Wednesday, April 27, 2011

1978 Datsun 280Z

A photo taken at La Grande Cascade restaurant in the Bois de Boulogne (Allée de Longchamp) in Paris.

The 280 was a reference to the engine size (2.8 litres). A reliable Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection system was added..  Nissan Motors released the Datsun 280Z model for the US market in the 1975 model year. Both the 2 seat coupe and 2/2 (2+2) hatchback models remained available throughout the 1975-78 model year run of the 280Z.

1977 and 1978 models received bumpers with recessed channels added to the faces of the bumpers themselves, that blended into corrugated or accordion style black rubber extension trim. Also new for the 1977 model year, 280Zs no longer received the full size spare tire, and instead had a "space saver" spare and a larger fuel tank. This resulted in a raised rear deck area made of fiberboard, reducing cargo space. In 1977-78 an optional 5-speed manual transmission was available along side the 4-speed manual, and the 3-speed automatic options, which included a "5-speed" emblem on the left bottom edge of the rear hatch. 1977 also saw an update from the charcoal painted hubcap style (with a chrome Z floating in the amber center emblems) to a hubcap that resembled an alloy wheel, bearing a center cap with a chrome Z floating in a black circle.

In 1977 and 1978 respectively, Datsun offered two special edition models. The "Zap" edition was offered in 1977 as a "Special Decor Package". Zap cars were finished in Sunshine Yellow paint, and sported black stripes down the center and sides, with yellow, red, and orange chevrons at the front ends of the stripes. An estimated 1,000 "Zap Z" cars were offered in 1977. The "Zap Z" model was also used as the pace car in the 1977 Long Beach Gran Prix. The Black Pearl edition (produced in 1978) came with Black Pearlescent paint and a "Special Appearance Package" (SAP), which consisted of dual racing mirrors, rear window louvers, and a unique red and silver stripe. It is estimated that between 750-1,500 of these cars were produced.

The S30 series Z car was replaced in 1979 by the S130 Nissan Fairlady 280ZX / Datsun 280ZX.

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