Continued searching turned up something interesting – a 1978 Datsun 280Z in Kansas. This was near the top of my list. I had a 1976 280Z. Looking for a new car I had a slight preference to a 1977 or 1978 model as these had a 5-speed transmission vs. the 4-speed in 1976.
The pictures were encouraging: The body looked good. The engine compartment was clean with little visible rust on the various components and brackets. The interior looked good, although of course old. The dash was perfect – these are usually badly cracked. Pictures showing the bottom of the car also looked good. Fresh undercoating, but the visible edges of sheet metal didn’t show any rust.
The car had been parked for several years, allegedly for brake problems.
Mechanically the old Z cars are easy to work on and almost bulletproof. Their downfall is body rust. If the body is solid the rest is manageable.
Contacted the seller. He basically confirmed what was in the listing. Said it was in good shape, was taken off the road for “weak brakes”, had been parked for 5-6 years, and he needed his garage back.
Based on the pictures and description this was exactly what I was looking for: a 1978 280Z 5 speed in solid shape. The only way to be sure was to examine it in person and poke the most rust prone areas with a screwdriver.
Discuss it with the CFO. My initial thought was to fly out, check it out, and ship it back. Her answer was road trip and trailer it back. OK, I can be reasonable!
Earlier I mentioned that I had been sent to Fort Leavenworth. The Craigslist listing identified the location as Leavenworth Kansas. Turns out that the owner of the Z was an officer stationed at Fort Leavenworth. Who provided directions to his house. These directions sent me to Fort Leavenworth…
Hop in the F150 and head West. Pick up a Uhaul Car Hauler trailer in Leavenworth. Get a visitor pass at the gate and head on base to check out the car.
If anything it was in better shape than I expected. The body was solid – everywhere I poked with a screwdriver was solid. The paint was in great shape – a reddish brown that is actually quite good looking and just needs a polish and wax. I could probably get buy with just washing it.
The engine bay looked great. No battery, so couldn’t check as much as I wanted to, but everything was there. It all looked factory original; no signs of anyone modifying it. The interior also looked good. The door cards had been removed but were available. There was one tear in the drivers seat. Carpet was all there, but getting tired. Would need cleaning or replacement. The only things that didn’t look factory were the aftermarket radio and the holes cut in the doors for speakers.
Best of all the car had factory air conditioning!
Look to the CFO for final confirmation. Getting the “it’s your decision, you own the consequences” look in response I pulled out the cashiers check, the owner pulled out the title, and we closed the deal.
The now previous owner called a buddy and helped push the Z onto the car trailer. Strap it down and we were ready to go!
The 1,400 mile trip home was uneventful – just the way I like it! The only surprise was that the F150 got 18-19 mpg towing. I was really expecting around 15mpg and wouldn’t have been totally surprised at 10-12 mpg. 18-19 mpg is better than we get pulling our boat, which is half the weight. I guess this shows that drag is a bigger factor than weight and that the Z is more aerodynamic than a boat.
Now to engage in hand to hand combat with the RMV to get it registered and get it up on the lift to find out how optimistic I’ve been!