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When my son asked for a 240 as his first car... I instantly went and found an affordable 77 280, converted the bumpers and we built his dream car. The oportunities that to get the classic Z at a discount without the regret of modifing a early Z has been great for us.

When you realize an average unrestored 240z is worth the same an aircooled 911 was 10 years ago, classic z are about to become unobtanium

I bought a clean 1 owner 78 280z in 1979 for $7800.00. Installed an aftermarket turbo kit on it and immediately cracked the cast piston ring landings. I sent a sample piston to Arias pistons and HD them make a set of forged pistons with exactly the same weight but 7.25:1 compression. Honed the cylinders to 0.007 clearance. Didn't even need to remove engine. Just pulled the head and oil pan and kept everything clean. Ran 15 lbs boost and never had any issues. At 165 mph the front end would get scary light... great cars. Biggest problem was rust.

My eye keeps falling on the mismatched right fender paint. Still a beautiful car. Another great episode Larry

Oh, it's Larry "You know I have a Z myself" Chen 😆 Love everything about those cars

I've seen this guy (Rob) in a few vids. Seems like the kinda guy I would be stoked to have work on my Datsun. Wish there were more folks like him!

Mine was and still is a daily driver for over two decades. Just keep the fuel injection system well maintained and the car ALWAYS ALWAYS starts right up. Do preventative maintenance - the usual stuff- like fuel filter, keep electrical contacts clean, make sure the battery is healthy, replace sensors if they go bad, thermostat, change high pressure fuel injection hoses BEFORE they fail and the car will be a great daily driver for years. Incredibly reliable cars. I've had one thermostat failure and an alternator die- stopped me twice in 20 years.

I daily my 240z about 100 miles a day Mon-Fri!

I had that exact 280 Z (Silver/Black) and daily drove it for from 1982 to 1986. Bought it for $4500. Loved it !! Was an awesome car - fun, sporty, drove great. Put a Monza exhaust to give it a sportier feel and some more pep and ugraded the stereo. Only ever had 3 minor issues the whole time I owned it. CV joints - normal wear and tear, replace the small rubber sleeves on the gas rails as they would get pin hole leaks at times (not sure why they used rubber and not one continuous metal line for the gas rail). Last issue - drove from PA to Georgia straight thru and when l took a break the car would not re-start. Had it towed - shop tested it - no gas getting to the engine - mechanic tapped on the fuel pump and the car started. Must have locked up from the heat. It never happened again after that. I eventually sold it in 1986 for $1500 only because it had rusted floor panels. Regret it ever since. Miss that car - now that I am getting to close to retiring I would love to get another one to cruise around in but they are getting pretty pricey....like insanely pricey. Clean unrestored or restored ones in the 20-40K range !!! I also had a 71 Corvette that I sold when I got married in 1987 to buy a house...but those are now in the 40-80K range now - imagine if I had kept both of them... could have paid for my kids college tuition !!!! Love the old cars !!!!

Rob, and his guys at the Z Car Garage in San Jose, are a great bunch. I bring my Z to him for maintenance and mods and have never been disappointed. It's always cool to see all the neat Zs at his shop.

I had a '78 that I bought years ago for $475. I got it running after it had sat unused indoors for a decade. (rusty 45k five speed car with perfect dash and absolutely flawless interior) I did a few things and got it running well. It was very fast and the engine was healthy with good compression, so I got it licensed. I was driving it 30 miles away and the poor thing lost an injector. I immediately turned back directly for home. My 20 year-old pre-internet brain didn't know fuel tanks have sediment, even after draining. (duh!) It started losing injectors as they clogged up one by one.... The Z limped back slower and slower and I moved off the freeway and took side roads as the speed kept fading away. Last few miles were under 20mph and I literally put-putted into the driveway on 3 cylinders at a walking pace. I'm convinced the car couldn't have gone another block further. Damn thing still made it 30 miles home. :) Tell me these cars don't have a soul......

I miss my '77 280z. Was blue like the one in the background at the beginning of the shoot. A bit rougher, but got the little guy for 250 bucks at a police auction when more practical options didn't work out. Unknown even if it was running, I took a chance knowing I could probably at least break even parting it out to a Z car salvage place nearby. (Actually fired right up, was just a matter of getting into the no-opens hood and paying a locksmith. Didn't take much to freshen up the interior, (it was the mid-late 90s,) and the motor didn't need much attention, whatever I did. (The fuel injection still worked flawlessly) There was much polishing of chalky, slightly-hail damaged paint but the little guy had just a bit of character from all that. Might have kept the big bumpers, actually, cause it was a part of Texas where there was a certain amount of bumping going on. I'd have loved the wheels on that one at the shop, though: my little guy had those cheap American Racing steelies with the chrome on black. Was cute, though. Also cause it was Texas and I'm sun-sensitive I was putting louvers *on* when everyone else was taking em off, so I had plenty to pick from. (I also thought louvers were the coolest thing when I was a smaller car gal. :) ) Very daily-able, that's part of why I loved these cars. Such different times, now, ...things I was into were what few others wanted back then, and if they were, it was easy for them to get nicer examples than I could afford, so I could generally obtain something that only needed a relative little bit of saving. Nowadays when you go looking, they want thousands for things I could honestly say I had *donor* cars closer to nice-ifyable.

I want to see more of the 300ZX's from z car garage. That black one in the background looks sick!

never get tired of seeing this Z content

I dailied one for years. They are actually insanely practical as long as you only need 2 seats! Lots of room inside for stuff and they can easily tow small trailers with that smooth and torquey I28. I stupidly sold mine 15 years ago

What an amazing session. Got to give it up to Larry for spending his time highlighting so many amazing people and cars in the community. Getting so many ideas for my new 260z project.

Another great looking Z. I'll probably have to get my 280 down to Z car garage to get some work done. I like what I hear Rob saying about the components they offer and how they test it all out. Very cool video. Keep the Datsun videos coming Larry!

Rob is great for the Z community. I bought my Panasport wheels from him for my 260z and he was really helpful with the specs.

Through this channel, I really fell in love with this car. The years it was built in, the history... and it is so beautifil on the inside ánd outside. And in this beautful configuration this might just be the dreamcar to obtain. Wow, thnx guys for this video!

We are getting a '74 260Z returned to street use as a family project! Great to see this beautiful work!

Sounds Amazing!! Really refined natural sound!!

Keep the quality content coming Mr Chen, you are the man !!!

You can daily drive every datsun! Pulled my 620 out of a shed where it had been sitting for 5 years, and drove it home 80 miles! Then daily'd it for a year and a half with very little issue!

I'm weird. I actually prefer 280z taillights over 240z ones. One thing that drives me nuts is how people always think that small bumpers were a 240z only thing when the 280z version of the fairlady in japan never had the big bumpers only the small ones.

I enjoyed this video. Nice to know people are restoring and updating Datsun 280Zs.

Hell yeah you can. I daily drive my 73 240Z. It’s too much fun to leave in the garage only for weekend duties. I’ll get around to completely restoring it after I’ve had my fun with it

Very cool car. Thanks to all involved in sharing this car with us.

Thank you so much for this video. My first car was a Nissan Sunny Sport Coupé 125ps with a plastic spoiler and about 2 tons of weight. It died because the motor block had a nasty split and my dream car I never drove was a 200sx... then I realized there were Datsuns 240Z to 280Z and I fell madly in love. One day... one day!!!

Damn, watching these Z videos makes me want to get a sports car again. First car I bought was the Datsun 2000 roadster. Datsun was really on top back then with the 510s and eventually with the Z cars. Such a fun time in the 70s.

I thoroughly enjoyed this and hung on every word of Rob. Well done!

Beautiful Video Larry Chen !!!!

I mean, I drive mine in the winter. I use it on camping trips, to get groceries... the works. It's fine.

I found my dream 72 240z and have had it for 2 years now. Got a wicked deal on it and I’m the second owner! 🤟🏼 I’d love a 280z hood for her but I won’t be greedy.

The '82 280zx I owned in the past also got around in snow better than any other rwd I'd owned or driven before or since. I lost the car (sold it) in 96ish. I live in th Kansas City Metro. We have Victoria British Motors who had a full line of Datsun/Nissan Z cars until they closed that side. LMC Truck Parts now own whatever seems left of it all.

Rob is exactly correct... if you want the 240 experience without finding a good, affordable 240...this is the way. My clean automatic, big bumper 260Z is just crying for the CD009 swap and bumper backdate!

Very good review..The 280z was looked over constantly..my dad had one..I enjoyed all my time in it as a kid..🏁👍

Had a 72 240z and a 78silver 280z... those mods on the 280 would have been just fantastic,...such a nice understated build

Just got a Datsun 240z project with a good engine in it but some pretty bad body issues for 3.7k, it’s my first car and one I never thought I’d actually be able to get… we got it to turn over a few days ago and are now working on the fuel, coolant, and carburetors before stripping it down and fixing the body… it feels awesome seeing these things and just thinking one day mines gonna look like this.

I was at a vintage car show recently (in Northern Ireland) and seen one of these, IMO it was the nicest car I seen that day 👌🏻

280z currently my daily driver. Made driving to college fun.

Cleaaaann boii! That's dream car material here

Wow..this makes me miss my old Datsun so much. Great episode thank you

I gotta say, whatever mic you used... it's AMAZING.

Bought my Panasports from Rob, great guy and the Datsun community is lucky to have his enthusiastic presence.

I have had 4 Z cars in the last 35 years. A 1980 280ZX, 1988 300ZX, 1984 300ZX AE and a 1987 300ZX I have driven them daily in the rain, snow, sleet and best of course, in the heat!

As a 280Z owner the Datsun when your in it and drive it, it fits like a Glove. What a feeling.

The sliver Z's always grabbed my attention. Since I was 5 in 74. Killer job.

"The chick took a picture of us" Lol

I love these cars! I had a 280zx and a 260 z This body style is beautiful!

I've been daily driving my 260z for a few months now. Loved the experience. I've solved more gremlins in the last few months, than the 7+ years I've owned it. Every trip is an adventure. Will the wipers work, will the lights work.... Will it start... Lol.

Use to ride in a 72 240Z with my friend who past away back in late 72 with another friend. It was a sweet car when it came out. RIP Sammy.

Lmao 280z price about to sky rocket now. On to the next 😂

I daily drove a 77 280Z that was a crazy old school auto cross build with a 80's turbo kit and body kit. That was about 12 years ago. It was pretty fun. Lol

This dude brings a badass vibe.

Wow...I had a 1976 Z. 4 speed, Red exterior and black vinyl seats. Girl came through a red light and hit it right before I was going to store it for the winter. This was 1989.

"total rocket ship!".. great share guys!

Good thing I found a 280z in LA recently. Will be restoring the beautiful Z.

Thank you Mattel for bringing datsuns to the lime light. Great video Larry

I drove my British racing green with black vinyl interior 260Zed for 5 years daily. It didn't have AC, so was incredibly hot in the summer, and in the snow it was absolutely horrific. That being said, I loved every mile.

Wonderful..... Seeing not just 240Z's the 260 and 280's are just as good... i love them all... I love to own a 75 thru 78... Your improvements are awesome

I miss mine soooooo bad. 1976.5 Red (paint code 110) 280Z with matching red turbine wheels, with a 2.8L block, 240 head, triple carbs, dual headers into dual 3" exhaust, 5 speed from an '82 ZX. Inside I had a red leather Dino steering wheel and matching shift knob on a shortened lever. Slicker then KY and more fun too!

Excellent video!

love the 240,260 and 280

Datsun absolutely hit a home run with the 240z...beautiful car!

Super clean daily driver! 🙏🛠

thanks larry now 280zs are gonna skyrocket

I remember buying a running 73’ 240 and a non-running parts car 75’ 280 in 2011, out of Columbia, MO with my dad and college buddy. Paid $700 for the two. The 73’ didn’t have a floor on the passenger side, but it had a hot cam and headers and screamed. Miss that car.

Saw this Z in Monterey!! Absolute beauty.

Am I the only one who noticed the paint on the passenger fender’s paint is not matched correctly

I drove them for years..Had two of them & were very dependable...Good times.

I used to daily my 4 speed auto 76 280z, ended up blowing the headgasket and swapped a Turbo 1UZ in there. Love this car.

That's a clean looking car. Not overly modded. I'm impressed it's a daily driver. To me that's the best. Not a weekend car only.

My ‘76 280 had 90k on it when I bought it in 1980. I drove it til 2006, did a short block and head upgrade in ‘96. When I sold it in 2011 it was still running fine... just did not have the $ to restore it. New owner did. Love to have another.

Great video 👍🏾🤙🏾🤙🏾

The best one was the 280ZX with a t top. I remember a tiny Tomica version that I played with as a child.

Cool car, getting harder to find!!

I have been eyeing a 280 sitting in 1 of my neighbors yards for a while now guess that I will go make a offer on it today 👍lol

My dad daily drove one back in the early 90's it was metallic blue with wire wheel an louvers on the back windshield

This thing sounds amazing

That is one beautiful Z. My dream car is a restomod sleeper 240/280 w/ a 383 under the hood

I absolutely love the sound of an L28. I've got a weird idea to stuff one in an early, ugly Foxbody Mustang, just to be weird.

The 280 is a beautiful car, love them.

Great coverage of these very wonderful cars. Thx man. Make some 350Z car pics and I will purchase. (A ragtop if possible)

Right now I do have a 240 Z right now and it starts up all it needs is back brakes😁 not stock at all and pretty fun car

Wow.......when they get on the freeway and go up thru the gearbox....takes me back. To the mid 1980's in my 1979 280ZX, and hoping on the Pennsylvania Turnpike and revving that straight 6 engine up thru the 5 gears that tranny had. I bought the car for $900 and it came with 2 brand new fenders still in the box. It had 90K on it and I proceeded to put another 100k on that engine and tranny and had no problems with either. Once we adjusted the lifters on the engine. Had the car repainted it's silver, had the original whale's tail put back on, with the factory Datsun rear window louvers added. It was a real head turner. One of the more fun cars to drive.

LOve your work!

Wow. first two cars I ever owned were both in this video. Had a 510 wagon and a 1976 280Z. Damn Z always needed work while the 510 was indestructible!

I always wanted a 240z when I was a kid. Now that I'm an adult and working in automotive, I realized I'll never be able to afford to buy one in today's market. I found a 82 280zx for a great price and have been working on it every chance I get. Definitely interested in the wheels the guys at Z car garage use 😁

definitely buying a sweatshirt with 42 pockets after this video

@Hoonigan AutoFocus Larry, Next time you're in the Bay Area, if you want to check out my 1967 Datsun RL411 Bluebird SSS Rob built for me, let me know. Pretty unique.

I had my first car, was a 1973 240z 4 sp, blue with a black white interior. I have retired but always hankerd for another car. I am considering one for next year. But the price might be out of reason, but 280z vs my 240z. Has me thinking! I perfer a 240z. Still trying to justify an older car, the car. Blue would be nice again, 2nd choice a grey. 3rd what runs well, & looks clean. I m 3 hours from your shop, on the way i pick up my friend who owns several Zs to San Jose. Great video on the pros & cons on the Zs.

Yea you can. I had an 82 280 2+2 in 92. 5 spd t tops it was ruuuusty but fun. Junior year in H.S drove it every day.

THIS IA A CAR I WANTED SINMCE THE 1970'S THANEK YOUESO MUCH FOR POSTINGE THE VIDOE!!!😃😃😃💯💯💯👍👍👍👍👍

Nice. I'd love to get my '78 into this shop for some upgrades/updates.

I daily'd my '78 280z for almost 2 years straight in N. Florida. No issues at all. Even had ice cold AC haha I sure as shit miss that car. Sold it to get an A90 :) so it was kinda worth it haha

Very nice work. Much better than that original one.

I bought a 280z 20 years ago for $300 loved that car wish I kept it.

My second car after moving to the US from UK in 1983 was a Datsun 200sx. Mechanically, it was very sound and never let me down. Unfortunately, a lady sideswiped me at a light and basically that was the end. The previous owner had lowered it and put a huge speaker in the trunk.

I love drive mine everywhere I got mine 280zx in December an been driving it everyday since an so fun yes there is work but it's well worth it in the end