1976 Datsun 280Z

Most of the world knew it as the Nissan, but the United States knew it as the Datsun. By the late 1960's, this Japanese-based company had transformed its image to one of an all-around quality car-maker. This commitment to quality was partly due to Yutaka Katayama's demands that Nissan design and build cars able to keep up and compete with European and American cars, while at the same time delivering excellent engineering, economical operations, and world-class performance for the 'Fairlady' sport car. Thus, the birth of the Z-car family.

The third generation of the Z-car family, the 280 models, were fitted with Bosch fuel injection, 2+2 body style configuration and improved suspension and handling.

The 1976 Datsun 280Z was very similar to the prior year's model, which had been introduced during the 1975 model year. Body styles continued to include the 2+2 and the hatchback coupe. Power was from an overhead-cam six-cylinder unit displacing 168 cubic inches and offering nearly 150 (170 gross) horsepower and 163 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 RPM. It had a cast-iron block and aluminum head, seven main bearings, solid valve lifters, and Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection. A four-speed manual gearbox was standard, along with power front disc brakes and rear drums. Steering was by a rack and pinion system. MacPherson struts with coil springs and anti-sway bar were at the front while the rear received Chapman struts with lower wishbones and coil springs. The steel unibody chassis had a 90.7-inch wheelbase, a length of 173.2 inches, and was 64.2-inches wide.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2016