Is a 1975 Datsun 280Z a desirable Z car? Is it much different (other than the motor size) than a 240Z. Any comments from any Z owners would be much appreciated. Is there anything to be wary of with a ' 75 280Z.

Thanks,
Dan

 

I dunno about 1975 240z but the 1970 240z are. I dont think they made the 240 in 75, however personally I would love to have the first gen. z car. They are lighter and more unique looking than the rest. Nissan is using the (if not the same) type gauges in the newer cars, (well you know what I mean their round). Which makes it feel more sporty, then agian it depends on your taste. No one should tell you what is or isnt desirable. Unless your going be selling these cars. Most that any z owner of the first and second gen cars are most worried about is the rust on these cars. Most of us battle rust in our cars, but even then we find a way to stop it. If you got any more questions just post them.

zero comes into play as I run through your streets

 

It's all a matter of opinion, in my opinion all Z cars are desireable, just some more than others

Alan, Australia

 

I agree with you and thank-you for taking the time to answer.

Dan

 

I have to agree with Alan as well. Its one of those things that, if you truly fall in love with the breed, you ever really find one that you say "I can't stand that car", you may find some you think, wellllllll I wouldn't have done that, but...I guess for the right person it might be pretty cool. That is except for these people that go out and simply buy a 240, 260, or 280 to simply chop up in pieces and buy a "conversion kit" to make it look like a whole 'nuther car, but hey, its their choice. I was looking at another forum yesterday, and there was one guy slamming this other guy about turning a 280zx into a "show car", but for that one, there were probably 10 more that showed up to defend his freedom of choice, and to give him encouragement. My love for these little creatures started my Senior year in high school ('91) with my 80 280 zx 2+2 sold it in like '92. I've had an RX-7, Geo Storm (almost not even worth mentioning), and an Eclipse, but now I've got this little '82 280 zx and there is no comparison.

Have fun and enjoy yourself.

Jamie Shelly
kd5izq@msn.com
ICQ - 159705433

 

I believe a '75 280Z is a beautiful thing. Look at my profile and my Z under rides and you will see my '75 280Z. Luv it! The bumpers were shortened of course and I think it helps.

Point is, don't listen to what others say or think. If you like it then it IS desirable, no matter what it is.

 

Its all up to you,don't let disuade you from buying the car YOU want, it's your money, and you have to live with it if it is a piece of crap. (but your safe if it is a Z cause you will love it)

Alan, Australia

 

If you in a position to buy a Z. I suggest buying a 240z simply because I like the rear lights as they stick out a bit and the early 240z's don't have holes in the C pillars just a simple 240z badge and if you remove it you have a very smooth looking Z.
I also think the Dash in the 240z looks better than the later z's.
There's lots of minor things about a 240z that I think make it better than the later first gen Z's. Ie: 260z and 280z.
I've owned a 260z and a 240z which i still have and I wouldn't wanna give up the 240z for anything.
Gav,
PS: I'll run for cover now lol...........


Gavin,
Melbourne
Australia
73' Datsun 240z

 

I have personnally owned 13 different Z cars.( I have 3 now). If I was to go for sure performace and not worry about noise comfirt or ammenities, the 240 is the choice hands down. But If you want performance power and some conviences like more seat comfort less noise go for the 280 ( I dont recommend 260,s personal taste ) If you want more comfort less performance go for the ZX.
I have a 78Z for racing applications and an 81ZX for driving applications my 3rd Z is a 79ZX i am using to part out and modify my 2 other Z,s.

Gotta get my Z's

 

Uhh yeah! I love my Z. From school kids in Nebraska jumping
up and pointing my way, to the howl of her engine and to the
view of Porsche 944's dissappearing in my rear view mirror.
Yup, I love my Z. '83 and below are easy to maintain if you
don't mind grease under the fingernails. But if you don't turn a wrench on her you'll never really get to know her.

 

Amen

Alan, Australia

 

Preach it brother!

Jamie Shelly
kd5izq@msn.com
ICQ - 159705433
IZCC Number is #12402

 

That's some emotional [censored] bro.

Gavin,
Melbourne
Australia
73' Datsun 240z

 

I think it brought a tear to every Zed drivers eye...

Alan, Australia

 

The 240Z is lighter than the 280z by about 300 lbs. Most of the weight difference is in additional body structure in the 280. The 240Z is carburated while the 280Z is fuel injected. The 240Z has pretty little (worthless) bumpers and the 280Z has big (ugly) crash bumpers. Both cars have their pro's & cons. I picked the 280Z because I wanted to modify it and felt guilty about doing it to a 240Z which is becoming a collectors item. I ran my 280 from 101,000 mile to 203,000 on an untouched original motor until I had it pulled a month ago to install a Chevy V-8. Z is most reliable, cheapest to keep, car I have owned.

 

As most every body mentioned it is a personal preference and if I were you and looking for a nice Z car to drive and have fun in I would find the best shape one in the color I liked and go for it.
I have a 1975 280Z and I love it. It has A/C, 4 speed and 199,668 miles on it. I recently drove it from Austin Texas to Nashville TN and got 24 MPG and it rode great all the way.
For my money the 280Z is better as a daily driver because the fuel injection makes starting easy and fuel economy decent and restores most of the pep to the engine. Also the interior has been refined a bit more. The big bumpers are a bit of an eye sore and add quite a bit of weight, but the do the job and can help save the body in small fender benders.
But as I said, don't worry about what I others think, if you do that you will never be happy with your car. Pick one, stick with it and let others see you smile as you drive away. 240, 260 or 280, it doesn't matter, just have fun because any of them will give you that.

But as was mentioned before, if you are looking for a show car or one to sell later , then the early 240Z is the best choice. The 240Z started this whole craze and will always be worth more.

Scott

 

I love my 1976 280Z even if it is a 2+2. All of the first gen Z's are great cars, they basically look the same, have pretty much the same engine(yes I know there are big differences in horespower and heads, but the architecture is the same) and there dead reliable. And if there's some thing about a particular year of Z that you dislike you can probably swap it for something off another Z. Or replace with aftermarket stuff. For instance I think the crash bumpers on 280Z's are hideous, but some people either swap on 240Z bumpers, replace them with an airdam, or just leave them off. It's up to you. The parts on Z cars from 70 to 83 are really interchangeable so you can mix and match all day to get the combo you want. Have fun!

Joey
1976 280Z 2+2
2+2s are not ugly