This page is under heavy construction.

The Datsun 280Z

The Datsun 280Z was introduced in 1975 as the successor to the 260Z. The 280Z was the last version of the 1st generation Z car, which began with the introduction of the 240Z in 1969. The 280Z was powered by the 170 HP OHC Inline 6 L28 engine. The L28 was an electronically fuel injected engine similar to the naturally-aspirated L26 and L24 which preceded it.

The 280Z was availible with a 4 or 5 speed manual or 3 speed automatic transmission. It featured rear independant suspension, rack-and-pinion steering, 14" alloy wheels, and a full compliment of dashboard gauges.

The 280Z was availible in 2 body styles; the 280Z 2-seat Coupe, and the 280Z 2+2 4-seater. The 2+2 was slightly longer and wider than the standard 280Z, but had similar performance characteristics. There was very little variation in the 280Z's, the most noticable being the arrangement of the fuses in the fuse box.

The 280Z nameplate was unique to North America, elsewhere, it sold as the Datsun Fairlady. It was widely used for GT and Euro racing.

The 1st generation Z was discontinued at the end of the 1978 model year, and was replaced by the 1979 280ZX.

More to follow, including race history, pictures, and a better history/statistics rundown when I find them.

Last Updated: 7/4/1998 20:24 PST