If you needed more proof that originality counts, here it is. In the JNC world, a 1975 Datsun 280Z 2+2 is a special breed. Its 5 mph bumpers and rooflines practically guarantee that no one but the kindest of owners will adopt one from the shelter. In the world of high-end auctions, however, bone stockness trumps all, and the ugly duckling of the S30 family shines to the tune of $50-grand.
You can’t get much more original that this, either. According to the listing, this particular car has only 2,000 miles on the odometer. Not only that, but the wheels and tires you see on the car were swapped with aftermarket units when the car was purchased and driven for those 2,000 miles, meaning the original wheels and tires have nothing but the delivery miles on them.
The fetishization of originality has been a hotly debated topic here at JNC. We generally take the stance that if the car is rare, reversible or period correct modifications are okay. Whatever your opinion on the matter may be, however, it’s clear that the broader classic car collector community has spoken, and they want it unmolested.
UPDATE: So alert readers have pointed us to the fact that this is the car that was featured on the show Chasing Classic Cars. Here is a video of the find.
See the listing at the Bonhams website.
Images: Bonhams.
This was the one Wayne Carini picked up on Chasing Classic Cars!
Hey! I resemble those remarks!
Seems like it might be the one from Chasing Classic Cars. Anyone confirm?
Fools and their money.
All classic cars will keep going up if in good condition,
There are no more being made, only throwaway, soulless vehicles,
with a few exceptions. (usually expensive)
We are at the end of the combustion engine car age.
Not with the new laws being implemented with congress.
Look at the new DeLorean start up. It just takes a lot of money and a burning passion for old cars
I mean main stream transport combustion engines,
the masses will use electric cars leaving the
car lovers/petrol heads to their classic wheels.
(although probably with very high rego)
Ugh, the ubiquitous Interstate battery..
I never, ever (ever) would have thought that a 280Z would sell for that; a 240Z, yes, but not a 280Z. Fantastic car, though.
49k for a 280z is all I see.
Wait. 280Z steering wheels are supposed to be smooth?
Mind blown.
Hurrah for the unmolested car.
i’m not in it for resale. I’m in it to enjoy the car and my individuality with it. if that’s your allure to cars, you’re a financial enthusiast, don’t call yourself an auto enthusiast. which is fine and dandy, just don’t associate yourself with those of us that enjoy cars for their intended purposes. the rising prices of kyusha is interesting, i’ll admit. who knows, if someone wants to offer me some absurd amount for my skyline i may have to take it lol. i will enjoy my car as a car and not a 1/1 scale model in the meantime
you guys should make a separate forum for oem resto cars or just kick us resto mod guys off the site already. we get it, you hate modded cars. jccs will turn into a snore fest of old men looking at stock cars with 80hp, drum brakes, soft suspension, etc and your site will fade away as you continue to hate the world and those darn kids walking on your grass
No one here hates modded cars. Did you see the crazy customs we posted from the Tokyo Auto Salon?
Finally! Thank You Ben Tsu!!!
I do understand the JCCS position of accepting only “the best of the best” because of the extreme amount of cool cars wanting to be in the show, but don’t discount the little guys with humble garage builds. It’s just important to give the little guys some love to keep people interested, encouraged and inspired in the hobby as much as those who’ve earned their right to shine after restoring these classic cars and showing us the various goals we hope to achieve with our builds. ~Isaiah~ Owner, Co Operator of Datsun Pays and Needs.
maybe hate is a strong word .but the air from you guys is that you don’t like them that much and highly, HIGHLY prefer %100 oem restorations.
It depends on the car. If we’re talking about the last remaining handful of something, then yes, stock or reversible mods are much preferred.
For something that’s in no shortage of going extinct, mod away! But as with all mods, there are those that are tasteful and those that aren’t. We each have our own opinions about that.
Ironically, I’d probably modify a Toyota 2000GT if I could afford one, because there will always be well preserved examples elsewhere. The world does not need 300-odd examples of the same car.
When everyone can buy copies of any old car
people can mod away all they want.
(it’s already happening)
I get shit on too when I defend what is probably the wildest modification style on earth.
http://japanesenostalgiccar.com/2016/01/07/video-the-dying-tradition-of-bosozoku/
Can’t please ’em all.
Funny to see a surge in modded car posts in IG and here lol. And yea I saw the TAS stuff, aka you felt the desire to post the same shit every other website has
http://www.dat280z.com
Wow, almost $50,000 for one of the least desirable ugly Z cars built. I guess that now means I could sell my Z, pay my house off, and retire. I knew some day my Z would be a good investment. I had no idea today would be the day.
damn you really know how to stretch 50k
It depends on where you situate yourself. You could get a house for 50K if you play your cards right. In Hawaii, 50K is pretty much the “downpayment” on a condo. Or 25-28 months of rent.
yea i guess if you want to live in detroit lol. even then idk if 50k is enough for a house and retiring.
Or I am implying that a desirable Z is now worth welllllllll over $50,000
Hard to believe – next up a mint condition F10?
I HAVE A 1983 DATSUN 280Z, 2+2, WITH INLINE STRAIGHT SIX MOTOR TURBO WITH 199K ON IT FOR SALE. MAKE OFFER 209-647-8589
You have a 280zx not a 280z. Production on the 240/260/280 Z’s stopped in 1978. They were followed then by the 280zX and subsequent models.
Part out or nah? Trying to get that non egr intake plenum. ..
This car had 2100 miles on it and parked in a garage since new. That’s why someone paid so much for it. Surprised me that a big-bumper, 2+2 would get so much money. I guess it only takes 2 bidders.
I HAVE A 280Z DATSUN 2 PLUS 2….IT HAS 65,000 MILES. BETWEEN GOOD AND EXCELLENT CONDITIONS. WONDER HOW MUCH MINE IS WORTH?
OOPS I FORGOT THE YEAR… 1975 280Z DATSUN 2 PLUS 2
Ugly duckling? haha maybe to the simple lowbrows in the Z community that continually bag the 2+2, but I think it cuts a rather pleasant profile.
Is the radiator cap and brake master cylinder original?