1980 Datsun 280ZX Targa – Today’s Time Warp Tempter

By: James Robinson, Unique Cars magazine

Date: 27.06.2017

Original low miles claimed

Successor to the Datsun 280Z, the 280ZX was produced between 1978 and 1983 and was marketed as a softer and more comfortable sports car than the one it replaced.

Power came from a 2.8lt inline 6-cylinder donk, designated L28E, which produced 99kW and could be mated to either a 5-speed manual or 3-speed automatic gearbox.

The 280ZX was met with a mixed reception when it was unveiled, on the one hand it had definitely lost the overtly sporty nature of its older brother, the 280Z. On the other hand however, the 280ZX gained applause from customers looking for a more comfortable, daily driver proposition. 

Whatever the case, the 280ZX was a sales success and also won Motor Trend’s Import Car of the Year in 1979.

This particular 280ZX is an Australian delivered Targa model and, judging from the pictures, appears to be in good, unadulterated condition.

According to the seller it is completely original both mechanically and cosmetically and has travelled an absurdly low 25,000 kilometres from new.

This ZX also has the added benefit of being having the five-speed manual transmission, which surely has to be the enthusiast’s choice.

The seller is asking $48,000 for this potentially terrific targa, and anyone interested can view the full listing here. 

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