A 1978 Datsun 280Z you can get in and drive — running, freshly smog-passed, and sorted, not a project waiting to drain your wallet. Where it matters most on an S30, this one is solid: the frame rails and main floor pans are clean and intact (watch the undercarriage video), the original battery tray is structurally solid — surface rust only, no acid damage (hammer-tested on video) — and the single historical floor-pan repair was done right and fully documented.

Clean, rust-free S30s are now routinely trading in the high teens to low twenties. This is an honest, running, smog-legal driver — priced for its real condition at $13,000, with nothing glossed over. For someone who wants to drive and enjoy a classic Z without a five-figure restoration ahead of them, that’s a lot of car for the money.

I’ve documented all of it — the strengths and the honest flaws alike: a detailed Rust & Body section, plus video of both rockers, a hammer-tap on the frame rails, all four inner wheel wells, and the complete undercarriage. What you see here is exactly what you’ll find in person. No surprises, no stories.

Honestly-represented, structurally-sound driver 280Zs have gotten hard to find. If that’s what you’re after, let’s talk. $13,000.

The Details

From the rhythmic mechanical 'tick' of its L28 engine—a sound characteristic of these legendary Bosch fuel-injected straight-sixes—to the tightened handling provided by recent struts and bushings, this car has a soul that modern vehicles simply cannot match. It has been maintained not just to sit in a garage, but to be driven.

While the physical receipts for the engine's bottom-end rebuild were lost during a move, the car’s mechanical health speaks for itself. I recently performed a compression test, and the results were exceptional: 170 to 180 psi across all cylinders. For a Datsun enthusiast, these numbers are the ultimate 'smoking gun'—they prove that the 30,000-mile refresh was done correctly and that this L28 is prepared for years of future service. I have included a video of the test so you can see the results for yourself.

As one of the final S30 chassis produced, this car represents the ultimate factory refinement of the original Z-car.

I am looking for a new owner who appreciates the honest history of a late-production S30 and is ready to write the next chapter for this California classic.

 

1978 Datsun 280Z

Importantly, it should be noted that the overall structural integrity of this Z bodes well for its future longevity and if properly maintained, could provide decades of enjoyment for the owner.

• “Survivor Condition”: interior and engine bay are mostly untouched.
• Late Production (May 1978): Chassis #466481. One of the final S30s produced, featuring the most refined factory specs
• Original L28 engine with factory Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection. N42 Block; Head and Exhaust Manifold are N47, all VIN numbers match (firewall, engine bay, dash, door pillar)
• Bottom End Rebuild: 170–180 psi across all six cylinders.
• Original 4-speed transmission
• Color: Sunburst Yellow, original paint AKA “Single-Stage Finish” (follows ‘77’s Zap Z yellow heritage), Black interior
• “High Mileage Hero”: Odometer shows 57,712, no doubt rolled over twice. In the 25 years I’ve owned it, put on 61,000 miles, or an average of 2400 miles/year. In the last 7 years since retirement, I’ve driven 6400 miles, just over 900 miles per year.
• Total number of owners unknown. Previous owner had it from 1994 – 2000 and kept meticulous records. I have no such documentation, as I’ve done the bulk of any work myself. Do have most smog tests and extensive notes scribbled in manuals.
• Currently used as daily driver (avg. 3 times weekly/short distances)
• Clean title, has valid smog cert, registered.

Mechanical Overview:

No leaks from the drivetrain, starts/shifts/drives fine, steering and suspension are tight. Runs fine, plenty of power

Engine Health

• Bottom End Rebuild: Work was completed about 30,000 miles ago by Z specialists at Petaluma Auto Works, Petaluma, CA (Same mechanics previous owner used)
• Verified Engine Compression: Recent testing shows a remarkably healthy and consistent 170–180 psi across all six cylinders.
• Performance Proof: These figures significantly exceed standard healthy benchmarks for the L28, providing empirical evidence of the 30,000-mile bottom-end refresh.
• Video Documentation: A video of the compression test is included in the gallery

• Engine Note & Character: The original L28 engine runs strong and maintains excellent oil pressure. Like most high-mileage L-series engines, there is a rhythmic mechanical ‘ticking’ audible at idle. This may be characteristic of the mechanical valvetrain and the factory Bosch fuel injectors. While a simple valve adjustment could quiet the lash, the engine currently performs reliably and the sound is considered typical for the era and mileage.

• RPMs at Speed: At 65 mph, this 4-speed cruises at around 3,000 RPM – See Video
• Synchronizer Health: 4-speed shifts smoothly, up and down, into all gears and Reverse.
  • No fluid leaks
  • Passes smog regularly
  • New ignition switch, but have original, including broken key
  • Reconditioned original wiper motor
  • Did not include A/C option unit, commonly known as “Factory A/C Delete”, less weight/clutter

Body & Chassis

• Body: Some minor dings and scratches, unnoticeable to casual passersby.
• Chassis & Frame Rails: The undercarriage remains in its honest, factory-delivered state. The frame rails still retain their original black factory undercoating, which shows some light, age-appropriate flaking that reveals the solid metal and Sunburst Yellow paint beneath. This transparency confirms the chassis is 'dry' and has never been subjected to heavy, hide-all rubberized coatings common in the Rust Belt.
• Structural Integrity: Main frame rails are confirmed straight, solid, and still retain factory Sunburst Yellow paint. Body panels join as they should, no gaps
• Chassis Condition: The undercarriage features an honest, dry patina consistent with a lifelong California car; no structural rot or "hidden" heavy undercoating

• Sunroof: Likely dealer-installed, often the case in California.
• Tires: 4 Doral SDL 70 A, 195/70/14, relatively new (2500 miles)
• Wheels: Unknown origin, 2 are missing small center caps
• Headlight Replacements: SYLVANIA H6024 SilverStar High Performance Halogen Sealed Beam Headlights, new/in box

Rust & Body  (see videos and photos)

• Localized Spots: One 2-inch spot at the bottom of the rear-left corner. One 3-inch patch lower-rear passenger rocker, and a 2-inch patch inside right-front wheel well. Some surface corrosion on lower front apron.
• Seals: Minor bubbling and corrosion around the rear hatch window seal.
• Battery Tray: Retains the original tray with some surface corrosion, but no structural acid damage to it, the surrounding apron or rail.
• The 'Big Wins': Most importantly, the frame rails and main floors remain solid and yellow (see undercarriage video), which is the most critical factor for any S30 buyer.

Spare Tire Well & Cargo Area

• Structural Check: The spare tire well is confirmed solid with no through-rust or soft spots. Minor surface oxidation was previously sanded to bare metal and treated with yellow rust-inhibitive enamel to ensure long-term protection.
• Verification: Please see the included video where the "knuckle test" demonstrates the thickness and resonance of the original factory steel in this area.

Interior & Cabin Condition

The chassis and frame rails remain remarkably solid for the mileage. One localized repair is noted: Due to a historical heater core leak, a ~6-inch section of the passenger floor pan was cleaned to solid metal by me, treated with rust inhibitor, and sealed with a 20-gauge aluminum patch. This area has been further protected with sound-dampening material and undercoating for long-term durability.

• Heating: Heater core replaced + new hoses, heater blower motor needs to be replaced, have Kia blower upgrade in box. Temperature lever is a bit stiff.
• Seating: The original black vinyl seats came to me showing their age with visible tears and wear; detailed photos are included in the gallery to show the current condition.
• Carpeting: The factory black carpeting is faded and worn throughout, reflecting the car's 48-year history.
• Center Console: The original console has been preserved and repaired; it was previously cracked and has been glued back to maintain functionality.
• Steering Column Shroud: The clamshell shroud around the steering column has broken plastic internal screw threads; the two halves are currently secured with black tape.
• Dashboard: The dashboard is cracked and covered by a cloth dash cap.
• Trim: Missing trim piece below glove box

Additions & Inclusions:

• Acoustics:  Sound deadening mat installed on floor pans
• Radio: Pioneer DEH-S6120BS disconnected, but will leave it in place if you elect to keep - manual included
• Sound System: Installed 4-inch Boston Acoustics speakers in stock positions behind seats
• Hand made replacement rear deck lid, stronger than that original, cheap fiberboard deck, incorporated the original latches (deck can be easily replaced if you go back to "stock")
• Original Space Saver spare tire, jack and accessories
• Car cover (generic coupe size, fits fine)

Recent Maintenance & Improvements

To ensure its reliability, I've given this Z consistent mechanical attention. While the chassis shows just over 250,000 miles, the following components have been refreshed to maintain its ‘Daily Driver’ capability:

Professional Service:

• Engine Bottom-End Refresh: Performed by Petaluma Auto Works (approx. 30k miles ago).
  • All Cylinders 170 -180 PSI    See Compression Test video
• Front Struts: Installed by Petaluma Auto Works at the time of engine work.
• Exhaust System: New muffler installed by Dave’s Muffler Services (Sonoma, CA) within the last 2,000 miles.

Owner-Performed Maintenance:

• Drivetrain: Replaced Differential Mustache Bar Bushings (corrects the common “clunk” on acceleration).
• Hydraulics: New Clutch Slave Cylinder.
• Cooling System: Upgraded to a 3-Row Radiator (approx. 3,500 miles ago) for improved temperature management.
• Brakes: Replaced front/rear 15000 miles ago.
• Fuel & Ignition: New Fuel Pump (5k miles ago). Just completed a full tune-up with new spark plugs, wires, distributor cap, and rotor. New Coolant Temperature Switch, relatively new Cold Start Valve.
• Electrical: Alternator replaced approx. 50k miles ago and new Battery installed ~2,000 miles ago

Current Fluids & Filters:

• Oil Service: Last changed 500 miles ago. Oil drained clean and was free of any metallic debris, confirming the health of the 30k-mile bottom-end refresh.
• Filtration: Fuel, and Air filters recently installed.

 

Functional Notes & Opportunities

The “Classic Z” Quirks:

• Clock stopped, a timeless feature in the 280Z. 😉 Rear Defroster is currently inoperative (both common traits of original S30 electronics).
• Anti-Theft Buzzer: Successfully “retired”—no more 1970s buzzing! (though could be resurrected, along with locking steering wheel, with original key lock assembly, included)
• Power Antenna: The motor is inoperative, but the antenna is currently fixed in fully erect position.

Intermittent Electrics:

• Windshield Washer & Dome Light: These functions are intermittent. Likely due to original 48-year-old switch contacts or grounding, which a weekend with some electrical cleaner could likely resolve.

Cosmetics & Seals:

• Weatherstripping: The original door seals are due for replacement.
• Hatch & Sunroof: Minor weeping developed at the rear hatch and sunroof seals, apparent during heavy rain. A bit of silicone was applied as a fix.
• Left rear bumper needs to be uncompressed.

Mechanical Maintenance Items:

• Suspension: While the car handles well on its new front struts, the undercarriage bushings and steering rack boots are original and would benefit from a refresh to sharpen the steering feel.

 

Car is located in Sonoma, California

 

Price: $13,000

 

One Last Word - For context on value: Hagerty's own market data shows S30-generation Zs have appreciated significantly over the past decade, with 'Good' condition benchmarks now around $20,000. Originality is increasingly valued over restoration in this market, which bodes well for a well-preserved survivor like this one.

Before you reach out:

I’m looking for a buyer who appreciates this Z's "survivor" status. To help me put serious inquiries at the top of the list, please share a little bit about yourself in your message:

Your Experience: Have you owned an S30 or a vintage carbureted/early EFI car before?

The Plan: Are you looking for a driveable survivor or a full restoration project?

Thanks, look forward to hearing from you!

Gil