Photo: Classic Car Auctions
Before Nissan Z cars became a staple of the professional drifting scene, these babies were Japan’s answer to British sports cars. The first generation of the breed is arguably the most sought-after Z car of them all for a handful of reasons.
Internally referred to as the Nissan S30, the first-ever Z car boasts with independent suspension on all corners, front disc brakes, the looks to thrill, the performance to thrill, and a price that rivaled that of the MGB GT. Even though it has the recipe for an instant classic, many S30s were abused by their owners. Hence, it’s hard to find a good example in this day and age, particularly an unmolested car.
The right-hand drive 1978 Datsun 260Z in the featured photograph and gallery, however, is a time capsule. Slated to go at auction later this month, the peeps over at Classic Car Auctions believe that the highly original example is worth anything between £18,000 and £22,000. According to current exchange rates, that’ll be $23,950 to $29,250.
To put that sum into perspective, the Nissan 370Z starts at $29,990 in the United States and £27,860 in the United Kingdom. As per the auction house, the manual-equipped Datsun 260Z comes with a partial history file and a condition score of 60 out of 135. That’s not so bad considering this car wears the patina of almost four decades on its shoulders.
Showing merely 8,284 miles (13,332 kilometers) from new, the 1978 Datsun 260Z was put into storage in 1995. In May 2016, the car was pulled out of its slumber. That’s also when it underwent a thorough inspection.
Happily, however, the Z car specialist found out that the 2.6-liter engine turns over with no obvious issues. But then again, “the condition of the inside of the tank and fuel lines would need to be inspected and old fuel drained. It would also need a full mechanical service including thoroughly going through the braking system.”
If you’re in the market for such a blast from the past, then this sports car might be just what the doctor ordered. And if you’re not afraid to spend a little dough on getting this thing back in shape, oily bits, visuals, and all, then this is definitely the 260Z you are looking for.
The right-hand drive 1978 Datsun 260Z in the featured photograph and gallery, however, is a time capsule. Slated to go at auction later this month, the peeps over at Classic Car Auctions believe that the highly original example is worth anything between £18,000 and £22,000. According to current exchange rates, that’ll be $23,950 to $29,250.
To put that sum into perspective, the Nissan 370Z starts at $29,990 in the United States and £27,860 in the United Kingdom. As per the auction house, the manual-equipped Datsun 260Z comes with a partial history file and a condition score of 60 out of 135. That’s not so bad considering this car wears the patina of almost four decades on its shoulders.
Showing merely 8,284 miles (13,332 kilometers) from new, the 1978 Datsun 260Z was put into storage in 1995. In May 2016, the car was pulled out of its slumber. That’s also when it underwent a thorough inspection.
Happily, however, the Z car specialist found out that the 2.6-liter engine turns over with no obvious issues. But then again, “the condition of the inside of the tank and fuel lines would need to be inspected and old fuel drained. It would also need a full mechanical service including thoroughly going through the braking system.”
If you’re in the market for such a blast from the past, then this sports car might be just what the doctor ordered. And if you’re not afraid to spend a little dough on getting this thing back in shape, oily bits, visuals, and all, then this is definitely the 260Z you are looking for.
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