1975 Datsun 280Z

This is a private sale from a vendor who is involved in the classic car industry. That means they know a good example when they see one, and this 280Z certainly appears to be exactly that.

He has owned the car since 2019, when he himself purchased it at auction in Germany. Since then, it has undergone a touch of fettling to get it running exactly as it should. “It came from a collection out of the Middle East,” he explains. “I imported the car into the Netherlands where it has been in an underground garage ever since. The car had work done at this time but didn’t need a lot – gas tank cleaned, new filters, fuel lines, oil, etc. All in all, it cost circa €1500 with another €1000 for transport and import costs.”

Originally a US car (the larger bumpers are the giveaway), it comes with an automatic gearbox that suits the 280Z’s relaxed GT nature to a T. “The car is in very good condition, and I have a Dutch valuation report carried out at the time of import, which is very positive.”

Presented in White with a Black interior, it’s a clean looking example of Datsun’s last Z car (modern variants released under the Nissan umbrella, notwithstanding).

In the modern day any variant of Datsun’s fabulous Z car recipe remains an iconic thing, and this is no exception. “I’m moving back to the US and unfortunately can’t take the car with me; it’s a shame, as I would have loved to keep it for cruising around the Netherlands and Europe.”

Parked up, you can be guaranteed that this 280Z is a car that you can’t fail to glance back at as you walk away. From the fastback shape to the quad light rear end and the Lamborghini Muira-esque rear screen slats (tres 60s and 70s), it is a visual treat.

Yes, it has the larger US bumpers, but generally they aren’t too obtrusive; in fact, the next owner could always whip them off if they so wished and investigate replacing them Euro-spec items if they wished for cleaner aesthetics.

Panel fit looks to be exceedingly sharp and the paintwork too is generally mark free, save from a couple of minor bits of discolouration on the front nearside wing. The sills, wheel arches and gutters all present very well indeed. There is a touch of paint chipping on the very lower front edges of both sills – no doubt from the car being jacked up.

White paint shows up a multitude of sins and the good news is that you will struggle to find many here; those that we could spot include a tiny chip on the lower edge of the front offside wheel arch, a couple of marks on the leading edge of the bonnet and the tiniest of tiny spots inside the fuel filler flap.

Some of the badges have faded and the bumpers have a touch of tarnish and very light surface corrosion here and there. The alloy wheels too, could do with refurbishment to bring them back to their best. Bumper rubbers look good, retaining a deep level to their black colour and that indicates that the car has likely been garaged during its life (especially if it originally resided in a sunny state).

Tyres are new looking, matching Yokohama A-Drive 195/70 R14 items; as ever though, best check those date stamps before driving.

Very smart.

The cabin too backs up the car’s low mileage, as it remains in very good condition. The seats have no splits, tares, or discoloration (save for a small area on the rear of the driver’s) and the dashboard plastics again retain an excellent depth of colour. A hardwearing rubber mat is fitted in the driver foot-well, and the black carpets remain first-rate too.

That’s backed up in the rear; popping the boot sees a well-trimmed luggage space. The worst that can be said is that there’s a bit of debris in here, so it could do with a vacuum. The boot struts work and keep the tailgate firmly raised once lifted.

Back inside and that black colour provides the perfect contrast to the exterior colour. The door cards are smart, and the original AM/FM radio is still in situ.

It is a cabin that has survived in admirable fettle.

“It drives well. Has a great sound and is nicely low to the ground. It accelerates fine and as an automatic, it is super smooth in the gear changes and handling,” says the Vendor. “It hasn’t moved much since Covid, so will need a check-up and probably a new battery.”

He also says that the underside presents in an equally good fashion as both the body and engine bay. If you pop that long, shapely bonnet then you will find that is a good thing because it is very clean and tidy; there’re no signs of leaks, and the six-cylinder engine itself is very smart. It will be worth the next owner having some of the hoses checked over, as their respective surfaces look a little discoloured.

Overall, as elsewhere, it’s a nice clean survivor.

The 280Z’s history file is of the semi-slim variety, but there is evidence in there of recent expenditure. You will find an invoice dated 17th of September 2019 (for €2,416.03) from Autohandel van der Velden for transport of the vehicle and various works carried out by Movie Cars. You will also find several documents relating to the car’s purchase (from RM Auctions, Deutchland), registration in The Netherlands, and taxation decision in that same country.

You will also find the original S30-D Nissan/Datsun Guarantee and Service Booklet, as issued by Nissan Motor Co., Ltd, which is a nice thing to have.

Please visit the documents section of the gallery of this listing where you will find photos of the paperwork to support our claim that this car has been looked after to a very good standard.

This is a very clean, low-mileage example of Datsun’s last Z car hurrah. It comes endowed with an automatic gearbox, which is perfect for long smooth cruises and in-town shenanigans. The vendor had the car checked and fettled back in 2019 when he bought it to ensure that it starts first time, runs very nicely and is reliable.

We think that, given all the above, this fine 280Z will realise somewhere between €10,000 and €20,000. There is quite a range in the estimated price, which means at the lower end the next owner will be driving off with a bit of a bargain. If it goes for a price closer to the top end, then again, they will no doubt be satisfied with a fine example from the true advent of Japanese motoring, the 1970s.

Ready to hit the nearest highway for a bit of hot Z-car action? It would be rude not to.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located 20-mins south of Amsterdam. To arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.