The Datsun 280Z was introduced to the North American market in 1975 with a 2.8-liter engine fitted with a Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection system. The 280ZX followed in 1978 and would remain in production through 1983. It retained the L28 inline six-cylinder engine and other driveline components from the 280Z, but with a complete exterior redesign. In comparison to the car it replaced, the 280ZX was more luxurious and less sporty. It had a softer suspension, more comfortable seats, better sound insulation, better sound insulation, and a high-end audio system. The redesign brought improved aerodynamics over the first generation Z-cars with better integrated safety bumpers. Both two- and four-seat (2+2) bodystyles were offered.
Hatchback Coupe
View info and historyThe steering was initially an unassisted rack-and-pinion setup or a Datsun 810-derived recirculating ball with power assistance. The 1981 turbo received a new power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering system, becoming available on the naturally aspirated models the following year. The suspension was by MacPherson struts in the front with semi-trailing arm independents setup in the rear. The 1979 Datsun 280ZX was powered by an overhead-cam six-cylinder, Model L28, 168 cubic-inch engine with aluminum heads, solid valve lifters, seven main bearings, and a Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection system. It offered 135 horsepower and 144 lbs-ft of torque. There was a five-speed overdrive manual gearbox with a 3.55:1 final drive ratio, and four-wheel disc brakes. Standard equipment included air conditioning, remote hatch release, power mirrors, and an AM/M stereo radio. The Grand Luxury option package, which was standard on the 2+2 bodystyle, came with a central warning system.
Hatchback CoupeThe 2-door hatchback coupe sold for $9,900 and the 2+2 had a base price of $11,600. The 280ZX was Motor Trends Import Car of the Year for 1979.
by Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2020
Hatchback Coupe
View info and history
Hatchback Coupe
by Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2020
Related Reading : Datsun 280Z History
Introduced in 1975 as the successor of the 260Z, the Datsun 280Z was the final version of the 1st generation Z sports car. At the end of the 1978 model year, the 1st generation Z was discontinued and replaced by the 1979 280ZX. Unique to North America, the 280Z nameplate was sold as the Fairlady Z in Japan. Powered by the 170 HP OHC Inline 6 L28 engine, the L28 was an electronically fuel....
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Related Reading : Datsun Z-Car History
The 240Z was not a new idea. Sturdy engineering, excellent performance, low price, attractive styling, and average interior had been achieved by many manufacturers prior to the Z-car. The reason the 240Z car was so great was that it capitalized on all these criteria and perfected the concept of a low-cost, reliable, sports car. Mr. Yutaka Katayama is considered the Father of the Z Car and is responsible....
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Z SPECIAL EDITION ANNIVERSARY MODELS: A LOOK BACK
When the original Datsun Z debuted in 1969, it was a revelation for the automotive world. An affordable, reliable sports car with style and comfort that could be used for daily driving was unheard of at the time. With a base price of %243,626 U.S., the Z – known as the Datsun 240Z in North America – was a sports car that was accessible to anyone. In short time, customers around the world were....
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Similarly Sized Vehicles
from 1979
1979 Datsun 280ZX Vehicle Profiles
Recent Vehicle Additions
Performance and Specification Comparison
Price Comparison
280Z Specification Comparison by Year
Year
Production
Wheelbase
Engine
Prices
63,791
91.30 in.
6 cyl., 168.00 CID., 145.00hp
6 cyl., 168.00 CID., 180.00hp
6 cyl., 168.00 CID., 180.00hp
$11,300 - $17,000
57,260
91.30 in., 99.50 in.
6 cyl., 168.00 CID., 145.00hp
6 cyl., 168.00 CID., 180.00hp
6 cyl., 168.00 CID., 180.00hp
$14,500 - $15,500
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