Let’s pause for a moment to appreciate the S130 Z. We know the typical litany: it’s heavier, not as good-looking, and rides softer than the S30 Z, but is the second-generation Fairlady Z getting a bum rap?
First of all, the Turbo L28 is a stout motor that can be easily stroked and will make ridiculous amounts of horsepower if coaxed. In the looks department, the S30 might be more svelte, but the S130’s larger size gives you something else — road presence.
If the S30 is a canyon carver, the S130’s is a highway rocket sled, its wide track and long wheelbase keeping it planted. Built S130s have been known to tear down the Tomei at the hands of brave hashiriya in 300kph-plus top speed runs.
And in the US, Datsun 280ZXs are still plentiful on craigslist and very, very inexpensive. There’s no shortage of 240 to 280 Z-cars at any given Datsun meet, but we rarely see nicely done ZXs.
Hey, if it’s good enough for the Mid Night Club, it’s good enough for us.
Inspiring.
I have always looked down on this as a lesser of all the Z chassis. But in these pics you have shown its potential. They can look just as good as the S30 and like you said, a lot cheaper and less desirable. Those are both huge plusses in my books.
*thumbs up*
I also know I saw a fair number of the 280z on track during 80’s IMSA era.
Early 300 and 280 Z’s are a good choice for those of us with “low cashflow”.
Also a favorite of mine on Granturismo 4 along with every other Z.
I’ll take the #3 highway rocket sled please.
I hated these when I first bought my S30, but now I dig them hard.
A few guys in my Z club have some very nice examples.
Definitely catch your eye on the road!
It’s sadly true that so many look down on the S130, and even more on the Z31. I never saw the problem. They each have their own strong points in use and design. Sure they got bigger and heavier, but they also got A TURBO option, and a new purpose; to easily go fast while being pampered and comfortable at the same time. Just like what happened with the R35 today, the S130 happened back then. I regularly fight the urge to find a S130 to settle into.
..and yes, they really DO catch your eye on the road! You really see the S30 lines in it when in motion from afar.
SR-FairladyZ: Interesting analogy with the R35! Larger, but packed with more technology than its predecessor. I like it!
Time to trade in the 810 ‘goon! I fell in love with S130’s even more! fairlady in Red is dancing with me!
J Ramirez, not the goon!
had my first sideways moment at 16, unlicensed, in a borrowed Z31.
It was an auto t-top and softer than a marshmallow, not a sports car but still quite cool as a sporty cruiser – that sums it up for the S130 and Z31, not true sports cars like the original and subsequent models but still blessed with coolness.
My buddy lost the keys for the t-tops so I took of the unlocked driver’s and left the passenger side on.
So beautiful. only request: More info on the real Mid Night Club!!! everything is impossible to find now because of various pop manga/anime. the real stories and cars are much better entertainment!
These are awesome all look great! I need to get my hood black!
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v505/snsforums/My Car/?action=view¤t=IMG_0339.jpg
hmmm that Mid Night 280 has an RE Amemiya sticker. i wonder whats powering that car. on a side note, can you guys do a feature on Team Mid Night
Seeing all these gorgeous S130’s makes me want to get off my ass and get my 83 running again. And lower.
I know I dig mine…lol