Classic Auto Mall
6180 Morgantown Road
Morgantown, PA 19543
"1981 Nissan 280ZX
Although the old guard won't enjoy hearing it, Japanese cars are increasing in collectability. We're seeing spikes in prices of cars like the Datsun 2000 roadster, the Toyota 2000GT, and the early Mazda Cosmo, so there's no sense in fighting it. The Datsun/Nissan Z-car now has a history that's nearly as old as some of our beloved American iron such as the Camaro, Firebird, and Dodge Challenger. And for a generation that grew up in the 70s, the Nissan 280ZX was something we eagerly read about in the pages of our favorite car magazines.
For consignment, a 1981 Nissan 280ZX with a title verified 60,296 actual miles. With its long pointed nose, short sloping rear, long wheelbase, and flat rear fascia, the shape is undeniably distinctive, ever present on the roads in the 70's and 80's as daily drivers, they are now highly desirable collectibles. This one presents in original condition with areas that will need some TLC, and other parts that will need nothing.
Exterior
Brown was still quite popular in the early 80's, evidenced by the Light Brown Metallic on our car which even colors the covers of the inset headlights, a key field mark that adds to its uniqueness. A ribbed rocker panel trim piece adds some contrast as does the polished B-pillar trim and 14-inch wheels. The long hood is enhanced by a center bulge flanked by black vents matching the plastic cowl grille. From behind, there's no mistaking the 3 color tail lights over a straight bumper and at the base of the flat hatch window. Side body molding is a remnant of the 70's and 80's and prevented door dings, but also cut through the smooth panels of the midline. And the panels on this car are straight, the paint is nice, and the metalwork is in good shape. Where it shows its age is on black painted parts such as the door handle surrounds, the emblems, and the front window trim. There's also clear coat and oxidation issues on the wheels, but from 20 feet, you couldn't tell.
Interior
Beige and tan door panels are nice compliments to the exterior brown are in decent condition with some light, general patina. The bucket seats have aftermarket covers and so do the 2+2 seats in back. The brown steering wheel is in great shape and wears a ""Z"" emblem, all leading to a sizable instrument cluster with essential gauges and idiot lights in a symmetrical descending pattern. More toward the middle, we find additional gauges, (and digital clock), coved and canted towards the driver in a race car inspired design. Below that, the standard A/C panel and a nickel backed AM/FM/Cassette radio panel, framed in brown plastic. On the dash itself, a fitted cover protects the sun exposed surface that has some telltale cracks. In the center console the shifter takes its place and once again, it's metal over plastic. The beige carpet is nice in the footwells outside of the brown rubber mats, but in the cargo areas it's a bit soiled. But this cargo area also has loose and cracked material on its walls and some staining of the plastic, along with some wear on the weatherstripping. The headline on this solid roof car is in good condition.
Drivetrain
With a body matched cam cover in the engine bay, we find the driver quality 2.8 liter SOHC inline 6 cylinder rated at 145 horsepower. Fuel is regulated by the Bosch L-Jetronic EFI system and a Jatco L3N 3-speed automatic transmission is behind it, sending power to the rear wheels and 3.54 gears. Power brakes are onboard as front discs and rear drums.
Undercarriage
Aged and dirty, but we've seen worse. We note some oil on the oil pan, some dampness near a brake line, general grime on the knuckles and rear diff, and both boots of the rack and pinion system are torn and detached. A single exhaust carries a stock style muffler before wrapping behind the gas tank and finding a chrome tip. Independent MacPherson strut suspension is supplied front and rear.
Drive-Ability
It was the daily driver that felt like a race car, and it still does! The low seating position, the long nose ahead, and that rear wheel drive is a recipe for good times. The car is a quick starter and the automatic does a good job at putting the power down, propelling our Z through its pace where it tracks straight and handles great, even with 70 series tires. All functions work as they should and we steer this aerodynamic classic back to the showroom. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
She's not perfect, but she's got fantastic bones and can be driven while being restored, or simply enjoyed as is for years to come. Personally, we would not hesitate to take this to shows, cruise ins, or cars and coffee, it's that uncommon and that special. Seems like yesterday that they were ""just another car"" on the road. But they have bloomed, like Cinderella, and are the belle of the Japanese ball! Do you have the glass slipper that takes it home?
JN1HZ06S7BX193357
J-Japan
N-Nissan
1-Passenger Car
H-L28E Non Turbo
Z0-S130
6-280Z Coupe
S-2+2
7-Check Digit
B-1981
X-Nissha Plant
193357-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
"
Year: | 1981 |
Make: | Nissan |
Model: | 280ZX |
Mileage: | 60296 |
Exterior Color: | Light Brown Metallic |
Interior Color: | Beige |
Trim: | |
Body: | coupe |
Stock: | 7262 |
Engine Size: | Gasoline |
Transmission: | 3 Speed Automatic |
Vin: | JN1HZ06S7BX193357 |
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Classic Auto Mall is a world class consignment house located in southeastern Pennsylvania with indoor showroom space for up to 1,000collectable and special interest vehicles offered for sale. We are conveniently located just west of Philadelphia. This one of a kind building is climate controlled and security monitored and is the ultimate destination for classic and specialty car lovers. The building is located right on the Pennsylvania Turnpike with terrific frontage and exposure. Additionally, this one of a kind building houses one of the finest barn findcollections in the world with over 400 vehicles on display. The facility and grounds have plenty of room for indoor and outdoor automotive related events, car shows, car club meets, ride and drives and more.
Classic Auto Mall by the Numbers:
This wonderful facility started life as a clothing outlet mall in 1985 and then evolved into a furniture outlet mall until it closed its doors in 2011. There is a 188 room Holiday Inn with a walk-thru entrance attached to the facility that has a full-service restaurant, lounge, meeting facilities and an indoor swimming pool. The hotel just underwent a $3,000,000 renovation.
With an abundance of car collectors, car clubs and racetracks located within a short distance, this fantastic facility is ideally situated.
Our consignment program has classic car lovers excited to have a facility like this to store and offer their prized possessions for sale. We market vehicles worldwide and get top dollar for your one special car or your entire collection!
Please contact us further to discuss your needs.
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