280ZX (S130) 79-83
The Nissan 280ZX was the second generation of Z car, and the first to wear the Nissan
badge alongside the traditional Datsun logo as this was a transition period for the company. It
offered a complete aerodynamic redesign of the chassis vs. the S30 cars resulting in better
high speed stability as well as fuel economy.
There were many other improvements over previous Z cars, including power assist rack and
pinion steering, 4 wheel disc brakes, a premium audio system and a sporty "T-top" roof. The
280ZX, like the 260 and 280Z before it, also came with a 2+2 4 seater option. All this together
awarded the 280ZX Motor Trend's import car of the year for 1979.
In 1980 a 10th anniversary edition was released with a two-tone paint scheme in either black
and gold, or the rarer black and red. It also came with slight trim changes and leather interior.
In 1981 the 280ZX turbo was released and boosted straight-line performance well over any
other Japanese import in that time period. Turbo models were equipped with a higher volume
oil pump and turbo models with automatic transmissions were equipped with a front mount air
to oil cooler.
In 1983 a digital display dash was made available (seen below).
badge alongside the traditional Datsun logo as this was a transition period for the company. It
offered a complete aerodynamic redesign of the chassis vs. the S30 cars resulting in better
high speed stability as well as fuel economy.
There were many other improvements over previous Z cars, including power assist rack and
pinion steering, 4 wheel disc brakes, a premium audio system and a sporty "T-top" roof. The
280ZX, like the 260 and 280Z before it, also came with a 2+2 4 seater option. All this together
awarded the 280ZX Motor Trend's import car of the year for 1979.
In 1980 a 10th anniversary edition was released with a two-tone paint scheme in either black
and gold, or the rarer black and red. It also came with slight trim changes and leather interior.
In 1981 the 280ZX turbo was released and boosted straight-line performance well over any
other Japanese import in that time period. Turbo models were equipped with a higher volume
oil pump and turbo models with automatic transmissions were equipped with a front mount air
to oil cooler.
In 1983 a digital display dash was made available (seen below).
The fuel injected L28 engine
Digital dash from an 83' model
