1978 Datsun 260Z one-owner barn find
The Nissan S30 is a gorgeous Japanese classic built from 1969-1978. But you’ll probably know it better as the Nissan Fairlady Z, or as the Datsun 240Z, 260Z and 280Z. But whatever name you know it as, it’s one of the most attractive and most known Japanese classics. And here’s a one owner, 1978 Datsun 260Z for sale with under 30,000 miles.
One-owner 1978 Datsun 260Z for sale. Click for auction listing
1978 was the last year of production for any Z cars outside Japan (The Nissan 300ZX carried on the name as the Fairlady Z until 2000). The mid-range 260Z was available for four years with a 2.6 litre engine putting out 165bhp (except in the US where emissions laws put it down to 140hp until a second model came out with larger 5mph safety bumpers).
Other improvements included a redesign of the chassis rails to improve stiffness, and a rear sway bar. Plus the dash was redesigned, and the 260Z also got new seat trim and door panels. But more importantly, it was still a gorgeous two seater sports car with a 4-speed manual or 3-speed auto (A four seater also did become available in 1974, with a longer wheelbase, different roofline and larger opening quarter panel windows).
1978 Datsun 260Z in what appears to be code 611 Wine Red Metallic paint. Click for auction listing
This particular example has been laid up for 15 years and never registered by the current keeper. It’s claimed that the car is regularly started, and the interior is in very good condition aside from faded carpets.
In theory it should have a top speed of around 115mph, a 0-60 in 10 seconds, and in good condition would be commanding around £15-20,000 for the right buyer.
The reason why it isn’t £15,000+? The bodywork needs a full restoration – as you’d imagine for a make and model well known for turning to rust. Wings, sills, rear aches and the top of the back panel all need work – although the seller does claim they’re still fairly solid. Bidding is currently at £5,300 which is around the asking price for most Nissan Z car projects, so it could be a good purchase for someone handy with the welder. And with more than 600,000 sold, spare parts aren’t a major issue in terms of availability – plus there have been a huge number of bodykits and tuning parts produced, including conversations to engines like the Skyline RB25DET and RB26DETT, or Chevrolet Small-Block motors.
Check out the listing for this 1978 one-owner Datsun 260Z project.
And while you’re there – there’s an interesting Datsun 280 ZX 2+2 auto, already fitted with a period Janspeed turbo.