Years
The Nissan 280Z was the third model in the original Z-car line, sold in the United States from 1975 to 1978 as the successor to the 240Z and 260Z. It was offered as a two-seat coupe and a 2+2 hatchback, both built on the S30 chassis. Its 2.8-liter inline-six engine, fuel-injected in U.S. models, delivered more power than its predecessors while retaining rear-wheel drive and balanced handling. The 280Z was replaced by the more comfort-oriented 280ZX for the 1979 model year.
Manufacturer: Nissan
Nissan Motor Company was founded in Yokohama, Japan, in 1933 and became one of the world's largest automakers, forming a long-standing alliance with Renault beginning in 1999. The company released the Leaf in 2010 as one of the first mass-market electric cars and is also known for the GT-R performance car and its pioneering work with continuously variable transmissions. Nissan's reputation has been mixed in recent years, with its CVTs drawing reliability complaints and the company experiencing financial difficulties and leadership turmoil following the arrest of former chairman Carlos Ghosn in 2018.
Model: 280z
The Nissan 280Z was the third model in the original Z-car line, sold in the United States from 1975 to 1978 as the successor to the 240Z and 260Z. It was offered as a two-seat coupe and a 2+2 hatchback, both built on the S30 chassis. Its 2.8-liter inline-six engine, fuel-injected in U.S. models, delivered more power than its predecessors while retaining rear-wheel drive and balanced handling. The 280Z was replaced by the more comfort-oriented 280ZX for the 1979 model year.
-
1976The 1976 Nissan 280Z carried over the 2.8-liter L28E inline-six with Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection, with only minor trim and equipment changes from the 1975 model year. Both the two-seat coupe and 2+2 hatchback body styles remained available. Common service considerations include timing chain and tensioner wear, periodic valve adjustments, and upkeep of the aging fuel injection components. Rust in the rocker panels, sills, and rear hatch area is also a frequent concern on surviving examples.
-
1978The 1978 Nissan 280Z carried over the 2.8-liter L28E fuel-injected inline-six from the previous year, with only minor trim and equipment changes distinguishing it from the 1977 model. Both the two-seat coupe and 2+2 hatchback body styles remained available, paired with either a five-speed manual or three-speed automatic transmission. Common service considerations include aging L-Jetronic fuel injection components, timing chain tensioner wear, and rust in the sills, floor pans, and hatch area. Original rubber suspension bushings, brake hoses, and wiring insulation also typically require inspection or replacement on surviving examples.