem with the cruise set at 70 and the AC on not missing a beat. Great motor and drivetrain, bad rust protection.
I bought a used one back in 1984 I was 20 years old and believe me everyone loved the looks of these in those days. I had the same year 1979 and I don't remember having issues with vapor lock or anything. Mine was bullet proof and it definitely encouraged me to behave badly.😄
Blast from the past. My older sister had one. I rode in the trunk a couple of times on the way to go swimming. When I got a little older, my drug dealer indeed had one. I love the way this car looks Japanese. I wish Japanese cars still did. And I wish cars still had the character. The new ones are fast, but just don't have the magic. Maybe Mazda and one or two others do. I love that old winding road.
I had an '82 ZX. Bought it used in 1985. T-tops, 5 speed. Dark brown metallic paint exterior with the same brown interior. I enjoyed the car. So much so I wrecked it twice & sold it.
Back when Z still has inline rather the VQs, I feel like they should be easier to maintain. I used to want a 300ZX, 350 or 370Z until I saw people talking about the pain in their butt when it comes to maintenance… So I do some more research on older Z. But the other things about these old Zs is that they tend to rust. So in the end my dream of owning a Z is kinda doomed…
Being a kid from the 80s I can smell the interior of this car through the video. 😂. Man those a-pillars are friggin skinny! Great visibility but would not want to roll over.
Can’t you just smell that sweet cherry 🍒 smell of the interior??? I can too!! There’s a reason for that, the factory put Japanese cherry wood shavings down in the valley of the injectors(to aid in cooling them down along with the injector fan). The scent of these would then be pulled into the interior. It’s a fact many people don’t know!!
i had an 81 200 sx my friend had the 280 zx both were real nice and it made lots of runs in the 80s around the waltham res also crusin Moody st in 82.. thanks for the memory of that run
I have a 1978 Datsun 280z with original engine/transmission. 46 years and still drives like a dream even in highway speeds. My Z taught me to work on cars as its engine bay like this 280zx has so much space. You can literally find that 10mm socket you drop! Btw, those 5sp tranny from the 79-83’ are popular swaps for the earlier S30 Z’s.
Happy to see another Datsun on the channel, definitely not my favorite Z. If you ever find yourself in the LA area again I have a a slightly modified 1978 Datsun 280z that I'd be willing to lend the keys to you to film.
Just found your channel and realized you drive everywhere I’ve lived. Noticing the mendon roads, I live in Woburn, and work near Waltham. Awesome to see that you’re so local and I’ll keep an eye out when I’m driving!
I was pretty young, not even 10yo yet, but I still remember that multi-year rebranding effort by Nissan / Datsun. I later mused that it was said, in some high-level Nissan executive meeting "We need to take it slowly. If we screw this up, no one will ever buy another vehicle from us because they won't know our name!" BTW, at the age of 3/4/5, this was easily my first favorite car. Which is surprising, considering all the Ford Monarchs and slant-backed GM A-bodies competing against it for that honor
Honestly you couldn't have picked a better season and weather to shoot this unit. The paintjob is GOR GEOUS. Interior screams Japan, suits the car color nicely. I don't think it's ugly in any way, maybe it's just the color choice that makes this 280ZX such a stunner in my eyes, but I will say it - if I were to put my hands on this one, I couldn't care less if it's a 240Z, 280Z or 280ZX, it just looks too good.
I bought a new one in 79 after owning 2 C3's. It was a wonderful car. The pull through 3rd gear was the sweet spot. I opted for non power steering as that was the only way to get rack and pinion.
I owned one for 7 years really liked that car it was my first true japanese sports car. I later sold and bought a 240sx with a sr20det engine and it was a ton of fun.
![Felix "Unfair" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Oswujxm2Ag0/mqdefault.jpg)
WAS THAT AN ANIMATED TRANSITION??? WHOA
I thought you said animated transmission. I was like 😳👀
Tedward is evolving
True 🍷🗿
@@victorsandoval4792same
Dude what are you talking about? This car is gorgeous!
I'm assuming you haven't seen the 240/260/280Z WITHOUT the X??
@@geraldscott4302 I have, that doesn't mean this car is ugly though
I owned a 1973 240Z and a 1979 280ZX in gold just like this one in the early 80s. Although my favorite was the 240Z the 280ZX was a great car and actually drove much nicer than the 240 although the cool factor was much higher for the 240. The 240s dual carbs could be problematic compared to the 280ZXs fuel injection.
@@fastdude2002 the 240/260/280Zs were true sports cars. They drove like sports cars. The 280ZX was more of a sport/luxury car. It was a lot heavier than the original Z cars, and had a much softer suspension. The original Z cars had simple, smooth, clean, uncluttered lines. The 280ZX was anything but. GM did pretty much the same thing with the Corvette after 1977. I have owned a 1976 Corvette for over 30 years. In '78 they totally destroyed the cars lines by putting that huge ugly bubbleback window on it. Then in 1980 they went full pimpmobile with it, hanging crap all over it, turning it into a rolling junkyard. This seems to be a common thing. Once a car manufacturer perfects something, they turn right around and destroy it, just because they feel they NEED to do something.
@@geraldscott4302 agreed, again I owned them both. Both of mine were in basically near perfect condition, the 240Z being my first car when I turned 16. I liked the 280ZX more than it sounds like you liked them. It drove much smoother than the 240 as it was more of a touring car. Growing up I loved corvettes but couldn’t get one for a first car so I talked my mom into the 240Z. The insurance was expensive for a teen male driver so I eventually sold it. The lady I sold it to totaled it in a curve going too fast a month later. The last corvette I like is the early 70s stingray when they still had the chrome bumpers. Once they got rid of the straight up and down back window they no longer looked good although for years by then they were no longer fast anyway. I’m still holding out for a 1970 Stingray with the big block.
I think you may need to educate a lot of people who clicked this video. The is called a manual transmission , a person has to put effort in driving it. It takes hand and foot controls to drive it and some rhythm. Car enthusiasts know this car and how fun it can be to drive a stick.
I never drove one, but I rode in a dozen of them during the 1970's. I got the impression that they were great cars. They sounded great and their owners loved them.
It’s 100 percent better looking than the garbage out today. I miss my 240
I agree. The modern cars are not nearly as fun as my 71 240z and 83 280zx turbo.
Had a 79. My all time favorite car.
It did everything well except avoiding rust.
Are you kidding me? That is a beautiful car… way better than anything coming out of Detroit during that period.
The interior of this car looks so much more modern than anything coming out of the US at the time. What a great looking car.
I like the interior, although some may not like the color. I remember this era and also the Nissan and Datsun trucks were similar to this, so this interior is very nostalgic in its pristine original condition.
I had a 79 and an 82, best cars I’ve ever owned. Never broke down and fun to drive.
The 280ZX was better than you describe. You are downplaying what a milestone car this really is. You may not recall just how impressive and popular this fine machine was and still is today. Prices are climbing fast in recent years. The Turbo, which was introduced for 81 was actually the fastest automatic transmission car available anywhere on the market at any price. It's Awesome..
I can’t recall 1979. My parents hadn’t met yet.
Its good, but to heavy if you come from a 240Z. The turbo maid up though
This car is literally my childhood. I remember my aunt coming and picking me up in this car, I loved it so much. Hearing that straight 6 is music to my ears. Thank you.
The 280ZX was not a sibling of the 280Z, but the replacement. It fell between the 280Z and the all together different 300ZX. As such, it's kind of the awkward 'tweener. A new bigger and more luxurious chassis than the Z, but just an update of the earlier motor with more pollution control gizmos to strangle the performance. The 300ZX was an altogether new car and V6 engine.
Came here looking for this comment.
I was in high school back in the late '70s with someone who had a 240Z. Back in the '80s you used to see 240s, 260s and 280s fairly regularly and I always thought that I would probably have one some day but, somehow, I never did. And now you just don't see them at all anymore. I did buy a used 370Z roadster (with 6 speed manual) a few years ago. It's currently sitting in my garage waiting for spring, and I do like driving it, but these early "Zs" just seem like a little more light-hearted fun and a little less serious. I sure enjoyed watching you drive it. Thanks for the ride-along!
"the daily driver sports car that you can take on a weekend trip and put your stuff in it" is pretty much the perfect description of a ZX. I love my '82 Turbo.
That speedbump in the middle of nowhere is going to kill someone
Nah… it’s pretty massive, bright yellow, accompanied by a sign and in a neighborhood. I’m sure most who drive around there know that there are bumps of speed in the area.
Speed bumps don’t kill people, driving too fast does.
that's for the Touge guys lol must've had accidents.
@@jrksoldierx1436 Japanese mountain racing lol people prob was trying to replicate it
My father has a 1970 240Z and had one of these with the 5-speed manual and same color, but I believe his was the 10th anniversary addition. I got to drive it a fair amount and was a pretty cool car. He sold the 280ZX years ago, but still has his 240Z that's in amazing condition and still drives to this day. I think Tedward would love it as well.
The anniversary one was 1980
Rare car
The seats actually have lumbar and base angle (the bottom part adjusts to different angles so your legs are lifted up to where you want them to be). The power steering is one thing you probably don't want. You can make the ZX sporty with no power steering and upgrade the suspension, but it's so comfortable to drive as is.
I have 3 of these and the 79 was my daily driver for about 10 years. Has to be the most comfortable car I've driver daily.
This was my first car. Great handling, no power and the freezer plugs bust knuckles to replace. I loved that car
wow. this is probably my favorite car of all time.
Literally one of the most beautiful cars ever made
Loving that new intro graphic!
im loving the nc!
I owned this car in 1980. It was a landmark car. Excellent build quality, ride and for the time very good acceleration.
My dad had a 280 ZX when I was about 8. This car is a great comfy cruiser.
When I was 21, a sports car that could rip arpund corners was the BEST! I am now 30 years older and ripping around makes my back sore. Yay for getting older! /s A good touring cruiser makes me happy.
literally considered buying this car yesterday and this comes out, great video holy shit
same here, have you bought it finally??
@@kurga26 got sold unfortunately, bidding on throttle house’s ae86 tho 🤞
Inline sixes sound so beautiful. It's in my top three along with n/a V8s and the flat 6.
There's just something about cars like these that modern cars don't give you. No touchscreens, no maps, not even the radio on. Just you, the car and the road. And lots of beige.
I had a 1982 280ZX Turbo Same color interior as your but in leather with T Tops in a deep chocolate brown exterior with Special style Turbo rims and was an automatic.
It was a wonderful car, loved it! I also at the same time had a 1973 240 Z in perfect condition black interior bright red exterior, had to give them up because of baby on the way.
Landed up with the first Nissan Van imported to U S in 1987. Miss all three of those cars. But got a amazing Daughter!
Amazing condition. Normally I only see 280Z in need of restoration. Someone loved this one.❤
My dad had an old Datsun. Body rusted away but it just wouldnt die. Japanese autos up into the early 90s had bullet proof drive trains, were simple, and just plain fun to drive (not to mention cheap). I miss them.
My Uncle had that car in black and it was awesome!!
280zx is a must have on a lot of 45 year old plus, bucket list!!
My grandfather had a 2+2 in metallic brown. When he couldn't drive anymore, my dad started driving it. Such a fun car.
I miss my ‘81 280zx… just a fun drive!! That straight six is sooooo smooth!!!
i was so stressed out doing alot of school work and other things, watching you literally is an escape to my problems, keep it up man!
That’s the nicest comment ever. Thank you
@@TedwardDrives np man, there isn't a lot of nice people left in the world, doesn't hurt to compliment someone else's hard work, especially when it helps my head sometimes
"This might not be the best looking car in the world" WHAT? I think it looks pretty slick, better than most late 70s crap boxes. Sure, the 280Z was prettier, as was the Fairlady Z, but this is still pretty cool.
Cannot explain it but I feel like the interior is like a 70s digital Seiko
Cool intro! Nice to see you've kept the same logo all these years, looks great animated
This is one of my favorite cars of all time. I wanted one so bad in high school.
I STILL want one ngl, but it's just so unrealistic for me right now.
Me toooo!!!!
OH wow. I had a 1982 280zx 2+2 (white w/red) 5MT. I miss the chimes and lady's voice for low fuel, door ajar, etc. Nice car & the T-tops were great.
My Dad used to have a 1982 280ZX Turbo with the three speed automatic. I loved that car. I wished it was a manual even though I was only 17 years old at the time. Thanks for bringing back the memories!
Nice car! Back in the day I had a 1980 280ZX that was black with red interior. I liked all before the 300 ZX came out.
Such a beautiful car!!!
I have this exact car, but my car is an 83". It is exactly the same though. I love it and think it's a great looking car.
So glad you did this. This is one of my favorite cars
My first car was an 81 1/2. Had a 5 speed, was painted red, with t-tops. What a great car that was.
And trust me, 16 yo me, got in plenty of trouble with speed in that thing. I've got some stories lol
Fell in love with the Z after riding in a friend's 240Z in high school (early 80s). Bought a 2011 370Z in 2018 and after tasteful modifications, it's perfectly to my liking. What I would fear especially driving an older nice Z like this one (or even mine), is deer. I could see one of those beasts running out in front of this car on those country roads.
Had a 85 300zx turbo, fun car, could manipulate the waste gate for an extra 20hp for free! (had a nice gearbox as well)
Can’t wait for warm weather! I’ve been patiently waiting for more Porsche content 🙂. I love your 3.2 carerra it is inspiring my own Porsche build.
The 1984 300zx turbo anniversary is a timeless gorgeous car!
I had two of them . First in 1991, then 2012
Love the animated intro!! Keep it up :) Also at 9:08 I guess that light is for reading a map both for the passenger and driver.
You’re exactly right!!! It was referred to as a map light.
I’ve had 4 Datsun 280zx’s in the span of 5 years and I can’t stop collecting them driving them is so addicting
Commenting solely for the Nagatoro pfp. Based taste in both cars and waifus, fellow person of culture.
I very clearly remember my first time driving a 280 with an inline 6. It was torquey and so silky smooth for it's time.
Oh man my uncle had one of these. I think it was the same exact model, the same year, hell the color is the same too. I loved being in it. He was a bit of a lead foot and that straight six sounded so heavenly.
It’s too bad there isn’t anywhere you can legally this car fast, because I drove one at 120 mph and it was totally stable and not demanding. My favorite Datsun/Nissan’s are the 240/260/280Z’s. I’ve owned a 1972 240Z and two 1977 280Z’s, and they were absolutely incredible cars to own and drive, and they were much faster than you’d think. What was most impressive was the build quality, the amount of standard equipment compared to other cars of the era, and the typical Japanese reliability. As long as you kept it from rusting you were fine.
Very stable at triple digit speeds
Got myself an ‘81 turbo zx that I’m currently restoring and I absolutely love it, as someone who fell in love with the 240 as a kid.
Love the sound of these L series engines, also that car is very mint for its age.
We've had a handful of z/zxs in the family.
We did have a manual 280zx much like this one.
I still remember a comment my dad made years back regarding this car "it handles like a big wet cigar".
Hahaha!
Still, it was a cool car.
❤I had that car.Loved my car
i loved the 280zx, had a 1981.
My first car. Same year, same colors.
My mom had a 1980 280zx with the t-tops! It used to chime like a doorbell when the door was opened and talk to her "the door is open" "I need servicing" etc. I used to sit in the back (2+2) and I was so little, I couldn't see out the window, lol. The engine was more high toned than that one and it was an automatic.
That new intro graphic is perfect!!! Keep these videos coming, always a good day when our boy Tedward uploads.
The 280ZX has been one of my favorite cars ever since I ever learned of the Devil Z (which is a 280ZX irl). I've always loved the styling and retro-futuristic styling of it. I hope I can own one in the future. I love this review!
1979 was the first year for the ZX. These were nice cars. That car has a 3.70 rear axle and is still screaming in overdrive at 70 mph @ 3000rpm
Always called that color, “old man tan”. I had a 280ZX that I raced in the SCCA improved touring ITS class. Actually did pretty well, but outclassed by the 3 series BMW.
As a kid back in the days I used to say “one day I’ll have a car like this”. Well, I never did. And after watching this video, I kind of regret it now
My Mum and Dad had a 1984 280ZX 2+2 from new. Bought it from John Leach Widnes Car Centre for £10,000 in 1984 which is the equivalent of £31,000 now (adjusted for inflation). I think they got money off because the 300ZX had just been released. I went to pick up the car with them. I was 3 years old at the time.
It was a lovely car. The UK version had slighty more power than the US. 10 or so more bhp. The colour was Daz Blue (if I remember correctly). It was basically white with a barely noticeable blue tint. Had a blue velour interior and 3 speed automatic. They chose this car over a gold ZX with cream velour. Even as a 3 year old, I remember that I didn't like the gold ZX.
Felt special. Sounded lovely but wasn't remotely fast by today's standards. 0-60 in around 11 seconds with a top speed of maybe 120 mph if you had enough road. Although it was really my Mum's car, my Dad got it up to an indicated 117 mph on the M57 Motorway in England. Suppose it was reasonably quick for the time. A fair bit slower than my Dad's Bluebird Turbo ZX though.
They swapped the 280ZX 4.5 years later for a new Z31 300ZX.
Growing up a neighborhood mom had one. She would leave it in 1st from her driveway to the next stop sign every morning when she went to work. I would be woken up by that if we had our house windows open in the spring and fall. Whiiiiiiiiiign! We're talking 6 houses away.
What a beautiful machine 💓
I had a 79 280ZX 5 speed with the T-Tops years ago. Bought it used and besides the rust eating it slowly away, one of the most reliable cars I ever had. Could do a 300 mile trip no problem with the cruise set at 70 and the AC on not missing a beat. Great motor and drivetrain, bad rust protection.
I bought a used one back in 1984 I was 20 years old and believe me everyone loved the looks of these in those days. I had the same year 1979 and I don't remember having issues with vapor lock or anything. Mine was bullet proof and it definitely encouraged me to behave badly.😄
In line 6’s last forever.
As a Tedward clone e39 M5 owner and also a '83 280zx owner, my life has come full circle with this vid.
Blast from the past. My older sister had one. I rode in the trunk a couple of times on the way to go swimming. When I got a little older, my drug dealer indeed had one. I love the way this car looks Japanese. I wish Japanese cars still did. And I wish cars still had the character. The new ones are fast, but just don't have the magic. Maybe Mazda and one or two others do. I love that old winding road.
I had an '82 ZX. Bought it used in 1985. T-tops, 5 speed. Dark brown metallic paint exterior with the same brown interior. I enjoyed the car. So much so I wrecked it twice & sold it.
Had an 81 with T-tops in that color.
Such a nice car.
For some reason, this car reminds me of “Boogie Nights.” I like the car. It sounds good, too.
This thing is beautiful… love it…
Back when Z still has inline rather the VQs, I feel like they should be easier to maintain. I used to want a 300ZX, 350 or 370Z until I saw people talking about the pain in their butt when it comes to maintenance… So I do some more research on older Z. But the other things about these old Zs is that they tend to rust. So in the end my dream of owning a Z is kinda doomed…
Being a kid from the 80s I can smell the interior of this car through the video. 😂. Man those a-pillars are friggin skinny! Great visibility but would not want to roll over.
Can’t you just smell that sweet cherry 🍒 smell of the interior??? I can too!! There’s a reason for that, the factory put Japanese cherry wood shavings down in the valley of the injectors(to aid in cooling them down along with the injector fan). The scent of these would then be pulled into the interior. It’s a fact many people don’t know!!
I think it's a good looking car, despite your repeated opinions to the contrary. :-)
81 Turbo T Top with snowflake rims, best car I ever owned
I had to repo a ZX, and take it to leasing company. Fun drive; about 30 miles.
I always love that body style
That interior look and color is oh so Japanese seventies... awesome!
i had an 81 200 sx my friend had the 280 zx both were real nice and it made lots of runs in the 80s around the waltham res also crusin Moody st in 82.. thanks for the memory of that run
I have a 1978 Datsun 280z with original engine/transmission. 46 years and still drives like a dream even in highway speeds. My Z taught me to work on cars as its engine bay like this 280zx has so much space. You can literally find that 10mm socket you drop! Btw, those 5sp tranny from the 79-83’ are popular swaps for the earlier S30 Z’s.
My dad bought a 280zx brand new off the showroom floor back in the day and got two speeding tickets in one day haha. I wish he would've kept it
this makes me miss my old z31, had an 86' and even though it was a turd and pain in the ass it was so fun to just cruise backroads with
Happy to see another Datsun on the channel, definitely not my favorite Z. If you ever find yourself in the LA area again I have a a slightly modified 1978 Datsun 280z that I'd be willing to lend the keys to you to film.
@5:00... That dual fuel gauge was also in the Hardbody truck, but only the SE-V6 (which I've had since 1987).
Just found your channel and realized you drive everywhere I’ve lived. Noticing the mendon roads, I live in Woburn, and work near Waltham. Awesome to see that you’re so local and I’ll keep an eye out when I’m driving!
What a great video. I love the audio and sound of that inline 6 when you rev it.
Fantastic car! Now will be nice to review Nissan 300ZX Z31 full equipment with digital dashboard from 80s)
I owned one of these in the 2+2 style. I used to eat RX7s and BMWs for lunch.
I was pretty young, not even 10yo yet, but I still remember that multi-year rebranding effort by Nissan / Datsun.
I later mused that it was said, in some high-level Nissan executive meeting "We need to take it slowly. If we screw this up, no one will ever buy another vehicle from us because they won't know our name!"
BTW, at the age of 3/4/5, this was easily my first favorite car. Which is surprising, considering all the Ford Monarchs and slant-backed GM A-bodies competing against it for that honor
Honestly you couldn't have picked a better season and weather to shoot this unit. The paintjob is GOR GEOUS. Interior screams Japan, suits the car color nicely. I don't think it's ugly in any way, maybe it's just the color choice that makes this 280ZX such a stunner in my eyes, but I will say it - if I were to put my hands on this one, I couldn't care less if it's a 240Z, 280Z or 280ZX, it just looks too good.
I Had a black 1980 2 yrs ago from a woman in Orlando. It was fun. There like vintage guitars.
I bought a new one in 79 after owning 2 C3's. It was a wonderful car. The pull through 3rd gear was the sweet spot. I opted for non power steering as that was the only way to get rack and pinion.
I owned one for 7 years really liked that car it was my first true japanese sports car. I later sold and bought a 240sx with a sr20det engine and it was a ton of fun.
Can’t lie this is so clean I would love to have a classic like this just for weekend driving
Thank you for testing this! I don't think the 280ZX cars have gotten any love.