1982 Datsun 280ZX Turbo: Silver on grey and black interior, 5-speed, T-tops, rare model without side bump guard moldings, only 1,410 miles, and all original, even the tires. 2nd owner purchased from a collector and claims to drive it around the block “on a regular basis.” Still, a dedicated buyer should probably check out the rubber bits and gaskets just to be safe. Not as loved by Z-car aficionados as the early S30 chassis cars because of its extra weight and busier appearance, but the L28 turbo motor is a beast with practically infinite tuning capability. Of course, one would not dare modify such a well-kept and rare specimen. Listed on eBay and sold via BuyItNow for $29,000 in just under 30 hours.
For nearly 30 grand, the question becomes whether you would rather have a brand new 2008 Z or a brand new, for all intents and purposes, 1982 Z. We actually like the stylings of the S130 chassis cars, and think they can stand on their own in terms of design without being compared to the S30. If you were a kid growing up in the 80s, it was physically impossible to avoid having a 280ZX toy of some sort – from Matchbox to Transformers, this was one of the most popular designs for a scaled down miniature. Even Knight Rider was reportedly supposed to be a 280ZX.
We never cease to be amazed at such well-kept cars that emerge from the woodwork. Imagine the restraint and dedication one would have to embody to keep a car like this, without driving it, for over a quarter century. We’d probably take this over a 350Z, but then it becomes a white elephant, since any additional wear or mileage accrued will surely take away from its originality. The best buyer would be an enthusiast that has enough garage space, money and other Zs to drive. One that will treat it as a piece of art or history rather than a car. For such a buyer, the price is quite reasonable for a genuine time machine.
[via Jalopnik]
