The 1983 Datsun 280ZX 5-Speed represents the final production year for the S130 generation, a model that successfully blended sportiness with grand touring luxury. This particular example carries a unique history, having remained with its original owner in Ontario for over four decades before its recent move to the United States. It features the sought-after T-top roof configuration, allowing for an open-air driving experience that defined the early eighties automotive culture. While the car has been refinished in beige, its factory origins lie in the iconic Nugget Gold Metallic hue. The car is now offered at no reserve, presenting a compelling opportunity for enthusiasts looking to enter the vintage Japanese car market. It serves as a nostalgic reminder of the era when the Z-car transitioned into a more sophisticated and comfortable highway cruiser. This Datsun retains its classic charm despite showing some honest signs of age and road use over the years.
Exterior Maintenance and T-Top Configuration
The exterior of this 1983 Datsun 280ZX 5-Speed showcases several key design elements typical of the late S130 series. A prominent NACA duct on the hood and a front spoiler contribute to its aggressive, aerodynamic silhouette. The car received a repaint in 2021, a process that included significant rust repairs on the roof and quarter panels to preserve the metal. Removable T-top roof panels remain a highlight, accompanied by their original covers for storage when not in use. Some visible imperfections exist, including cracked paint near the right headlight and corrosion on the left T-top frame. It rolls on factory 14-inch wheels wrapped in BFGoodrich Radial T/A tires, maintaining a period-correct stance. Despite its age, the car retains its twin exhaust outlets and functional rear window wiper for added practicality. These details illustrate a vehicle that has been enjoyed and maintained rather than hidden away in a static collection. It provides a solid foundation for a light cosmetic restoration or a fun weekend driver.
Interior Comfort and Tan Velour Appointments
Inside the cabin, the 1983 Datsun 280ZX 5-Speed is a time capsule of early eighties interior design and ergonomics. The bucket seats are trimmed in a combination of tan velour and vinyl, offering a soft and comfortable seating surface. Matching door panels and a two-spoke steering wheel complete the cohesive color palette throughout the interior space. For entertainment, a factory Hitachi AM/FM radio remains housed in the center stack, preserving the original look of the dashboard. While the odometer shows 69k kilometers, the total mileage is unknown due to a reported reset and potential rollback in its history. Some electrical items, such as the clock and the right door lock, currently show intermittent or inoperative behavior. However, the installation of new hatch struts in 2022 ensures that the rear glass opens and stays upright with ease. The gauges for oil pressure and voltage are centrally mounted, keeping the driver informed during spirited drives. It is a functional space that prioritizes the grand touring experience.
Inline-Six Performance and Drivetrain Specifications
The mechanical heart of the 1983 Datsun 280ZX 5-Speed is the venerable 2.8-liter L28E SOHC inline-six engine. This fuel-injected powerplant was factory rated for reliable delivery and a smooth torque curve throughout the rev range. Records indicate the engine underwent an overhaul in 2001, and more recently, it received a new fuel filter and battery in 2022. Power is managed by a five-speed manual transmission, which benefited from a replacement clutch in June 2021 for crisper shifts. Stopping power is handled by power-assisted discs at each corner, with recent repairs made to the emergency brake system. Though some fluid leaks and underside corrosion are noted, the car received a fresh oil change in preparation for this sale. The L28E remains one of the most respected engines in Datsun history for its durability and tuning potential. It provides the classic mechanical soundtrack that Z-car fans have come to love over the last fifty years. This drivetrain configuration ensures the car remains an engaging and tactile machine on any winding road.
Summary of the Datsun S130 Heritage
The 1983 Datsun 280ZX 5-Speed stands as an accessible piece of Japanese automotive history that is ready for a new chapter. Its long-term single-family ownership in Canada speaks to a life of consistent use and appreciation. While the car presents some cosmetic and mechanical needs, the no-reserve auction format makes it an enticing project for the right buyer. The combination of a manual gearbox and T-tops makes this a highly desirable specification for those who value driver engagement. Its recent import to the US and clean Texas title simplify the acquisition process for domestic collectors. The service records included with the sale provide valuable insight into the car’s maintenance journey over the decades. It is a car that captures the essence of eighties styling while offering a robust mechanical platform. Whether kept as a survivor or restored to its original gold glory, this 280ZX will always turn heads. It remains a definitive example of the grand touring evolution within the legendary Z-car lineage.
Disclaimer: Content on this site is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Details, analyses, and opinions reflect current trends and personal views, not professional or financial advice. Always verify information with official sources before making any decisions.
Source: bringatrailer.com
